A recent analysis of over 580,000 dogs in the UK has shed light on the varying lifespans of different breeds, unveiling that smaller dogs with long noses tend to live the longest. The study, conducted by Kirsten McMillan and her colleagues at Dogs Trust, a UK welfare charity, aimed to provide comprehensive insights into canine longevity.
Data was gathered from diverse sources, including veterinary records, pet insurance companies, and animal welfare charities. The extensive dataset included information on 584,734 dogs spanning 155 breeds, with 284,734 of them having already passed away. The average lifespan of the dogs was determined to be 12.5 years, with females showing a slightly higher life expectancy of 12.7 years compared to 12.4 years for males.
Upon categorizing the dogs based on their size and facial features, the researchers discovered that small dogs with long noses, including breeds like miniature dachshunds and shiba inus, exhibited the longest life expectancy, averaging 13.3 years. In contrast, medium-sized breeds with flat faces, such as English bulldogs and shih tzus, had the shortest lifespans, with males expected to live 9.1 years and females 9.6 years on average.
Kirsten McMillan highlighted that several flat-faced breeds, regardless of their size, faced challenges, citing examples like French bulldogs, St Bernards, and presa canarios. These breeds are known to encounter health issues related to breathing, digestion, and sleep, potentially contributing to their shorter lifespans.
One surprising revelation from the study was that purebred dogs exhibited a greater life expectancy compared to crossbreeds, with averages of 12.7 years and 12 years, respectively. This finding challenges the long-standing belief in the concept of “hybrid vigor,” which suggests that crossbred animals might be healthier due to increased genetic variation.
Audrey Ruple at Virginia Tech, not involved in the study, emphasized the need for further investigation into why certain breeds experience shorter lifespans. The hope is that this research sparks additional studies to improve the understanding of factors influencing canine longevity and ultimately enhances the well-being of dogs.
