New U of A Study Will Investigate Growth Hormones and Cognitive Aging in Dogs Large dogs live shorter lives than smaller breeds, yet their brains appear to age just as slowly, revealing a surprising disconnect between lifespan and cognitive decline. Researchers from the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine are exploring this phenomenon, which they encountered while studying how dogs age. While large breeds tend to live shorter lives than their smaller counterparts, their brains seem to age at the same speed. This observation has led to a new study aimed at understanding the biological mechanisms behind aging and cognitive function in dogs. Evan MacLean, an associate professor of veterinary medicine, is leading the research. He is particularly interested in the impact of the IGF-1 growth hormone on cognitive aging in elderly dogs, including his own pet, Sisu. MacLean noted that conventional wisdom would suggest large dogs like Great Danes develop signs of dementia around 8 years old, while small dogs like Chihuahuas might experience a later onset, such as in their teens. However, the data shows no such pattern. Instead, the relationship between age and cognitive performance seems consistent across all dog breeds, despite significant differences in their lifespans. MacLean explained that this implies large dogs may simply die before exhibiting cognitive dysfunction. To delve deeper into the biological factors driving aging, MacLean is launching the Study of IGF-1, Neurocognitive Aging and Longevity (SIGNAL). This project will investigate how the growth hormone IGF-1 influences cognitive aging in dogs. The research aims to determine whether dogs of similar size age differently based on their circulating levels of IGF-1.#american_kennel_club #university_of_arizona #evan_maclean #great_danes #chihuahuas
American Kennel Club's Top Dog Breed in Detroit Is French The French bulldog has claimed the top spot in Detroit for the fifth consecutive year, according to the American Kennel Club’s 2025 rankings. The breed, known for its distinctive “bat ears” and compact, muscular build, was also recognized as the No. 1 dog in Houston and Miami. The AKC noted that French bulldogs typically weigh around 28 pounds or less, stand about a foot tall, and have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. The ranking coincided with a separate study by Windup Minds, the creator of the PC pet simulator "Stay: Your Forever Pet," which evaluated America’s most and least dog-friendly cities. Detroit ranked among the least dog-friendly due to factors like small apartments, restrictive rental policies, and limited green space in densely populated neighborhoods. The study highlighted similar challenges in cities like Newark, New Jersey, and Durham, North Carolina, which also made the list of the least dog-friendly places. Detroit’s top five dog breeds for 2025 include the French bulldog, Yorkshire terrier, Rottweiler, golden retriever, and Cane Corso. The Yorkshire terrier, which moved up to second place from sixth, is described by the AKC as long-lived, hypoallergenic, and an effective watchdog. The breed’s cost ranges from $800 to $2,500 for a puppy, though adoption fees at rescue groups can be as low as $50 to $250. Gina DiNardo, CEO of the AKC, praised the Yorkshire terrier as a “wonderful companion — lively, adaptable, and naturally alert.” The study by Windup Minds also identified the top five most dog-friendly cities as Scottsdale, Arizona; Tampa, Florida; Portland, Oregon; Austin, Texas; and Las Vegas.#detroit #american_kennel_club #french_bulldog #windup_minds #newark_new_jersey
