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Life expectancy , the most common cause of death and illness small dog breeds
Kindlová, Iveta ; Fiala Šebková, Naděžda (advisor) ; Jana, Jana (referee)
The dog was domesticated approximately 15,000 years ago. We can find large number of breeds of various sizes, types and colours. Small dogs plays an important role in some cultures, religion or society. Most of them were bred in order to meet specific need. Among small breeds of dogs we find bold and hardy terriers, intelligent and funny poodles and bichon or hunting dogs. Durring the domestication of dogs enormous genetic pressure was developed and it was reflected in the health of dogs.
The aim of thesis was to find out the average life expectancy of small dog breeds and to reveal the most frequent diseases and causes of death. Data were obtained from 441 individuals of different purebred dogs with pedigree, 196 males and 245 females. Data of the health profile of individuals came from the Czech Republic and from abroad. The total life expectancy, life expectancy by gender and breeds, death causes, incidence of the disease during life, or whether castration effected life expectancy were assessed.
It was found that the life expectancy of small breed dogs is 11.8 years. The average age of males and females were differed by about three months. The females lived longer. Statistically significant difference was not found. Quite a lot of individuals (45%) were castrated. Statistically significant differences were confirmed between castrated and uncastrated bitches. Neutered bitches lived for about one and a half year longer.
The most common cause of death of small dog breeds became overall age (34.6%). The second one was cancer (26.3%).
Two hypotheses were set. The first hypothesis assumes that females of small breed dogs live longer than males. This hypothesis was not confirmed. The second hypothesis was that one of the predisposing factors for longevity is a long time exposure of the ovary in the body. Neutered bitches up to 8 years of life and uncastrated females live longer than females neutered before (under the age of 5). This hypothesis has not also been confirmed. It was confirmed, that there is a statistically significant difference between castrated and uncastrated females, regardless of the age of castration. Neutered bitches lived for about one and a half years longer. Further, statistically significant differences between castrated and uncastrated females within the breed were confirmed. For Scottish Terrier breed neutered bitches survived for about five years longer than uncastrated females.
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