Dog owners are urged to consider a broader spectrum of breeds when seeking a puppy, as recent studies indicate that serious breathing issues are more common than once believed.

Brachycephalic breeds—dogs with short snouts and flat faces—have surged in popularity, according to Francesca Tomlinson from Cambridge University.

However, along with their rising popularity, these breeds face increasing health concerns, primarily Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), which can present as noisy or labored breathing. This condition severely hampers activities like exercise, sleep, and managing heat and stress.

While concerns about BOAS frequently focus on breeds like English bulldogs, French bulldogs, and pugs, research led by Tomlinson explored 898 dogs from 14 breeds including the Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer, and Pekingese.

All subjects underwent comprehensive respiratory evaluations and detailed body and facial measurements.

Findings revealed that Pekingese and similar breeds are exceptionally vulnerable to BOAS, with over 80% affected. Breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu, and others showed moderate risk, while only the Maltese and Pomeranian showed no significant health concerns.

Three major factors contribute to breathing issues: excess weight, narrow nostrils, and extreme facial flattening. Other traits, such as short or screw-shaped tails, may also be linked to BOAS-related anatomical changes. “It’s not solely flatness that influences risk; various factors play a role,” explains Tomlinson.

Prospective dog owners should seek puppies from health-tested parents and familiarize themselves with the potential health consequences of extreme physical traits, particularly those affecting the face.

“Our goal isn’t to eliminate defining breed characteristics but to support breeding that promotes function over mere appearance,” Tomlinson emphasizes.

She adds that the severity of physical trait exaggeration is crucial in determining health outcomes. “This suggests a practical approach: opting for less extreme physical traits may help lower disease risk.”

Anna Quine from the University of Sydney highlights that “cute” flat-faced dogs are more susceptible to chronic respiratory distress and heat stress.

Breeding dogs for a flat face is akin to “designing a car without a radiator,” she warns. “If we’re introducing dogs into the world, our first priority should be their welfare, not merely satisfying human aesthetic preferences.”

Paul McGreevey, also from the University of Sydney, concurs that the study validates what many veterinarians already suspect: compromised airways are common in flat-faced dogs, with variations across and within breeds.

“For dogs struggling with airway issues and carbon dioxide expulsion, breed labels become irrelevant,” he states, noting that classifications are human decisions.

Yet, he raises concerns regarding the study’s methodology, pointing out the subjective nature of classifying respiratory sounds. “This raises questions about consistency across the 14 distinct breeds,” McGreevy states. “Moreover, the authors admit that athletic assessments depend on individual speed and temperament.”

Tomlinson countered that the evaluation incorporates objective measures, including abnormal breath sound detection, following a standardized protocol. “The intention of the exercise test is not to assess exercise capacity but to observe how airways react to mild exertion,” she clarifies.