Dogs | Species, breeds and lifespan | Evidence chain

FAQ

How long do dogs live, and are big dogs really shorter-lived?

Only the direction is certain: the larger the body, the shorter the average lifespan; the smaller the body, the heavier the burden on teeth and stifles. The Merck Veterinary Manual gives an overall average lifespan for dogs of 8 to 16 years depending on the breed, and the median age at death in the giant-breed population is 8.94 years. For the specific number of years in a given breed, consult the most recent lifespan research rather than applying a number from memory.

犬はどのくらい生きますか。大型犬は本当に短命なのですか。 — 確かなのは方向性だけです。体が大きいほど平均寿命は短く、体が小さいほど歯科と膝関節の負担が重くなります。Merck 獣医マニュアルは犬全体の平均寿命を品種により 8 から 16 年としており、超大型犬の集団では死亡年齢の中央値が 8.94 歳です。品種ごとの具体的な年数は最新の寿命研究を参照し、記憶にある数字を当てはめないでください。

How long do dogs live, and are big dogs really shorter-lived? — Only the direction is certain: the larger the body, the shorter the average lifespan; the smaller the body, the heavier the burden on teeth and stifles. The Merck Veterinary Manual gives an overall average lifespan for dogs of 8 to 16 years depending on the breed, and the median age at death in the giant-breed population is 8.94 years. For the specific number of years in a given breed, consult the most recent lifespan research rather than applying a number from memory.

Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebreds?

Not necessarily. Mixed does not equal healthy — if both parents belong to the same high-risk group, for example a cross between two brachycephalic dogs, the risk is inherited just the same. Before buying or adopting, ask the breeder for the health and genetic test reports of the parents, including hip and elbow scores, cardiac, ophthalmic and breed-specific genes, and rely on the veterinarian's interpretation.

ミックス犬は純血種より健康ですか。 — そうとは限りません。ミックスであることは健康を意味しません——両親が同じ高リスク群に属する場合、たとえば短頭種どうしの交配では、リスクはそのまま受け継がれます。購入や譲渡を受ける前に、ブリーダーへ両親の健康診断と遺伝子検査の報告（股関節と肘関節の評価、心臓、眼科、品種特異的な遺伝子を含む）を求め、獣医師の解釈に従ってください。

Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebreds? — Not necessarily. Mixed does not equal healthy — if both parents belong to the same high-risk group, for example a cross between two brachycephalic dogs, the risk is inherited just the same. Before buying or adopting, ask the breeder for the health and genetic test reports of the parents, including hip and elbow scores, cardiac, ophthalmic and breed-specific genes, and rely on the veterinarian's interpretation.

What should I watch for before my herding-breed dog is given any drug?

Dogs of the herding lineage (Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Bearded Collie and others) and their crosses may carry a deletion variant of the MDR1 (ABCB1) gene, so that some drugs at routine doses accumulate in the brain and produce neurotoxicity such as tremor, blindness, seizures and coma, which can be fatal. There is only one action: run MDR1 genetic testing before any drug is given, and tell the veterinarian the breed and the test result proactively.

牧羊犬系の犬を飼う場合、投薬の前に何に注意すべきですか。 — 牧羊犬系統（コリー、シェットランド・シープドッグ、ボーダー・コリー、オーストラリアン・シェパード、ビアデッド・コリーなど）とその交雑は、MDR1（ABCB1）遺伝子の欠失変異をもつことがあり、通常量の一部の薬が脳内に蓄積して振戦、失明、けいれん、昏睡といった神経毒性が現れ、死に至ることがあります。行動は一つだけです：投薬の前に MDR1 遺伝子検査を行い、品種と検査結果を獣医師に自分から伝えてください。

What should I watch for before my herding-breed dog is given any drug? — Dogs of the herding lineage (Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Bearded Collie and others) and their crosses may carry a deletion variant of the MDR1 (ABCB1) gene, so that some drugs at routine doses accumulate in the brain and produce neurotoxicity such as tremor, blindness, seizures and coma, which can be fatal. There is only one action: run MDR1 genetic testing before any drug is given, and tell the veterinarian the breed and the test result proactively.