"Identifying Dog Breeds at Higher Risk of Cancer"

A study published in The Royal Society suggests that certain dog breeds, such as flat-coated retrievers, Scottish terriers, Bernese mountain dogs, and bullmastiffs, have a higher risk of developing cancer. The research indicates that larger dog breeds, excluding the largest, may be more prone to the disease, with inbreeding and genetic diversity also impacting cancer risk. The study's lead researcher, Leonard Nunney, explained that while larger dogs have shorter lifespans, they actually have a reduced risk of cancer compared to medium-sized canines. The findings also highlight specific cancer risks for different breeds, such as sarcoma in flat-coated retrievers and bladder cancer in terriers, and suggest that the study's model can help identify potential increases in specific types of cancer in the future.