A comprehensive study by the canine welfare organization Dog’s Trust UK has shed light on the lifespans of 155 different dog breeds, offering valuable insights for pet owners and potential adopters. The research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports, analyzed data from over half a million dogs in the UK, exploring the impact of breed, body size, sex, and face shape on their life expectancy.
The study’s findings revealed that the median life expectancy for all dogs is 12.5 years. However, significant variations exist among breeds. Tibetan spaniels, Shiba Inus, papillons, Lancashire heelers, and Lakeland terriers were identified as breeds with longer lifespans. In contrast, Caucasian shepherd dogs, Presa Canarios, Cane Corsos, mastiffs, and Saint Bernards were associated with shorter life expectancies.
One crucial factor influencing lifespan is body size, with large dogs having a 20% greater risk of early death compared to small dogs. Additionally, gender plays a role, with male dogs living on average 0.3 years less than females. Flat-faced breeds, such as French bulldogs and pugs, face a 40% increased risk of early death compared to dogs with medium-length faces, like Labradors or golden retrievers. These breeds often experience breathing problems and heart disease, contributing to their shorter life expectancy.
The study also explored the lifespan of crossbreeds compared to purebreds, finding that purebreds typically live 0.70 years longer. The emergence of “designer” crossbreeds, like Labradoodles, may explain this difference.
Lead author Kirsten McMillan emphasized the significance of this study, being the first to explore how factors such as sex, face shape, breed, and body size relate to artificial breeding and their impact on a dog’s lifespan. The findings highlight the ethical and welfare concerns surrounding breeding practices, including inbreeding, trait selection, and population isolation, which can lead to genetic disorders and health concerns.
McMillan hopes this research will empower prospective pet owners to make informed decisions about their choice of breeds and provide current dog owners with essential information about their dogs’ aging process. Recognizing the dogs as cherished family members, McMillan emphasized the importance of ensuring they lead long, happy, and healthy lives.
