How long might your dog live?
A recent study commissioned by the Dogs Trust in the United Kingdom and published in the journal Scientific Reports explores the reasons why some dog breeds live longer than others. The paper reveals some astonishing facts regarding canine longevity. For example, did you know that the life span of some dogs depends on the length of their noses? If you're a dog owner curious to find out how long you can expect your furry friend to be by your side, this is a report you need to read!
Click through and find out more about the study's key findings, and learn of the warnings issued regarding certain dog breeds and their life expectancy.
What influences canine longevity?
But did you know that snout length, along with body size and sex, can influence how long a dog is likely to live?
Wide-ranging study
The study authors examined data on 155 breeds plus mixes drawn from 18 different charities and organizations, incorporating over half a million dogs in the UK.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Key findings indicated, however, that flat-faced, or brachycephalic, dogs fared worse by that measure, breeds that include the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, which has a life expectancy of just 5.4 years.
Cane Corso
Similarly, the Cane Corso has a life expectancy of only 8.1 years.
Lancashire Heeler
At the other end of the scale, the Lancashire Heeler enjoys one of the longest life spans, with an average life expectancy of 15.4 years.
Miniature Dachshund
And the Miniature Dachshund belies its diminutive size by living on average 14 years.
Body size
Body size plays a role in longevity. Small and medium-sized breeds were found to live longer, with life spans of 12.7 and 12.5 years, respectively. Pictured is the Shiba Inu dog breed. These dogs live on average 14.6 years.
Face value
The shape of a dog's face (i.e. ratio between the width and length of skull) also influences life span.
Interaction
Further analysis revealed that body size, face shape, and sex were found to interact.
Bucking the trend
The study produced one surprising find. The near flat-faced Lhasa Apsos bucked the trend with one of the highest median life expectancies, at 14 years.
Related breeds, lower life expectations
For example, clusters of related breeds with lower life expectancies included Caucasian Shepherd Dogs, Mastiffs, Bulldogs, Presa Canarios, Neapolitan Mastiffs (pictured), and Cane Corsos.
The trouble with brachycephalic dogs
"This paper is showing people that at a population level, [flat-faced, or brachycephalic] dogs are not doing well," McMillan said.
Warning
"This new research underlines these major health issues by revealing that flat-faced dogs live 1.5 years shorter lives than typical dogs,” said Dan O’Neill, an associate professor at the Royal Veterinary College in London and the working group's chair, adding: "We urge anyone considering getting a flat-faced breed to 'stop and think' and to ensure that they acquire a dog with the best chances of a long and happy life."
