A new study offers the first compelling molecular explanation for why large dog eeds have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs. The answer may lie in how hallmarks of aging reshape dog DNA.
Across mammals, larger species size typically means a longer lifespan, ranging from a couple of years for mice to almost 200 years for some whales. However, within a species, we often see the opposite: smaller individuals outliving larger ones. This is clearly seen in dogs.
Dog lovers have long experienced this exception, as larger eeds tend to grow faster and die younger. This has prompted scientists to explore the underlying causes of these "dog years" that shorten their companionship time with people.
"Dogs provide an extraordinary model for understanding aging because they show dramatic variation in lifespan within a single species," said senior author of the study Noah Snyder-Mackler, a professor at Arizona State University.
Not only do big dogs die younger, but they are also more susceptible to many age-related diseases. Now, a new study published in the journal *Science* may have found the reason why.
The research shows that rapid growth in large dogs is linked to specific changes in their DNA that accelerate the aging process. Understanding this process in dogs could also open an important window into understanding aging in humans.
Snyder-Mackler added, "Because they are companion animals, they can also be a powerful model with immediate relevance to human health. Living with us means that we share experiences and environments, while our love for our pets means we provide them food, exercise, and lifelong health care."
Source: Science
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