GabyAccording to researchers from the charity organization Dog Trust, small dog breeds with long noses tend to live longer than others. In fact, female dogs of small breeds without mixed ancestry have the longest lifespan, averaging 13.3 years. In contrast, dogs with flat faces (brachycephalic breeds), which have surged in popularity recently, are at a higher risk of premature death, living only about 11.2 years.
This extensive study is the first to establish a connection between nose length, head shape, size, breed, and the lifespan of dogs. What else did the scientists discover? In an article published in the journal Scientific Reports, Dr. Kirsten MacMillan’s team reported that they analyzed data from 584,734 dogs, including both purebreds and mixed breeds. Of these, 284,734 had passed away. The researchers calculated that the average lifespan of dogs across all breeds (including mixed breeds) is approximately 12.5 years. Notably, females tend to live slightly longer than males, as reported by The Guardian.
Diving deeper, the team examined 155 purebred dog breeds and found that larger dogs generally have shorter lifespans compared to their smaller counterparts. The length of a breed’s nose also plays a significant role. The true long-livers turned out to be Lancashire Heelers, with an average lifespan of 15.4 years. Tibetan Spaniels are also favored by nature, living around 15.2 years. Meanwhile, miniature Dachshunds have an average lifespan of 14 years. French Bulldogs, however, have a shorter average lifespan of just 9.8 years. It’s worth noting that experts have long warned that brachycephalic breeds are prone to various health issues, such as respiratory and skin problems. The “leaders” for the shortest lifespan are the massive and furry Caucasian Shepherds, who average only 5.4 years.
Researchers also found that purebred dogs tend to live longer than mixed breeds, with lifespans of 12.7 and 12 years, respectively. This finding contradicts the common theory that hybrids may be healthier due to genetic diversity. According to the scientists, the results of this study should prompt us to think about how to improve the lives of our beloved pets so they can stay with us for as long as possible.
