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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.

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BATH, ENGLAND - APRIL 02: Scampi chases her ball as more than 100 dachshunds and their owners, members of the Sausage Dog Club Bath, gather in front of the historic Royal Crescent in Bath's Royal Victoria Park on April 2, 2017 in Bath, England. The walk was to celebrate the canine club's second anniversary, which started by dog lover Lauren Barnes, who runs a business called Hound Bound and now has over 250 members with numbers growing. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
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Gray Whippet

Overview

  • 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.