(NEXSTAR) — New research suggests that the likelihood of dogs developing cancer could be linked to their breed. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, nearly half of elderly dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer.
A study published in the journal The Royal Society found that large dog breeds, though not the largest, might be more prone to the disease. The research, based on observations in both humans and dogs, suggests that taller individuals may have a higher overall risk of cancer.
For instance, a 2022 study conducted by John Hopkins Medicine found a possible link between height and colorectal cancer in humans. The co-author of the study, Dr. Elinor Zhou, suggested that adult height correlates with body organ size, which may increase the chances of mutations that could lead to the formation of cancerous cells.
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This theory, however, does not necessarily apply to dogs, according to lead researcher Leonard Nunney. He explained that larger dogs, given their shorter lifespans, actually have a reduced risk of developing cancer compared to medium-sized canines.
Out of 85 breeds studied, flat-coated retrievers had a significantly higher risk of dying from cancer. Scottish terriers, Bernese mountain dogs, and bullmastiffs also showed a notable risk, more than 50% higher than expected.
The image shows a Bernese mountain dog. (Getty Images)
The image shows a bullmastiff. (Getty Images)
The image shows a Scottish terrier. (Getty Images)
The image shows a flat-coated retriever. (Getty Images)
The study also explored how inbreeding and genetic diversity impact the risk of developing cancer. Inbreeding reduces genetic diversity, and some dog breeds with low genetic diversity may have a higher risk of specific cancers.
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Nunney said that flat-coated retrievers are particularly susceptible to a rare form of cancer known as sarcoma, which affects bones and soft tissues. Terriers, on the other hand, are more likely to develop bladder cancer.
For the study, researchers analyzed data on how dogs from different breeds experience cancer-related deaths and examined factors related to cancer risk, such as inbreeding levels. Nunney also mentioned that the model used in this study can help identify whether breeds are beginning to see an increase in specific types of cancer in the future.
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