Researchers have found that in general, small dogs with elongated noses live longer, while flat-faced dogs are more at risk of early death.
After taking into account size, face shape and gender, it was concluded that female long-nosed small dogs tend to live longer than other purebreds, reaching an average of just over 13 years. And breeds with flat faces, a feature that has become fashionable in recent years, tend to have an average lifespan of just over 11 years.
"While previous research had identified sex, face shape and body size as contributing factors to dog longevity, no one had investigated the interaction between these three elements or the possible link between evolutionary history and longevity," said Kirsten McMillan of "Dogs Trust" charity association and author of the research, reports "The Guardian".
McMillan and her colleagues said they analyzed data from 584,734 purebred and mixed-breed dogs (284,734 of whom had died) collected by 18 organizations, including shelter and welfare organizations, animal registries, breeds and pet insurance companies.
Taking all breeds and mixes into account, the team found that the average lifespan of the dogs was 12 and a half years. Female dogs lived longer than male dogs.
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The team also studied dogs from 155 purebreds, finding that large dogs tended to have shorter lifespans than small dogs, where nose length also mattered.
From the research, it was seen that the breed known as 'dachshund' had an average lifespan of 14 years, while French bulldogs of 9.8 years. Experts have long said that flat-faced breeds are prone to a variety of health problems, including respiratory and skin problems.
The Caucasian dog was the shortest with an average of only 5.4 years.
It found that the average lifespan for purebreds was longer than that of mixed breeds, at 12.7 years and 12 years, respectively, a result that contradicts the idea that mixes may be healthier because they have greater genetic diversity.
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"Overall, these results can help potential owners, breeders, policy makers, funding bodies and welfare organizations be better informed to make decisions to improve dog welfare," said McMillani. "But more specifically, I think this offers us opportunities to improve the lives of our canine friends."
The team said they are identifying groups of dogs that are in desperate need of attention, so they can focus on these breeds and understand more about their problems.
