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Size of your dog can be a risk factor for developing cancer, suggests study�
It’s a fact that large breeds of dogs have lower life expectancy than smaller ones. But the same doesn’t hold true for a critical illness.
A recent study found that dogs of a specific size are more vulnerable to a disease common in most breeds. Another research found that older dogs, regardless of their breed or size, are prone to an incurable condition similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans.
Dog’s size is a risk factor for cancer
The study published in the Royal Society Open Science found that dogs of a certain size are at higher risk of developing cancer in the later stages of life.
While research has established that tall people get more cancer than short people – about a 10% increase for every 10 centimeters – larger dogs are not the most vulnerable to the deadly disease.
Leonard Nunney, the evolutionary biologist who led the study, took to comparing tiny dogs such as Chihuahuas to a Great Dane to find which breed carries more risk of cancer.
By comparing the data he obtained from different breeds, the study found that “large dogs, such as Burmese mountain dogs, have more than a 40% chance of death from cancer.”
While the smallest dogs, including Pomeranians, Miniature Pinschers, Shih Tzus, and Chihuahuas have about a 10% chance of dying from cancer.
Even though larger breeds have a higher risk of dying from cancer, owing to their shorter life span, they face lesser chances of developing cancer in old age.
“Cancer is predominantly a disease of old age so by having a reduced lifespan the largest dogs have a reduced cancer risk,” Science Daily writes.
Which breed is most vulnerable?
The study notes: “The very largest breeds, such as great Danes, have less cancer than medium-sized breeds.” Unfortunately, medium-sized dogs perfect for a family, are more vulnerable to the disease.
The researchers found that one breed in particular – Flat-coated retrievers – “had the highest mortality from cancer, getting a type of sarcoma with higher frequency than they should have for their size.”
Even Scottish terriers appear to be at greater risk of developing cancer than small dog breeds. While bigger dogs may not live past 9 years, small dogs can go on up to 14.
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