They are often referred to as “man’s best friend,” but a new study has revealed that when it comes to aging, not all dogs are created equal.
Research shows that smaller dogs live twice as long as their larger counterparts.
However, these tiny puppies age much more quickly than larger dogs, according to experts at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest.
Based on the findings, experts recommend choosing dogs that weigh between 22 and 66 pounds (10 to 30 kg), such as Welsh Corgis, Whippets, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and Schnauzers.
‘For those who want a smaller sized dog but don’t want to risk serious mental health problems in old age or want a larger sized dog but don’t want to risk physical health problems at 7- 8 years of age, we recommend a dog in the size range of 10 to 30 kg,” said Borbála Turcsán, lead author of the study.
They are often referred to as “man’s best friend,” but a new study has revealed that when it comes to aging, not all dogs are created equal. (chihuahua file image)
Research has revealed that smaller dogs live twice as long as their larger counterparts (bottom right graph). However, these tiny puppies age much more quickly than larger dogs (bottom left graph) and have more severe aging symptoms (top right graph), according to experts at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest.
While previous studies have shown that smaller dogs live longer, the team set out to understand how size affects dogs, in terms of cognitive abilities.
The researchers analyzed data from 15,000 dogs, including their age, behavior and cognitive function.
They also evaluated each puppy’s size, head shape, and purebred status.
Their analysis revealed that, on average, cognitive and behavioral aging in dogs begins around 10.5 years of age.
However, the onset of aging, as well as the rate of aging, depends on the dog’s body size.
Dogs weighing more than 30 kg (66 lb) show an earlier onset of age-related decline (between two and three years of age), but show a slower rate of cognitive decline.
“Older dogs experience physical collapse at an earlier age, and accumulated illnesses and degradation of sensory functions lead to ‘old-age behaviors’ long before their mental decline begins,” Ms. Turcsán said. Pictured: a stock image of a Great Dane
“Older dogs experience physical collapse at an earlier age, and accumulated illnesses and degradation of sensory functions lead to ‘old-age behaviors’ long before their mental decline begins,” Ms. Turcsán said.
In contrast, dogs weighing less than 14 pounds (7 kg) were four times more likely to suffer cognitive decline in old age.
Digging deeper into the data, the team found that long-nosed dogs, such as greyhounds, as well as purebreds, have a higher risk of cognitive decline in old age compared to short-nosed dogs, such as pugs and dogs. french bulldogs.
Interestingly, the study found that owners begin to view their dogs as “old” around age six, regardless of their size.
“Owners consider their dogs ‘old’ four to five years earlier than would be expected based on behavioral data,” said study author Enikő Kubinyi.
“This may be due to barely noticeable, graying changes.”
Overall, the findings suggest that body size not only influences a dog’s lifespan, but also its health.
If you’re considering getting a dog, researchers suggest opting for a medium-sized breed that weighs between 22 and 66 pounds (10 to 30 kg).
According to the American Kennel Club, this includes breeds such as Shibu Inu (23 pounds), Cocker Spaniels (25-30 pounds), Whippets (25-40 pounds), and Staffordshire Bull Terriers (28-38 pounds).
