Researchers found brachycephalic dogs (dogs with flat faces, such as popular French Bulldogs) have a 40% increased risk of living shorter lives than dog breeds that don't have flat faces, such as the Border Collie.
The study, led by leading dog charity The Dogs Trust, showed the median life expectancy of all dogs was 12.5 years, with breeds such as the Lancashire Heeler (15.4 years), Tibetan Spaniel (15.2 years), and Miniature Dachshund (14.0 years), living considerably longer than those with flat-faces, such as French Bulldogs, which only averaged 9.8 years.
The researchers used data from over half a million UK dogs, from over 150 breeds and crossbreeds to highlight those dogs most at risk of an early death.
“Issues related to their huge popularity and serious health problems have triggered a health and welfare crisis for flat-faced dog breeds such as the French Bulldog, Pug and English Bulldog," says Dan O'Neill, Chair of the Brachycephalic Working Group (BWG).
"This new research underlines these major health issues by revealing that flat-faced dogs live 1.5 years shorter lives than typical dogs. It is crucial that the public prioritises health over what they might think looks ‘cute’ and we urge anyone considering getting a flat-faced breed to ‘Stop and think’ and to ensure that they acquire a dog with the best chances of a long and happy life.”
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