Riverside, California – A recent study published in the Royal Society Open Science challenges the popular belief that large dogs have a higher risk of developing cancer. According to the research led by biologist Leonard Nunney from the University of California, Riverside, the risk of cancer in dogs is not correlated with their size. This finding contrasts with the higher risk of cancer that humans face as their bodies mature.
Nunney explained that while humans experience an increased risk of cancer as they age, dog breeds do not follow the same pattern. The study revealed that large dogs, but not the largest ones, are more likely to develop the disease. Furthermore, big dogs have a lower risk of developing cancer than medium-sized dogs, as they tend to pass away at a younger age.
The researchers identified specific dog breeds that are more prone to cancer. For example, they found that West Highland white terriers, also known as Westies, Bernese mountain dogs, and flat-coated retrievers are among the breeds that are “most prone” to cancer. Nunney also noted that terriers, especially the Scottish terrier, have a higher incidence of bladder cancer.
However, the study also offered a glimmer of hope as it revealed that few dog breeds are overly predisposed to cancer, and the disease is primarily caused by genetic mutations. Inbreeding within specific breeds was found to reduce life expectancy, but it does not significantly raise the risk of cancer overall.
Nunney explained that the study’s model can be used to determine whether breeds are becoming more prone to specific cancers and that dogs can serve as a valuable model for understanding genetic changes that may increase susceptibility to certain diseases. This research sheds light on the unique factors that contribute to cancer risk in dogs and provides valuable insights for further study in this area.