Research into dog breed longevity reveals stark welfare disparities. Understanding which breeds live longest — and why — guides healthier breeding decisions.
Breed longevity is a welfare indicator — shorter lives often reflect higher disease burden, chronic pain, and reduced quality of life. The breeding of dogs with inherent structural health problems is an ethical concern that affects millions of dogs. Brachycephalic breeds, for example, may experience breathing difficulties, eye problems, and skin fold infections throughout their lives. Choosing to breed and buy such dogs perpetuates these welfare harms. Evidence-based breed reform is both possible and necessary.