How long will your dog live? Measure your muzzle

Is your dog a small male with a long nose? Or a medium-sized female with a face of average canine proportions? If so, her furry companion is more likely to stay by her side for a long time, according to new research. But if your dog is a snub-nosed dog, the picture may be a little less rosy.

A large study published Thursday analyzed data from more than 584,000 dogs across the United Kingdom and found that muzzle length, along with body size and sex, can influence a dog's lifespan. “A medium-sized, flat-faced male, like a bulldog, is three times more likely to live a shorter lifespan than a small-sized, long-faced female, like a miniature dachshund or an Italian greyhound,” said Kirsten McMillan, data researcher. scientist at Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog charity, and lead author of the paper published in Scientific Reports magazine.

“These dogs are not well”

The study authors examined data from 155 breeds and mixed breeds. Although a typical Labrador or border collie had an average life expectancy of just over 13 years, researchers found that in almost all cases, flat-faced or brachycephalic dogs fared worse by this measure.

This shorter-nosed group included large mastiffs (9 years), robust English bulldogs (9.3 years), and French bulldogs (9.8 years). “This paper shows people that on a population level, these dogs are not doing well,” McMillan said.

One survivor with a smashed face stood out in the findings: Lhasa Apsos had one of the longest average life expectancies, at 14 years. This is on par with Shiba Inus (14.6), papillons (14.5), miniature dachshunds, and Italian greyhounds (14).

Most results were within expected standards. Females lived longer than males, small dogs longer than large ones. Small and medium-sized dogs with pronounced snouts lived on average more than 12 years while flat-faced dogs of all sizes fell short of that mark.

The bleak outlook may or may not come as a shock to owners of French bulldogs, America's most popular dog breed. (Last year, they dethroned the Labradors, who had held the title for three decades.)

It's well known that bat-eared darlings are predisposed to a number of health problems, often due to the flat shape of their face – respiratory problems, skin infections and eye problems, to name a few. Pugs and English Bulldogs also face these challenges. The Brachycephalic Working Group, a consortium of veterinary organisations, breed associations and non-profit organizations in the UK, has declared “a health and welfare crisis” for flat-faced breeds. “This new research highlights these important health issues by revealing that flat-faced dogs live 1.5 years less than typical dogs,” said Dan O'Neill, associate professor at the Royal Veterinary College in London and chair of the work, in a statement.

“We would ask anyone thinking about getting a flat-faced breed to 'stop and think' and ensure they get a dog with the best chance of a long and happy life.”

Esme Wheeler, canine welfare expert at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, agrees. “We completely understand why there is so much love for these breeds, but creating bodily characteristics that compromise the basic health and well-being of pets is wrong “, she said.

“Health and well-being should always be the priority, not fashion or aesthetic trends.”

Neither O'Neill nor Wheeler contributed to the research.

Although limited to the United Kingdom, the results would likely be similar in the United States, especially with regard to pure breeds, as they are fairly standardized across the world, said veterinarian Dr. Silvan Urfer, an expert in canine longevity at the University of Washington, who was not involved in the research. However, he posited that there may be more differences between the mixes there and in the US. “It’s an excellent study that brings a very good idea regarding the breeding of short-nosed dogs,” said Urfer. “I’m not surprised that brachycephalic breeds haven’t lived as long.”

Pure breed debate

One of the most surprising conclusions of the study was that purebred dogs were found to live eight months longer than mixed breeds, the popular mutts. This finding does not align with the commonly accepted notion that mixes are generally more vigorous and healthy than their inbred kennel counterparts. But the current study may not reveal the full picture, McMillan said.

The data – collected from veterinarians, breed registries, rescue organizations and pet insurers – divided dogs into two categories: purebred and mixed breed.

Within the mixed breed category, the data did not distinguish between genetically diverse mutts and intentional crossbreeds, or “designer breeds,” such as the cockapoo, labradoodle and cavachon. These are not random mixtures or products of natural selection. “We’re talking about strategically bred dogs and this is a game changer,” McMillan said.

Dogs Trust is already working on a new study to determine whether these popular crosses have longer or shorter lifespans than the breeds from which they are derived.

“Designer dogs are a relatively new phenomenon, so you have a population that tends to be young,” Urfer said. Studying the population as it grows and ages should give better insight into the health and longevity of these expanding breeds. The study includes millions of data points, but does not necessarily represent the entire spectrum of companion dogs' lives, McMillan said. For example, not everyone has pet insurance or makes regular visits to the veterinarian.

The research also did not take into account the cause of death, which is often euthanasia. “The ethical and welfare concerns surrounding dog breeding have become one of the most important – if not the most important – issues within canine welfare,” said McMillan.

“I hope this article is a catalyst to make policymakers, the government, veterinarians, owners, everyone ask, 'Why are these dogs dying?' “It will be very difficult to respond, but every time we respond, even if it is a small part, we are making progress towards having a much healthier dog population.”