A study conducted on thousands of dogs in the United Kingdom found the perfect solution for owners who wish their pet pooches live longer and healthier lives. The catch? They have to check out one striking physical feature of their four-legged furry friend.
We all know that dogs come in various sizes, but it is the petite breeds with long noses (whippets and miniature dachshunds) who have been blessed with more years than large and flat-faced breeds (bulldogs or pugs).
There are approximately 150 dog breeds in the United Kingdom. Their average lifespan is around 12-15 years. However, the American Kennel Club’s study in 2022 found that bulldogs have a mere 9.8 years in life expectancy. According to the study’s main contributor Kirsten McMillan, data manager at UK charity Dogs Trust, this is the first time researchers have dived into how life expectancy varies among dog breeds based on breed, size, face shape and gender.
She says, “A medium-sized, flat-face male like an English bulldog is nearly three times more likely to live a shorter life than a small-sized, long-faced female, like a miniature dachshund or an Italian greyhound.”
While short noses look cute, they act as a catalyst in causing breathing issues among dogs.
The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, found that dogs that live the longest are ironically those with longer noses! Lancashire heelers (15.4 years), Tibetan spaniels (15.2 years), miniature dachshunds (14 years), and Labradors (13.1 years).
Other fascinating finds of the study showed that just like us humans, female dogs tend to have more birthdays (12.7 years) than males (12.4 years). Pure breeds lived a little longer than crossbreeds.
Well, who would have thought that while nosy humans are a pain, nosy dogs are not only cute but also can spend more loving time with their humans!
