THAT’S RUFF LUCK
French bulldogs have shortest life expectancy
FRENCH bulldogs have the shortest life expectancy of pet dogs at just four-and-ahalf years, animal experts have found.
But Jack Russell terrier owners can expect the longest lifespan at more than 12-and-a-half years.
The overall average life expectancy for dogs is 11.2 years, with females living an average four months longer than males.
According to the research of dogs in the UK, Jack Russell topped the list ahead of Border collies at 12.1 years and springer spaniels at 11.92 years.
Four flat-faced breeds were found to have the shortest life expectancy with French bulldogs followed by English bulldogs at 7.4 years, pugs at 7.7 years and American bulldogs 7.8 years. Their lower life expectancies have been linked with breathing problems and spinal disease.
Study co-author Dr Dan O’Neill, of the Royal Veterinary College, said: “Dogs have helped many humans to get through the loneliness and isolation of the
Covid pandemic. These new VetCompass Life tables enable owners to now estimate how much longer they can benefit from these dogs.”
The study published in the journal Scientific Reports found both male and female neutered dogs had a longer life expectancy than non-neutered ones.