Is This Why Big Dogs Tend To Age Faster Than Small Ones?

A new study suggests “jumping genes” might have something to do with it.

Parents editor at HuffPost UK

The average lifespan of a Great Dane is around eight to 10 years, while their teeny tiny counterparts, Chihuahuas, can live well into their late teens.

But why is there such a big disparity in life expectancy between bigger and smaller pups?

Researchers have long been interested in this strange relationship – especially given that, in the mammal world, larger species tend to have longer lifespans than smaller ones. The average lifespan of a blue whale is thought to be between 80 and 90 years, for example, while mice generally live for a year or so.

In a new study, experts wanted to find a possible explanation as to why big dogs tend to die younger and are more susceptible to age-related diseases than smaller dogs – so, they honed in on........

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