When we’re considering a new pet, we typically have things like color, size, and age in mind, though many are open to other options. One thing that a lot of people consider as well is the average lifespan: they want a dog that’s going to live for a long time.

On Friday, February 2nd, researchers published a new study that showed which dog breeds typically have the longest lifespans:

As a flat-faced dog mom, I have to admit that I wasn’t surprised when Science Alert said they have some of the shortest lifespans. I’ve been hearing it for years. However, a lot of this data is so interesting – especially the information about designer breeds!

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According to the study, the dogs that generally live the longest are the dogs with long, pointed noses: Labradors, Greyhounds, Chihuahuas, etc., while flat faced dogs tend to live shorter lives. The data was collected from dogs in the UK, where the most popular dog breeds are a little bit different than in the US. The #1 breed in the UK in 2022, for example, was the Labrador Retriever, whereas in the US that top spot went to the French Bulldog.

The study also shows that pure breeds tend to live longer than crossbreeds. The issue with crossbreeds is that you’re taking one breed’s health issues and mixing them with another’s, which in turn could create a whole new host of health issues. Breeding dogs because they’re cute together does not mean it’s ethical, especially when it comes to those flat-faced breeds.

Why do flat-faced dogs live shorter lives?

A dog is mean to have a long nose. Their long noses allow them to breathe correctly, take in as much air as they need. Their airways are in no way restricted. That’s why you’ll see thousands of Labrador Retrievers going for hikes with their parents every year, but if you try to take a Frenchie on a hike, you will end up carrying it.

Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds are prone to breathing problems because of it, and overbreeding of these “desirable” breeds has created even more health issues. For instance, I recently got a Boston Terrier puppy. At her first checkup, the vet informed us that one of her nostrils is even smaller than it should be, so on top of the breathing problems, she’s going to need something called “stenotic nares surgery,” where they’ll take a laser and widen her airways. SNS is common for these breeds.

Flat-faced dogs are also prone to other health issues, such as:

  1. Cancer
  2. Arthritis
  3. Dysplasia
  4. Heat stroke
  5. Throat problems

All of these are things that cost a ton of money to fix, not to mention that even simple surgeries like a spay will run you between $500-$1,000 on their own. Depending on the surgery, the potential risks and outcomes, and how old the dog is, many flat-faced dog parents opt for euthanasia instead. When you’re adopting a breed like this, rescuing is always best!

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