New Study Reveals Snout Length and Body Size Predict Dog Life Expectancy

Research spanning over 584,000 dogs in the UK finds that smaller, long-nosed breeds live longer, while flat-faced dogs face shorter lifespans.

A comprehensive study involving more than 584,000 dogs across the UK has identified snout length, along with body size and sex, as key factors influencing canine life expectancy.
Small and medium-sized dogs with longer noses tend to live over 12 years on average, in contrast to flat-faced breeds which generally have shorter lifespans.
Flat-faced breeds, including popular ones like French bulldogs and English bulldogs, are highlighted for their health issues, leading to a 1.5-year shorter average lifespan compared to other dogs.
Purebred dogs were found to outlive crossbreeds by about eight months, challenging the common belief that mixed breeds are generally healthier.
The study's findings aim to inform prospective dog owners and encourage healthier breeding practices, amidst concerns over the welfare of flat-faced breeds.