We all wish our dogs could live forever, but we just aren’t that lucky. But how long can we expect to have our beloved pooches around? A new study reveals the breeds that live the longest.
- Researchers with the canine charity Dog’s Trust U.K. analyzed data from more than half a million dogs to determine how a dog’s breed, size, sex and even face shape affect their longevity.
- The study estimates the lifespan of 155 different dog breeds and finds that the median life expectancy for all dogs is 12.5-years, but some breeds tend to live a few years longer.
- Large flat-faced breeds, like English bulldogs, don’t typically live as long as small breeds with long noses, including whippets and miniature dachshunds.
- According to the study, large dogs are at a 20% greater risk for early death than small dogs and male dogs live an average of 0.3-years less than females.
- However, face shape really matters, as dogs with flat faces, like French bulldogs and pugs, have a 40% increased risk of early death than dogs with medium-length faces, like golden retrievers and labradors.
- Scientists also looked at mixed breeds compared to purebreds, finding that the median lifespan for purebreds is 0.7-years longer than mixed breeds.
Longest living breeds and their median lifespan
- Lancashire heeler - 15.4-years
- Tibetan spaniel - 15.2-years
- Shiba Inu - 14.6-years
- Papillon - 14.5-years
- Lakeland terrier - 14.2-years
Shortest living breeds and their median lifespan
- Caucasian shepherd 5.4-years
- Presa Canario - 7.7-years
- Cane corso - 8.1-years
- Mastiff - 9.0-years
- Saint Bernard - 9.3-years
Read More HERE