A new study analyzing over half a million dogs in the UK has shed light on the varying life expectancies among different dog breeds, revealing some fascinating insights into how a dog’s breed, size, and head shape might influence its lifespan.
Led by Kirsten McMillan and her team, this extensive research, published in Scientific Reports, utilized data from a wide range of sources to compile a detailed database of 584,734 dogs, marking one of the most significant efforts to understand canine longevity across breeds.
The study’s findings highlight a clear pattern in life expectancy related to the physical characteristics of dogs.
Small breeds with long noses, known as dolichocephalic breeds, such as Miniature Dachshunds and Shetland Sheepdogs, tend to live the longest, with a median life expectancy of 13.3 years.
On the other end of the spectrum, medium-sized breeds with flat faces, or brachycephalic breeds, like English Bulldogs, have the shortest median life expectancy, with males living an average of 9.1 years and females 9.6 years.
Among the 12 most popular breeds in the UK, which represent over half of the pure breeds in the database, Labradors, Jack Russell Terriers, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were noted for their relatively high median life expectancies of 13.1, 13.3, and 11.8 years, respectively.
Interestingly, the study also found that purebred dogs generally live longer than crossbreeds, with a median life expectancy of 12.7 years compared to 12.0 years for crossbreeds.
Furthermore, female dogs were found to have a slightly longer lifespan than males, with median life expectancies of 12.7 years and 12.4 years, respectively.
These findings are particularly relevant for dog owners and veterinarians, as they could help identify breeds that may be at higher risk of early death and inform decisions about breed selection and healthcare.
However, the researchers caution that their results apply specifically to UK dogs and suggest that future studies should separately consider “designer breeds” like Labradoodles and Cockapoos to understand the impact of genetic diversity on their lifespans.
This study not only contributes valuable data to the field of canine health and longevity but also underscores the importance of considering breed-specific traits when assessing a dog’s potential lifespan.
It opens the door for further research into the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the longevity of our canine companions.
The research findings can be found in Scientific Reports.
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