Face up to Articles Regarding Your Beloved Pet’s Life Expectancy

The Study’s Startling Revelations

An analysis conducted on over 584,000 canines in the United Kingdom has uncovered an alarming data point: Dogs with squished faces and small noses tend to live significantly shorter lives on average compared to dogs with longer faces and larger snouts. The insightful examination was published in Scientific Reports and is expected to have a particular impact on owners of French Bulldogs, who will be disheartened to find that their beloved breed has one of the lowest life expectancies, averaging just 9.8 years.

Key Findings

The study took into account data from 155 breeds, as well as popular mixes. Among the breeds studied, it was observed that shorter-nosed dogs, such as large mastiffs, English bulldogs, and especially French bulldogs, had notably shorter average life spans of just 9, 9.3, and 9.8 years, respectively. In contrast, breeds with longer faces, such as miniature dachshunds, Italian greyhounds, Papillons, and Shiba Inus, showcased impressive average life expectancies ranging from 14 to 14.6 years.

An anomaly was detected in Lhasa Apsos, with their diminutive noses and small, smushed-up faces, which had an average life expectancy of 14 years. At this point, the researchers did not provide specific insights into the reasons behind the shorter life spans of small-faced canines, but it can be deduced that their small noses could potentially lead to breathing issues that result in additional health complications.

The Expert Opinion

Reflecting on the findings of the study, lead author Kirsten McMillan declared, “A medium-sized, flat-faced male like a bulldog is three times more likely to live a shorter life than a small-sized, long-faced female, like a miniature dachshund or an Italian greyhound.”

Further lending credibility to the study, associate professor Dan O’Neill from the Royal Veterinary College in London emphasized the significance of the research, declaring, “This research not only highlights the major health issues faced by flat-faced dogs but also reveals that they live 1.5 years shorter lives compared to typical dogs. We urge anyone considering acquiring a flat-faced breed to ‘stop and think’ to ensure the best chances of a long and happy life for their future pet. Your choice matters.”

Additional Factors That Influence Life Expectancy

While the aforementioned study focuses on the impact of facial structure on a dog’s life expectancy, it is important to acknowledge that there are various other mitigating factors. Factors such as gender, breed size, and genetics also play a crucial role. Female dogs are more likely to live longer than their male counterparts, and smaller breeds generally exhibit longer life spans compared to larger breeds.