FDA Agrees On A Drug’s Potential to Extend Lifespan In Large Dogs
A potential anti-aging drug for dogs is currently in development. The San Francisco-based company, Loyal, has fulfilled one of three sections (reasonable expectation for effectiveness) for conditional approval. The FDA has accepted Loyal’s RXE section for LOY-001 — in other words, the FDA agrees that LOY-001 is reasonably likely to extend lifespan in large dogs
According to reports from Business Wire, pending FDA approval of Loyal’s manufacturing and safety data, the anti-aging drug could potentially be available on the market by 2026.
The anti-aging drug aims to give owners longer time with their larger dogs.
Owners of smaller dogs are likely to enjoy a longer time with their pets compared to owners of larger dogs, according to the American Kennel Club. They said that veterinarians estimate that by the age of one, dogs have matured as much as humans do by the age of 15. The second year of a dog’s life is roughly equivalent to about nine human years, after which the aging process varies based on factors such as age and size.
Loyal’s website highlights that the lifespan disparity among dog breeds is partly due to selective breeding, which has led to genetic issues such as hip dysplasia and breathing problems. In the case of large- and giant-breed dogs, breeding for size has resulted in elevated levels of IGF-1, a hormone that promotes cell growth. While high IGF-1 drives these dogs to grow large when young, it is believed to accelerate aging and reduce their overall healthy lifespan in adulthood.
The key factor contributing to this lifespan difference is the elevated levels of the growth-promoting hormone IGF-1 in larger dogs. LOY-001, developed by Loyal, aims to address this issue by reducing IGF-1 levels in adult dogs. The drug is formulated as a long-acting product, administered by veterinarians every three to six months. Once officially approved by the FDA, dogs over the age of 7 and weighing more than 40 pounds may be eligible for LOY-001 shots.
While the drug is pending conditional approval, it’s worth noting that Loyal must still conduct tests and gather more data. Conditional approval is valid for up to five years, during which Loyal will work to complete the necessary data collection and apply for full approval.
Fastest Dogs In The World
23. Boston terrier
rebeccaashworth // Shutterstock
– Top Speed: 25 miles per hour
This small, friendly breed with a playful and energetic personality is known as the “American gentleman.” Boston terriers are thought to be directly related to the English bulldog terrier breeds and are well-built for canine sports—especially those involving speed.
22. Rat terrier
Emily Ranquist // Shutterstock
– Top Speed: 27 miles per hour
Originally bred as hunting companions and for pest control, rat terriers are considered a rare breed. They are sociable, intelligent, easy to train, and especially compatible with young children, making them a great choice for first-time pet owners with families.
21. Siberian husky
Vivienstock // Shutterstock
– Top Speed: 28 miles per hour
The Siberian husky historically endured harsh conditions that conditioned the breed to become an iconic choice for sled dogs. Despite their tough build, Siberian huskies are considered exceptionally friendly with children, due to their pack nature and high energy. However, the breed needs to be specially cared for and exercised sufficiently, and they are considered to be escape artists and have been known to jump fences as high as 8 feet.
20. Giant schnauzer
Rita_Kochmarjova // Shutterstock
– Top Speed: 28 miles per hour
Giant schnauzers are gentle creatures with a timid nature, though they are known to become defensive when presented with new people or situations. Their history as farm and herding dogs trained them to be fast and playful, supplying them with an energetic and loyal nature. Giant schnauzers are known to be easily trained and loyal to their owner.
19. Anatolian shepherd
rebeccaashworth // Shutterstock
– Top Speed: 28 miles per hour
The Anatolian shepherd is an old breed, dating as far back as 6,000 years ago, where they endured intense temperatures and displayed feats of speed while defending livestock from bears and mountain lions. Consequently, its forceful and defensive nature can make it a handful for owners to train—this breed must be socialized to properly train them as companion dogs.
18. Border collie
Ventura // Shutterstock
– Top Speed: 30 miles per hour
Considered remarkably intelligent, border collies are bred for herding livestock and are known to be energetic and athletic, often displaying impressively quick maneuvers in dog sports. The breed is only recommended for owners who can keep up with its active lifestyle, which is known to be demanding.
17. Boxer
Lenkadan // Shutterstock
– Top Speed: 30 miles per hour
Boxers are a kind and loving breed that display the utmost loyalty to their owner, and are patient and protective of children, making them an ideal family dog. The breed’s name is thought to derive from their inclination to stand on their rear legs and thrust their front paws forward—resembling a boxer’s movements.
16. Belgian Malinois
anetapics // Shutterstock
– Top Speed: 30 miles per hour
Belgian Malinois are considered to be one of the most energetic dog breeds, which also means they demand plenty of attention and exercise. The breed is used for working tasks in military and police operations that require them to detect scents of possible threats. They are most notably used in White House defense.
15. Great Dane
RugliG // Shutterstock
– Top Speed: 30 miles per hour
Ancestry of the Great Dane is widely thought to have originated from a dog breed present in ancient Greece; as depicted in Greek art, Great Dane look-alikes appear hunting wild boar. Despite its intimidating stature, this gentle giant is friendly and patient, rarely displaying aggression or hostility. Dogs of this breed are recommended for families as long as they raise them from a young age and socialize them properly.
14. Poodle
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– Top Speed: 33 miles per hour
Poodles are known for their beauty and brains. Most commonly used as show dogs, poodles are ranked the third most intelligent dog breed by Vetstreet, and exhibit great agility and obedience. The breed is normally shy around new people but quickly expresses affection and playfulness when socialized well enough.
13. Pharaoh hound
Ivanova N // Shutterstock
– Top Speed: 35 miles per hour
Pharaoh hounds are confident and self-reliant, but require special training that doesn’t involve disciplinary action. Though the breed’s DNA doesn’t have direct relation to Egypt, some believe it resembles breeds depicted in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, which may support the myth of Phoenicians bringing the breed to Malta more than 2,000 years ago.
12. Weimaraner
DragoNika // Shutterstock
– Top Speed: 35 miles per hour
The Weimaraner is considered to be an all-purpose dog, with traits that fulfill a number of specific needs for hunting small game and sports, including speed and a keen nose. The breed is considered energetic and sociable, but when left alone, they tend to be anxious and unruly.
11. Doberman pinscher
DragoNika // Shutterstock
– Top Speed: 35 miles per hour
Doberman pinschers are a strong-willed and well-tempered breed, known for their graceful tendency to walk and stand on their toes rather than their paws. The breed is often perceived as intimidating due to its appearance, including the practice of clipping their tails and ears. Thankfully, some countries are beginning to outlaw the practice.
10. Scottish deerhound
Antonia Gros / Shutterstock
– Top Speed: 35 miles per hour
This ancient breed is believed to pre-date recorded history and varies little from its ancestors. Scottish deerhounds get their name from their reputation of being exceptional hunters of deer—they chase them down at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. While they may not be the fastest for racing purposes, some believe them to be faster than counterparts while in their natural habitat.
9. Whippet
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– Top Speed: 36 miles per hour
Whippets are often used as athletes in various dog sports, including racing and hare coursing, as the breed exhibits impressive speed and agility, especially when properly trained. The breed is described as quiet and timid, and may be happy resting for most of the day. However, whippets can be oversensitive, and may react when startled or touched.
8. Borzoi
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– Top Speed: 36 miles per hour
With a Russian name that translates to “fast,” the borzoi lives up to its name with the ability to run at a full speed of 36 miles per hour. Due to its slim build, silky smooth coat of fur, and its quiet and independent nature, the breed often appears in dog shows and athletics. Borzois are selective learners, requiring the owner’s patience and persistence to train.
7. Dalmatian
Iren Key // Shutterstock
– Top Speed: 37 miles per hour
The Dalmatian is iconically known for its appearance in Disney’s “One Hundred and One Dalmatians,” and for its reputation as a firehouse dog in the U.S. Dalmatians have a natural liking for horses, which made them ideal for running alongside firefighter carriages in the early years of firefighting, as they were one of the few breeds that could keep up with horses. The breed continues to be a mascot for firefighters—and the Budweiser Clydesdales—to this day.
6. German shepherd
Rita_Kochmarjova // Shutterstock
– Top Speed: 39 miles per hour
German shepherds are historically used as guard and service dogs due to their natural eagerness to work. German shepherds used for police service are so inclined to perform that they have been known to become upset when they fail to sniff out dangerous objects, requiring their handlers to routinely set up hazardous items for the dog to find.
5. Vizsla
Ivanova N // Shutterstock
– Top Speed: 40 miles per hour
Vizslas are bred to be hunters and retrievers—historically, the breed brought fowl to its owner after the bird was shot. The breed requires tons of attention and affection, and will sometimes whine when it feels ignored. Like most dogs used for hunting, vizslas require a level of exercise, so prepare to be active.
4. Afghan hound
David Raihelgauz // Shutterstock
– Top Speed: 40 miles per hour
The Afghan hound is considered a staple in dog shows, as the breed has a long and luscious coat of fur that owners groom to highlight its silky appearance. While the breed is a popular competitor in show, it also possesses remarkable speed, which makes it a worthy contestant in agility sports.
3. Ibizan hound
Sally Wallis // Shutterstock
– Top Speed: 40 miles per hour
The Ibizan hound aims to entertain its owner with hyperactive antics and endless energy, as they will often escape crates and jump high fences. The breed has a natural inclination to run when unbounded, so it is recommended owners keep a watchful eye when their dog is off its leash. Ibizan hounds are also protective and bark only when necessary—characteristics of a great guard dog.
2. Saluki
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– Top Speed: 43 miles per hour
Salukis are sight hunters, using their sharp vision to spot prey from great distances, and relying on their extraordinary speed to hunt down small prey. While not acknowledged as the quickest dog over short distances, it is believed that the saluki is capable of faster speeds over long distances.
1. Greyhound
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– Top Speed: 45 miles per hour
The greyhound’s tall, slender build was specially bred for dog racing, making it the fastest dog, with a top speed of 45 miles per hour. Unlike other dogs, the breed is meant for speed rather than endurance, and doesn’t require much exercise. Greyhounds are often content with lounging around the house, and are recognized for their independent and gentle nature. However, without a proper outlet of exercise,they can become hyperactive and even destructive.
