Small dogs live twice as long as large ones, a fact well-known to many devoted pet owners. Now, a team of researchers from Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, Hungary, has set out to explore whether there is a connection between the size of different breeds and their aging process. The scientists were particularly interested in how age affects dogs’ cognitive abilities and physical capabilities.
What the Study Revealed
The team analyzed data from 15,000 dogs, focusing on age, behavior, and cognitive functions. They also assessed each dog’s size, head shape, and breed. The analysis revealed that, on average, behavioral and cognitive aging in dogs begins around 10.5 years of age. However, the onset of aging and even its pace depend on body size, as reported by the Daily Mail.
For dogs weighing over 66 pounds (30 kg), age-related decline starts earlier—around two to three years of age. Yet, these larger dogs experience a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to smaller breeds. “Large dogs experience physical deterioration at an earlier age, and the accumulation of diseases and degradation of sensory functions lead to ‘senior behavior’ long before mental decline begins,” explained Borbála Turcsa, the lead author of the study.
In contrast, breeds weighing less than 15.4 pounds (7 kg) are four times more likely to experience cognitive decline in their senior years. Another interesting observation emerged from the data: dogs with long noses (like hunting hounds) face a higher risk of cognitive decline in old age compared to those with shorter snouts (such as pugs and French bulldogs).
The research also indicated that owners tend to consider their dogs “old” around the age of six, regardless of size. This perception occurs 4-5 years earlier than the actual age of canine seniority. According to the scientists, this may be linked to graying fur and subtle physical changes.
Based on their findings, experts recommend choosing dogs that weigh between 22 to 66 pounds (10 to 30 kg), such as Welsh Corgis, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and Schnauzers. “For those looking for a smaller dog without serious mental health issues in old age, or a larger dog without physical health problems by the age of 7-8, we recommend animals weighing between 10 to 30 kg,” said Borbála Turcsa.
Overall, the analysis confirmed that body size influences not only a dog’s lifespan but also its mental and physical health, the researchers concluded.