Based on the provided reference, several dog breeds have a notably short lifespan, with some having a high risk of dying before the age of 7.
Certain breeds are unfortunately known for having significantly shorter lifespans compared to the average dog. The median age at death for these breeds can be less than half the typical lifespan of smaller breeds.
According to information detailing dog breeds with the shortest lifespans, the following breeds have a particularly early median age at death:
| Breed of dog | Most common cause of death | Median age at death |
|---|---|---|
| Irish Wolfhound | Tumour | 5.2 years |
| Great Dane | Stomach and intestines | 5.3 years |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Tumour | 5.5 years |
| Drever | Damage - hit by a car, train or other vehicle | 5.6 years |
The median age at death indicates the age at which half the dogs of that breed had died. These figures highlight the relatively short lives often experienced by these specific breeds. While individual dogs can live longer or shorter lives, these statistics point to a breed-wide tendency for earlier mortality.
