Shortest (and Longest) Living Dog Breeds in the World

10. Rhodesian Ridgeback
> Life expectancy: 9.1 years
> Height: 26 inches
> Weight: 85 pounds
> Easy to train?: Yes

The Rhodesian ridgeback is a large and muscular dog that was originally bred to hunt lions.

Source: djiledesign / Thinkstock

9. Chinese Shar-Pei
> Life expectancy: 9 years
> Height: 19 inches
> Weight: 53 pounds
> Easy to train?: No

One of only two dog breeds with a blue-black tongue, the Chinese shar-pei is recognized by the abundant folds on its face, neck, and shoulders.

24/7 Wall St.
America’s Largest Sanctuaries

Source: Thinkstock

8. Saint Bernard 
> Life expectancy: 9 years
> Height: 28 inches
> Weight: 150 pounds
> Easy to train?: Yes

The Saint Bernard is a world-famous gentle giant that could act as a “nanny dog” for children. At an average of 150 pounds, the Saint Bernard is the second-heaviest out of 148 breeds.

Source: f8grapher / Thinkstock

7. Bullmastiff
> Life expectancy: 8.6 years
> Height: 28 inches
> Weight: 144 pounds
> Easy to train?: No

The bullmastiff is a large, strong dog with roots that can be traced to England around 1860.

Source: Huckleberry14 / Shutterstock.com

6. Bloodhound
> Life expectancy: 8.5 years
> Height: 26 inches
> Weight: 90 pounds
> Easy to train?: No

A famous wrinkled face, the bloodhound can follow a trail on a rough terrain for hours but according to owner reports these pets can be lethargic around the house.  

Source: Thinkstock

5. Great Dane
> Life expectancy: 8.4 years
> Height: 32 inches
> Weight: 140 pounds
> Easy to train?: Yes

Great Danes are easily recognizable — on their hind legs they are often taller than most humans. At an average of 32 inches to the shoulder, the Great Dane is the tallest dog.

Source: forisana / iStock

4. Mastiff
> Life expectancy: 7.5 years
> Height: 30 inches
> Weight: 160 pounds
> Easy to train?: Yes

Due to their large size, mastiffs make an immediately imposing impression on newcomers, but they are known for being good-natured and docile. The mastiff is the heaviest dog, clocking in at an average of 160 pounds.

24/7 Wall St.
Worst Cities to Raise Children

Source: Thinkstock

3. Bernese Mountain Dog
> Life expectancy: 7 years
> Height: 26 inches
> Weight: 85 pounds
> Easy to train?: Yes

Originally used to perform work on Swiss farms, this large, intelligent breed loves any sort of outdoor activity.

Source: Thinkstock

2. Bulldog
> Life expectancy: 6.7 years
> Height: 24 inches
> Weight: 50 pounds
> Easy to train?: No

Known to be happy, heavy, and lazy, bulldogs will never beg to be walked but will still love to be your lapdog.

Source: Bigandt_Photography / Thinkstock

1. Irish Wolfhound
> Life expectancy: 6.2 years
> Height: 32 inches
> Weight: 120 pounds
> Easy to train?: No

Tied with the Great Dane as the tallest of all dog breeds, the Irish wolfhound is a massive, muscular dog. Perhaps at odds with its imposing appearance, owners of this breed report Irish wolfhounds as calm and quiet dogs.