Small dogs with long noses live longer than larger, flatter dogs, study shows

Across the 150+ breeds in the UK, the average lifespan of all dogs is 12.5 years (representative)

Small dogs with long noses, such as whippets and miniature dachshunds, live several years longer than larger, flat breeds such as English bulldogs, a new study showed Thursday.

The research, based on data from more than half a million dogs in the UK, aims to help people planning to own a dog ensure they choose a breed that will live a long and healthy life.

Lead author Kirsten McMillan, data manager at UK charity Dogs Trust, said this was the first study to examine life expectancy across such a wide range of factors, including breed, body size, face shape and sex. changing circumstances.

She told AFP: “Medium-sized, flat-faced male dogs like English bulldogs are almost three times more likely to have a shorter lifespan than smaller, longer-faced female dogs like miniature dachshunds or Italian greyhounds. “

Across the UK’s more than 150 breeds and crosses, the average life expectancy for all dogs is 12.5 years.

But for the French bulldog, which last year was named America’s most popular breed by the American Kennel Club, that number is only 9.8 years.

Previous research has shown that the short noses of flat-faced dogs, also known as brachycephalic dogs, make them more similar to human babies, making them particularly cute in the eyes of their owners.

But those short noses can also cause serious breathing problems.

Dan O’Neill, chair of the campaign group’s Brachycephaly Working Group, said the research further highlighted the “health and welfare crisis” suffered by these popular breeds.

“It is vital that the public prioritize health over what they think looks ‘cute’ and we urge anyone considering getting a flat-faced breed to stop and think,” he said.

Designer variety?

The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, found that the dog with the longest life expectancy was the Lancashire Heeler, with a median lifespan of 15.4 years, followed by the Tibetan Spaniel (15.2 years) and the Miniature Dachshund (14 age).

Labradors are the most popular breed in the UK, with a score of 13.1 years.

Female dogs tend to live longer than male dogs, with a life expectancy of 12.7 years compared to 12.4 years for male dogs.

The study also found that purebred breeds lived slightly longer than hybrids – contrary to previous research.

MacMillan said this may be due to the advent of the “designer breed era,” with carefully cross-bred breeds such as Labradors, Cocker Spaniels and Pomsky becoming increasingly popular.

“We’re no longer just talking about mutts or unknown mixed breed dogs versus purebred dogs,” she said.

McMillan stressed that for those considering buying or adopting a dog, it’s important to realize that certain breeds require more visits to the veterinarian.

But beyond veterinary bills, a more important consideration is the love and affection a potential owner will invest in their furry companion.

“These animals are members of our family,” McMillan said.

“We want to make sure we do everything we can to provide them with a long, happy and healthy life.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)