Does a dog's life expectancy depend on its muzzle: scientists have found a pattern

Who among us doesn't dream of a faithful and fluffy friend who will delight us for many years? Unfortunately, not all dogs live equally long. And as it turns out, the length of the muzzle can play a role in this.

Remember that the length of the muzzle is only one of the factors that affect a dog's life expectancy, writes the journal Nature. The most important thing is your love and care!

A small excursion into the study

Scientists from the UK analyzed data on nearly 600 thousand dogs of 150 breeds. It turned out that:

• Small dogs with a long muzzle live longer than large dogs with a flat muzzle.
• The average life expectancy of a dog is 12.5 years.

• The Lancashire Heeler is the longest-lived breed (15.4 years on average).
• The Caucasian Shepherd is the shortest breed (5.4 years on average).
• Small breeds live an average of 12.7 years, large breeds - 11.9 years.
• Dogs with a flat muzzle live an average of 11.2 years, with a long muzzle - 12.8 years.

Why is this happening?

Researchers do not know the exact answer, but there are several possible explanations:

• Dogs with flat faces may have breathing problems, which can shorten their lives.
• Small dogs have a better metabolism, which can lead to a longer life.
• A long muzzle can be a sign of better health overall.

If you want your dog to live a long time,

• Choose a breed with a long muzzle.
• Pay attention to your dog's overall health.
• Provide your dog with proper nutrition and care.

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