Which dogs suffer from pain the most: a list of sensitive breeds

Scientists have proven that dog breeds have different levels of pain sensitivity. The study conducted by the University of North Carolina involved ten of the most common breeds, including Retrievers, Huskies, and Maltese.

Interestingly, the results of the scientists' analysis did not always coincide with the opinion of veterinarians who are faced with the reaction of four-legged animals to pain and stimuli in practice. The Science Alert publication told us which dogs suffer from pain the most.

The study involved 149 adult male and female dogs. First of all, they were divided into groups based on how veterinarians assess pain sensitivity:

• high (Chihuahua, German Shepherd, Maltese, Siberian Husky)
• medium (Border Collie, Boston Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier)
• low (golden retriever, pit bull, Labrador retriever).

"Veterinarians provided their own estimates of pain sensitivity in dogs of different breeds, and these estimates often contradicted the results of the study. This is probably due to the emotional activity of dogs when in contact with doctors," said Margaret Gruen, a veterinary behaviorist at North Carolina State University.

The tests were carried out very carefully, with scientists using mild external stimuli, pressing different objects on the paws. The emotional aspect was determined by interacting with a stranger whom the dog did not know and a toy plush monkey.

As a result, scientists have found that Maltese reacts quickly to stimuli and have a low tolerance to pain.

Huskies, according to veterinarians, are also very sensitive, but scientists have classified them as middle class.

Labradors and Golden Retrievers are recognized as the least pain-sensitive breeds. These dogs are really able to withstand more pain and have a high pain threshold.

Duncan Lascelles, a veterinary surgeon at North Carolina State University, emphasized that the study will encourage the search for potential biological reasons to explain these differences, which will allow for more effective treatment of individual breeds.

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