These 26 Dogs Have the Shortest Lifespan

Originating in Italy and bred as a guard dog, the Cane corso is described by the AKC as a peerless protector. This dog is intelligent, loyal, and docile in the company of its owners. However, that docility may not extend to others, and the cane corso requires intensive socialization and training.

The Taiwan dog is a breed of medium-sized dogs indigenous to the mountains of Taiwan. The breed is easily recognizable with its triangular head, almond-shaped eyes, and thin pricked ears. Taiwan dogs should be household dogs, not outside dogs, because they need daily interaction with their family, according to the AKC.

Borzoi are big sighthounds — hunting primarily by sight and speed — and can weigh over 100 pounds. Once known as the Russian wolfhound, borzoi were bred to be fast and tough. They are independent and sometimes stubborn, so training can be a challenge.

As its name suggests, the dogo Argentino originated in Argentina. The breed was created by Antonio Nores Martinez, a doctor with a passion for dogs and for hunting. It is a powerful and athletic dog with a short, completely white coat. It is used to hunt wild boars and other formidable game and is very protective of those it loves. It is sometimes called the Argentinian mastiff.

The Broholmer is originally from Denmark and is thus sometimes referred to as the Dannish mastiff. The presence of a Broholmer in the U.S. was first recorded in 2009, when a couple brought one from Europe.