Dogs of small breeds live longer than large dogs – scientists
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Scientists have researched that the average life expectancy of large dogs and those with flat faces is shorter than that of small dogs and those with elongated muzzles. Also, females live a little longer than males.
This is stated in a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, which examined data on almost 600,000 British dogs of more than 150 breeds, writes The New York Times.
The researchers found that for all dogs, the average life expectancy was 12.5 years, but the average life expectancy varied significantly among breeds.
For example, a Lancashire heeler (a breed of small herding dogs) lived an average of 15.4 years. And the much larger Caucasian shepherds had an average lifespan of only 5.4 years.
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As a group, small breeds lived an average of 12.7 years, compared to 11.9 years for large breeds. This correlates with previous studies of dogs and other mammals, which found that within a given species, smaller individuals tend to outlive larger ones.
Flat-faced breeds, also known as brachycephals, lived an average of 11.2 years, while medium- and long-faced breeds had average life spans of 12.8 and 12.1 years, respectively.
Some flat-faced breeds, such as the French Bulldog, can have health problems, including breathing difficulties and heat stroke, because of their extremely short muzzles.
The researchers also found that small, long-nosed breeds, including miniature dachshunds and whippets, lived an average of 13.3 years – about two and a half years longer than larger, short-nosed breeds like boxers and bullmastiffs, which had an average lifespan of 10. 7 years old
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Evolutionary history also played a role. Closely related breeds had approximately the same lifespan.
The researchers also found that purebred dogs had an average lifespan of 12.7 years, compared to 12 years for purebreds.
More research is needed to determine why some breeds have shorter lifespans than others, scientists say.
Yes, some breeds are genetically predisposed to serious health problems, but breed differences in behavior, lifestyle, nutrition, and environment can also play a role in shortening the lives of some dogs, experts believe.
“Now that we’ve identified these populations that are at risk of early death, we can start to look at why that is. This gives us an opportunity to improve the lives of our dogs.” – says Kirsten McMillan, author of the study and data manager at Dogs Trust, a dog protection charity in the UK.
We will remind, animal rights activists explained why you can’t keep dogs on a chain.
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