Kennel

• We have life expectancy tables and research for humans that show how long we might be expected to live according to a range of factors.
• But there has been very little research into dog life expectancy that considered how different factors affect lifespan.
• The researchers then calculated median life expectancy for all breeds individually and then for the crossbreed group.
• Finally, they calculated life expectancy for each combination of sex, size and head shape.

How long do dogs live?

• This study from researchers at the Dogs Trust provides us with new information about the life expectancy of our canine companions.
• The researchers found that small, long-nosed female dogs tended to have the longest lifespans among pure breeds overall, with a median lifespan of 13.3 years.
• But breeds with flat-faces had a median lifespan of 11.2 years, and a 40% increased risk of shorter lives than dogs with medium-length snouts, such as spaniels.
• Pure breeds had a higher median life expectancy than crossbreeds (12.7 years compared to 12.0 years), while female dogs had a slightly higher median life expectancy than males (12.7 years compared to 12.4 years).

The ethics of ageing

• These dogs have become fashionable and highly prized as pets, but are prone to various health problems, including brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (Boas).
• This potentially life-threatening condition includes symptoms such as panting, overheating, exercise intolerance, retching, gastrointestinal signs and disturbed sleep patterns.
• So for some of these dogs, their life is potentially marked by suffering.
• This raises some questions about dog ownership and the ethics of breeding dogs likely to suffer from Boas.

Angus Nurse has previously received funding from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs to investigate the issue of dangerous dogs and responsible dog ownership.