(ORDO NEWS) — Large dogs live shorter lives due to artificial selection, scientists from the University of Adelaide say in their latest study.
Research results show that larger dogs are more likely to die of cancer at a younger age compared to smaller breeds.
This is due to the rapid increase in the size of dogs in the process of artificial selection, which was not kept up with the body’s defense systems, designed to protect it from cancer.
The study confirms an existing theory of aging known as the disposable soma theory.
It is based on the idea that if the body invests a significant part of its resources in growth and reproduction, then they are no longer enough for longevity and health, in particular for protection against cancer.
Experts say most modern breeds were bred over the past centuries, so large breed dogs haven’t had time to develop the adequate cancer defense systems that other large mammals have.
However, scientists believe that in the future, the organisms of large dogs can adapt to the changed body size.
As the researchers note, breeders are usually interested in their pets living as long as possible without suffering from cancer.
Thus, in the future, large breed dogs may become more resistant to cancer, but they will have to “pay” for this, for example, with fewer estrus and fewer puppies in each litter.
Overall, the study confirms that selection for large body size is one of the reasons large dogs live shorter lives than their smaller counterparts.
However, these results do not mean that owners of large breeds should now worry about the health of their dogs.
The study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the causes of differences in the lifespan of different breeds of dogs and may be useful in developing strategies to preserve the health and increase the lifespan of dogs.
In addition, these results may be useful for the development of healthy nutrition and care programs for large breed dogs.
Large breed owners can ensure that their pets are fed and cared for in order to maintain health and maximize lifespan.
Overall, the study opens up new avenues to better understand the causes of differences in life expectancy and mortality across breeds of dogs, and could help improve the health and longevity of our beloved pets.
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