One of the things that affect future pet owners’ decisions about adoption is dog lifespan. Some people looking to make a long-term commitment may be discouraged by the shortest lifespan of dog breeds and how long the pet will stay with them.
1. French Bulldog
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
The one-of-a-kind French Bulldog, with his large bat ears and even disposition, is one of the world’s most popular small-dog breeds, especially among city dwellers. The Frenchie is playful, alert, adaptable, and completely irresistible. The French Bulldog resembles a Bulldog in miniature, except for the large, erect ‘bat ears’ that are the breed’s trademark feature.
2. English Bulldog
- Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Kind but courageous, friendly but dignified, the Bulldog is a thick-set, low-slung, well-muscled bruiser whose ‘sourmug’ face is the universal symbol of courage and tenacity. You can’t mistake a Bulldog for any other breed. The loose skin of the head, furrowed brow, pushed-in nose, small ears, undershot jaw with hanging chops on either side, and the distinctive rolling gait all practically scream ‘I’m a Bulldog!’ The coat, seen in a variety of colors and patterns, is short, smooth, and glossy.
3. Pug
- Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Once the mischievous companion of Chinese emperors, and later the mascot of Holland’s royal House of Orange, the small but solid Pug is today adored by his millions of fans around the world. Pugs live to love and to be loved in return. The Pug’s motto is the Latin phrase ‘multum in parvo’ (a lot in a little) an apt description of this small but muscular breed.
4. American Bulldog
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
American Bulldogs are a well-balanced athletic dog that demonstrate great strength, endurance, agility, and a friendly attitude. Historically, they were bred to be a utility dog used for working the farm.
5. Chihuahua
- Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
The Chihuahua is a tiny dog with a huge personality. A national symbol of Mexico, these alert and amusing “purse dogs” stand among the oldest breeds of the Americas, with a lineage going back to the ancient kingdoms of pre-Columbian times. The Chihuahua is a balanced, graceful dog of terrier-like demeanor, weighing no more than 6 pounds. The rounded “apple” head is a breed hallmark. The erect ears and full, luminous eyes are acutely expressive.
6. Husky
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Siberian Husky, a thickly coated, compact sled dog of medium size and great endurance, was developed to work in packs, pulling light loads at moderate speeds over vast frozen expanses. Sibes are friendly, fastidious, and dignified. The graceful, medium-sized Siberian Husky’s almond-shaped eyes can be either brown or blue and sometimes one of each, and convey a keen but amiable and even mischievous expression.
7. Beagle
- Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Not only is the Beagle an excellent hunting dog and loyal companion, but it is also happy-go-lucky, funny, and thanks to its pleading expression cute. They were bred to hunt in packs, so they enjoy the company and are generally easygoing.
8. Boxer
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Loyalty, affection, intelligence, work ethic, and good looks: Boxers are the whole doggy package. Bright and alert, sometimes silly, but always courageous, the Boxer has been among America’s most popular dog breeds for a very long time.
9. German Shepherd
- Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
Generally considered dogkind’s finest all-purpose worker, the German Shepherd Dog is a large, agile, muscular dog of noble character and high intelligence. Loyal, confident, courageous, and steady, the German Shepherd is truly a dog lover’s delight.
10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel wears his connection to British history in his breed’s name. Cavaliers are the best of two worlds, combining the gentle attentiveness of a toy breed with the verve and athleticism of a sporting spaniel. The Cavalier’s all-around beauty, regal grace, and even temper mark him as one of dogdom’s noblemen.
