Greyhound. R. Bitzer Photography / Adobe Stock Greyhounds are the fastest dog breed and can run at speeds of 40–45 mph. Despite their aerodynamic build, greyhounds are actually quite calm—and maybe even a little lazy.
#1 – Dogue de Bordeaux
Dogue de Bordeauxs, or French Mastiffs, are perhaps the shortest living dog breed in existence with a life expectancy of 5-8 years. What they lack in longevity, however, they make up for in their wonderful temperaments and easy care.
DNA discovery dating back to 685 BC makes the Chinese Saluki the second oldest dog breed in history. Also known as the Shanxi Xigou, this dog was around during the Tang Dynasty ruling of China.
The oldest dog ever recorded was Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who lived in Rochester, Victoria, Australia. Bluey lived 29 years and 5 months. She had a very active life working with sheep and cattle, which may have contributed to her longevity.
World's 'oldest dog' dies at 30 in Australia after going to sleep in her basket. Maggie, who was thought to be the world's oldest dog, has died in Australia aged 30 - or 133 in human years. The Kelpie was owned by Victoria dairy farmer Brian McLaren.
The aging profile of dogs varies according to their adult size (often determined by their breed): smaller dogs often live over 15–16 years (the max is 20 years), medium and large size dogs typically 10 to 20 years, and some giant dog breeds such as mastiffs, often only 7 to 8 years.
The archaeological record and genetic analysis show the remains of the Bonn-Oberkassel dog buried beside humans 14,200 years ago to be the first undisputed dog, with disputed remains occurring 36,000 years ago.
Oft-cited contenders for the title of oldest dog breeds include the basenji, which was depicted in cave paintings in Libya that date back to around 6000 BC, the Chinese saluki, which was depicted on Egyptian caves dating to 2100 BC, and the Afghan hound, which is classed as a basal breed and predates modern dog breeds.
Irish Wolfhound: 6-7 years
Originating from Ireland, the Irish Wolfhound is another big dog whose life is cut short due to its massive size.
Like many animal species, the answer lies in how fast they grow and develop. Dogs grow faster than humans, and therefore, their entire lives are accelerated.
Well, dogs are in possession of faster metabolisms and hearts that work harder than our own. Because of all this extra work, dogs age faster and, consequently, live shorter lives. It also means they grow up more quickly. A dog that's a year old is the equivalent of a human child ready to start school.
Dogsbite.org conducted a review of total deaths caused by dogs in the last 15 years. From their data collection, they found 346 of 521 deaths were from pit bull attacks. Rottweilers made up 10%, followed by German Shepherds, mixed-breed, American Bulldog, Mastiffs, and Huskies.
Pit Bull
The Pit Bull is considered to be the most dangerous dog in America. According to dogsbite.org, between 2005 and 2014, 203 Americans were killed by a Pit Bull ad 305 people were seriously injured after a mauling. These dogs were originally bred to baiting bulls and protecting hunters from bear.
But among dogs, which are well known for their hybrid (or mongrel) varieties, different breeds can mate and have viable offspring, so they are all found under the umbrella of a single species, Canis familiaris. Dogs are highly unusual in their variation, from the Chihuahua to the Great Dane.
Pit Bulls are the most abused, abandoned, and euthanized dogs in the US. However, Pit Bull history tells us that they were once treated as loving companions.
The Siberian Husky, originally and still used for sledding, is very similar to wolves. Overtime not only has the resemblance to wolves stayed similar, but the genetic composition has as well.
North Country Beagle (aka Northern Hound)
The North Country Beagle was a breed of scent hound. The dog had known for its fast hunting abilities and its shrill voice. The breed was common for several centuries but became an extinct dog in the 19 th century.
While religious views around the world vary, Christianity has traditionally held that animals have no hope of an afterlife. But Pope John Paul II said in 1990 that animals do have souls and are “as near to God as men are”.