Small dogs live TWICE as long as larger pooches – but age much faster, a study shows

They’re often called “man’s best friend,” but a new study has found that not all dogs are the same when it comes to age.

Research shows that smaller dogs live twice as long as their larger counterparts.

However, according to experts at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, these tiny puppies age much faster than larger pooches.

Based on the results, the experts recommend choosing dogs weighing between 10 and 30 kg, such as: B. Welsh Corgis, Whippets, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Schnauzers.

“For those who want a smaller dog but don’t want to risk serious mental health problems as they get older, or want a larger dog but don’t want to risk physical health problems at age 7-8, we recommend a dog in the size range of 10-8 years old. 30 kg,” said Borbála Turcsán, lead author of the study.

They’re often called “man’s best friend,” but a new study has found that not all dogs are the same when it comes to age. (Archive photo of Chihuahua)

Studies have shown that smaller dogs live twice as long as their larger counterparts (graphic below right). However, according to experts at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, these tiny puppies age much faster than larger pooches (bottom left graph) and show more serious signs of aging (top right graph).

While previous studies have shown that smaller dogs live longer, the team wanted to understand how size affects dogs’ cognitive abilities.

Researchers analyzed data from 15,000 dogs, including their age, behavior and cognitive function.

They also assessed each puppy’s size, head shape and breed status.

Their analysis found that behavioral and cognitive aging in dogs begins at around 10.5 years on average.

However, the onset of aging and the rate of aging depend on the dog’s body size.

Dogs weighing over 30 kg show an earlier onset of age-related decline (at two to three years of age) but show a slower rate of cognitive decline.

“Larger dogs suffer physical breakdown at an earlier age, and the accumulating illnesses and deterioration of sensory functions lead to ‘senile behavior’ long before their mental decline sets in,” Ms Turcsán said. Pictured: an archive image of a Great Dane

“Larger dogs suffer physical breakdown at an earlier age, and the accumulating illnesses and deterioration of sensory functions lead to ‘senile behavior’ long before their mental decline sets in,” Ms Turcsán said.

In contrast, dogs weighing less than 7kg were four times more likely to experience cognitive decline as they aged.

When they examined the data more closely, the team found that long-snouted dogs like greyhounds, as well as purebred dogs, were at higher risk of cognitive decline as they aged than short-snouted dogs like pugs and French bulldogs.

Interestingly, the study found that owners consider their dogs “old” around the age of six – regardless of their size.

“Owners consider their dogs to be ‘old’ four to five years earlier than would be expected based on behavioral data,” said Enikő Kubinyi, an author of the study.

“It may be due to graying and barely noticeable changes.”

Overall, the results suggest that body size influences not only a dog’s life expectancy, but also its healthspan.

If you’re thinking about getting a dog, researchers recommend choosing a medium-sized breed that weighs between 10 and 30 kg.

According to the American Kennel Club, these include breeds such as Shiba Inu (23 pounds), Cocker Spaniel (25-30 pounds), Whippets (25-40 pounds) and Staffordshire Bull Terriers (28-38 pounds).