According to a new study published in Scientific Reports, lifespans vary widely between breeds and some long-lived dog breeds are:
- Jack Russell Terriers - 12.72 years;
- Yorkshire Terriers - 12.54 years;
- border collie - 12.10 years;
- springer spaniels - 11.92 years.
But the results were especially dire for brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like English bulldogs and pugs, which have the lowest lifespans of 7.39 and 7.65 years, respectively.
Also, the French Bulldog has the lowest life expectancy - only 4.53 years.
The authors suggest that this short lifespan may be the result of the high health risks these breeds are known to pose.
Mixed-breed dogs, or mutts, had a life expectancy of 11.82 years.
And in order to increase the life expectancy of your beloved dog, we recommend that you visit the veterinarian once a year and also monitor the dog's nutrition and physical activity, the so-called dog fitness.