Hard-working or hardly working dogs stay young longer? Lifetime sports engagement, joint activity with the owner and breed type are associated with the severity of canine cognitive decline

Introduction Companion dogs normally reach >7–8 years of age, which is enough to develop neuro-degenerative cognitive decline. There is a vivid interest in the factors that can accelerate canine cognitive decline (CCD), or on the contrary, act as a preventive measure. We investigated the potential effect of several factors on dogs’ CCD scores: functional breed type (cooperative vs. independent working breeds), lifetime sports activity, activities with the owner, and priorities of the owner when choosing a dog. Methods The internationally distributed questionnaire was completed for N = 858 senior dogs (>7 years). We collected data about the dogs’ activity levels, regular sport/working engagement, and body condition. Owners described their dogs’ behavior regarding the signs of cognitive decline. Owners rated also the importance of aspects that could influence their choices at the time of their dog’s acquisition. Results We found that a lifetime sports career ( p < 0.001) and joint activities with the owner ( p = 0.037) had the strongest negative association with CCD. Dogs that were considered as sports companions, regardless of the breed type, had lower CCD scores (in other words, they were in better mental condition according to the owners) than dogs who were regarded as ‘domestic’ or ‘breeding’ animals ( p = 0.041). Dogs that have not been selected for working tasks (toy breeds and mixed breeds) benefited the most from joint activities with their owner, while cooperative and independent working breeds had lower CCD scores even if they only sporadically participated in physical exercise. Those dogs with owners that strongly prioritized either health and sound behavior ( p = 0.042), or high breeding quality ( p = 0.004), had low CCD scores. When owners showed preference for fashionable or rare breeds, this did not affect the dog’s cognitive decline ( p = 0.830). Conclusion With conscientious choices, and opting for an active lifestyle with their dogs, owners can slow down the onset and severity of CCD. According to our results, working breed types that have been selected for a stronger drive for sports activities may also benefit from physical exercise. Generally long-living toy breeds and mixed breeds would be especially important to involve in joint activities with the owner to avoid severe CCD.