Color of a dog gives information about life span and health problems

Relationship between coat color of a dog and its life expectancy discovered

Researchers from Australia have found that the color of a dog indicates its life expectancy and health problems. Scientists also have an explanation for the relationship between coat color and disease.

Chocolate labs do not live that long

In a new study conducted by the University of Sydney, it has been shown that the coat color of a dog indicates its life expectancy and health problems. According to the Australian-New Zealand University Association / Institute Ranke-Heinemann reported in a message, chocolate-colored Labradors have a lower life expectancy than other colors.

A study has shown that there is a correlation between the coat color of Labradors and the life span of the dogs. (Image: DoraZett / fotolia.com)

More ear infections and skin diseases

The study, published in the journal Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, found that the life expectancy of chocolate labs is significantly lower than their black and light counterparts.

The study looked at more than 33,000 labradors of each color direction in the UK.

It turned out that chocolate-colored labradors have more incidences of ear infections and skin diseases.

One of the most popular dog breeds

The UK study, part of the University's VetCompass program, which analyzes and analyzes electronic data on four-legged patients, has been replicated in Australia. There, labradors are among the most popular breeds of dogs.

The average life expectancy of non-chocolate labs in the UK is 12.1 years.

That's more than ten percent more than the chocolate-colored Labradors. Ear infections (otitis externa) were twice as common in the chocolate-colored labs.

Likewise, they are four times more likely to suffer from a skin disease (pyotraumatic dermatitis).

Explanation for the relationship between coat color and diseases

The lead investigator, Professor Paul McGreevy of the University of Sydney's Faculty of Science, said the relationship between coat color and disease was a surprise to the researchers.

He explained that the findings of the study in the UK may not apply to the Australian labs, but it is worth investigating.

"The relationship between coat color and disease can be an unintended consequence of the growth of certain pigmentation," said Professor McGreevy in a statement.

"Because the brown color in the dogs is recessive, the gene for this staining must be present in both parents. This is the only way to create a chocolate-colored puppy, "said the study director.

"Breeders seeking this staining may now tend to use only labs that carry this gene," explained Professor McGreevy.

"This can result in a reduced gene pool, which in turn has an increased number of genes responsible for ear and skin infections."

Neutered males are more likely to be overweight

If you look at the total population of the labs, overweight, ear infections and inflammation of the joints are the most common health problems.

"We have shown that 8.8 percent of the labs in the UK are overweight or obese. That's one of the highest percentages among all dog breeds recorded in the VetCompass, "said Professor McGreevy.

The prevalence of obesity was highest among males who had been castrated. (Ad)