Dogs' life expectancy study reveals breed disparities

The UK is renowned for its robust animal welfare laws, beginning with Martin's act addressing the cruel treatment of cattle, followed by the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and Finn's law aimed at safeguarding service animals. Despite these legislative strides, questions arise when companion animals endure shortened lifespans due to genetic predispositions. On average, dogs live 10-13 years, akin to 60-74 human years.

A recent study published in Scientific Reports unveils insights into canine longevity, revealing that small, long-nosed dogs boast the highest life expectancies in the UK, while male dogs from medium-sized, flat-faced breeds, like English bulldogs, have the lowest. Drawing from data encompassing over 580,000 dogs across 150 breeds, the research may aid in identifying breeds predisposed to premature mortality.

This study marks a significant contribution to canine research, filling a void in previous investigations. While human life expectancy research is abundant, canine lifespan studies, particularly considering diverse influencing factors, have been scarce.

Researchers compiled a database comprising 584,734 dogs sourced from 18 UK entities, including breed registries, veterinary sources, and academic institutions. Each entry detailed breed, sex, date of birth, and, if applicable, date of death.

Pure-bred dogs were categorized by size and head shape based on Kennel Club guidelines. Median life expectancy was calculated for individual breeds and crossbreeds, considering sex, size, and head shape combinations.

Key findings from the study shed light on the longevity of various breeds. Notably, small, long-nosed female dogs exhibited the longest median lifespan at 13.3 years, contrasting with flat-faced breeds' median lifespan of 11.2 years and a heightened 40% risk of premature mortality compared to medium-snouted breeds, such as spaniels.

Among the most popular breeds, including labradors, jack russell terriers, and cavalier king charles spaniels, median life expectancies ranged from 11.8 to 13.3 years.

The study also highlighted differences between pure breeds and crossbreeds, with pure breeds exhibiting a higher median life expectancy of 12.7 years compared to crossbreeds' 12.0 years. Additionally, female dogs tended to outlive males, with median life expectancies of 12.7 years and 12.4 years, respectively.

However, concerns arise regarding the ethics of breeding dogs prone to health issues like brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (Boas), prevalent in breeds like bulldogs and pugs. These breeds, though popular as pets, face increased risks of suffering and shortened lifespans.

This prompts ethical deliberations on dog ownership and breeding practices. While the Animal Welfare Act aims to prevent unnecessary suffering in animals, it lacks provisions addressing breeding practices that predispose dogs to conditions like Boas.

Nevertheless, the Act mandates responsible ownership, requiring owners to cater to their pet's welfare needs. Thus, prospective dog owners should consider breed-specific health risks before making a choice.

In addition to informing future research and welfare interventions, this study aids potential dog owners in selecting breeds aligned with their capacity to provide optimal care.