Survey investigating the reasons why UK-based gundogs ceased working between 2010 and 2019.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To determine the longevity of the working life of gundogs in the UK, whether owners' considered retirement was premature and to identify risk factors associated with such work. METHODS: A web-based survey seeking owner information as to the longevity of their dogs' working life and why they were retired, euthanised or died. The sample population is six hundred sixty-five dogs. RESULTS: The median age at which Springer spaniels stopped work was 11 years and for Cocker spaniels, it was 9 years. The median age for Labrador retrievers was 10 years; for Golden retrievers, 11 years and Flat-coated retrievers, 9.5 years. Cocker spaniels stopped work at a significantly younger age than Springer spaniels (p = 0.0003) or Labrador retrievers (p = 0.0407). There was no significant difference between the other major breeds. The majority of owners (54.3%) were satisfied with the working lifespan of their dog. Seventy per cent of dogs were retired, the three most prevalent reasons being lameness (25.2%), old age (23.7%) and deafness (7.8%). Forty-four dogs died (6.6%) and 158 (24%) were euthanised, with cancer (58%) being the most common reason. CONCLUSIONS: No work-related issues were identified and gundogs appear to have similar causes of mortality to the general canine population.