Small, long-snouted dogs like whippets and dachshunds live longer than large, flat-faced breeds like English bulldogs, according to a study published Thursday.

Researchers analyzed data collected from more than half a million dogs across the United Kingdom to guide future owners in their purchases, Agerpres reports.

This is the first study to examine variation in life expectancy based on such a wide range of factors as race, size, face shape and gender, said Kirsten McMillan, lead author of the study, published in the journal Scientific Reports.

“A medium-sized, flat-faced male, such as an English bulldog, is almost three times more likely to live less than a small, long-snouted female, such as a miniature dachshund or a small Italian greyhound,” said the data director. a division of the British charity Dogs Trust.

According to the study, out of more than 150 breeds and crosses in the UK, the average lifespan of all dogs was 12.5 years. That dropped to 9.8 years for the French bulldog, which was named the most popular breed in the United States last year by the American Kennel Club.

Short nose, problematic for dogs

Other studies have recently shown that the short noses of flat-faced dogs, known as brachycephalic dogs, make them look more like human babies, making them especially cute.

But this anatomical feature has been scientifically proven to cause serious respiratory problems (due to airway obstruction), and animal welfare organizations are urging people to reconsider their purchases.

The study’s findings highlighted a real “health and welfare crisis” among brachycephalic dogs, said Dan O’Neill, president of the Brachycephalic Working Group, who was not involved in the study.

“It is extremely important that the public prioritize the health of an animal over what they think is ‘cute,'” he said in a statement.

According to this study, the dogs with the longest life expectancy are Lancashire Heelers (15.4 years), followed by Tibetan Spaniels (15.2 years) and Miniature Dachshunds (14 years).

Women tend to live slightly longer than men, with a life expectancy of 12.7 years compared to 12.4 years.

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