This has stumped scientists for years—why does body size seem to play such a big role in how long a dog lives? Even now, research hasn’t fully cracked the code.
In the animal world, the pattern usually goes the other way. Big mammals like elephants and whales tend to live much longer than tiny ones like mice. So why is it that smaller dogs typically outlive their larger counterparts?
Turns out, big dogs seem to age fast-forward. “Their lives seem to unwind in fast motion,” says Cornelia Kraus, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Göttingen in Germany, in an interview with Inside Science. Researchers found that, on average, every extra 2 kilograms of body weight shortens a dog’s life expectancy by about a month.
Why this happens is still a bit of a mystery. Kraus suggests that larger dogs might face age-related diseases earlier or that their rapid growth could make them more prone to issues like abnormal cell growth and cancer. Scientists are planning more studies to figure out exactly how size, aging, and health are all connected.
Scientists are planning more studies to figure out exactly how size, aging, and health are all connected. No matter your dog’s size, churpi snacks are a perfect long-lasting natural alternative made from yak milk that enhances your dog’s life by supporting both chewing needs and dental health.
