Coat color can affect the life of the dog

A new study by the University of Sydney (Australia) shows that the life expectancy of dogs and the risk of developing disease is related to their color.

This study investigated the health status of the Labrador breed, one of the most popular breeds in the world. The results were startling to researchers. These are dogs with chocolate fur that have a significantly shorter lifespan than their black and yellow brethren.

The team analyzed 33,000 veterinary medical records from the United Kingdom, including Labradors breed dogs with all colors. In addition to the surprising findings of longevity, researchers also found that the dogs with chocolate hair have a higher incidence of ear and skin diseases.

Labrador dogs with chocolate brown colors often have a significantly shorter life span than other colored dogs.

The study also found that the average age of non-chocolate-colored dogs was 12.1 years, 10% longer than those of chocolate-colored dogs (10.7 years).

Paul McGreevy, the head of the study, said the ear condition is also twice as high and the rate of dermatitis is four times higher in chocolate-colored dogs.

McGreevy said : "The relationship between dog's hair color and disease reflects a consequence of unconsciousness in creating a coat of color. Because chocolate color is the color of diving in dogs, genes with this color must present in both the father and mother dogs of chocolate-colored puppies.

Consequently, breeders often target this color and breed only Labrador dogs that carry a chocolate-colored gene. The result of intentional breeding of chocolate genes can create a higher proportion of genes that cause ear and skin diseases. '

In all Labrador populations, the most common health condition is obesity, ear infections and related diseases.

McGreevy also added: 'We found that 8.8% of Labradors in the UK were overweight or obese, one of the highest percentages among dog breeds in the database. And the most common cause of death for dogs with chocolate hair color is musculoskeletal disorders and cancer '.

According to the American Kennel Club, in 2017, turn 5 dog breeds: German shepherd, golden retriever, French bulldog and ordinary bulldog, Labrador breed became the most popular breed in America in the last 5 years.

Studies of color and the link to mortality and risk of disease for Labrador dogs will now be replicated in Australia to see if similar results occur.

Researchers also want to discover more about the link between pigmentation and health status in other breeds.

"This report can help breeders and veterinarians prioritize strategic approaches to solving health problems for Labrador dogs. This result can also alert employers. On potential health issues and highlight the need for health checks for different dogs, ' McGreevy added.