A recent study published in Royal Society Open Science reveals which dog breeds have a higher likelihood of developing cancer, challenging the belief that the largest breeds are the most at risk. Researchers found that while large dogs, but not the largest, generally have a higher cancer risk, the correlation does not hold true as it does in humans.
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Leonard Nunney, an evolutionary biologist at the University of California, Riverside and lead author of the paper, explained that the expectation is for larger bodies to be more susceptible to cancer. However, this pattern does not apply to dogs.
"You have things that range in size from a chihuahua up to a mastiff, or a Great Dane. So there's a huge range of size," Nunney noted. He added that larger dog breeds often die at a younger age, which reduces their chance to develop cancer compared to medium-sized breeds.
According to the study, specific breeds are particularly prone to cancer, including flat-coated retrievers, Bernese mountain dogs, and West Highland White terriers (Westies). Flat-coated retrievers frequently develop a type of sarcoma, which affects bones and soft tissues. Additionally, many terriers, particularly Scottish terriers, have a higher incidence of bladder cancer than previously believed for their size.
Despite the findings, Nunney stated that relatively few breeds are excessively prone to cancer. The study offers insights into genetic mutations related to canine cancer and suggests that while inbreeding may shorten a breed's lifespan, it does not universally increase cancer risk.
Nunney also mentioned that the research model could be utilized to monitor trends in specific cancer types among dog breeds in the future, emphasizing dogs as effective models for understanding genetic factors that may contribute to cancer susceptibility.