These 26 Dogs Have the Shortest Lifespan

The leonberger was popularized by Heinrich Essig of Leonberg, Germany in the 1800s. This very large breed caught the attention of artists and celebrities and was even used in theater productions in the U.S. It almost went extinct after World War I but was revived in Europe and re-established in America in the 1970s and 1980s.

If you’ve never owned a Newfoundland or knew of anyone that did, you may be in awe of its size when you first encounter one. A male typically stands over 2 feet tall and weighs up to 150 lbs. Aside from being a large pup, Newfoundlands are known for being excellent long distance swimmers thanks to their lung capacity and webbed paws.

The rottweiler is one of the oldest working breeds and may have been herding livestock since the days of the Roman Empire. The breed combines intelligence, strength, and endurance. Unfortunately, the Rottweiler has sometimes been portrayed in the media as aggressive, but according to the AKC, it is “a calm, confident, and courageous dog.”

The perro de presa Canario, or the “Canary dog of prey,” also known as the Canary dog, is a very loyal dog — suspicious of strangers and devoted to its owner. The exact origin of the breed is unclear but there is some evidence it existed as early as the 15th century.

The boerboel was developed as a farm dog in South Africa. It is a mastiff type, strong and muscular in appearance, and can weigh up to 200 pounds. It is also dominant, so new owners should have experience handling large dogs.