Scientists from the University of Cambridge have published a groundbreaking study on brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. It reveals that serious breathing problems affect a much wider group of canines than previously thought. Alongside popular pugs and French bulldogs, Pekingese and Japanese Chin have been added to the high-risk list. Researchers point to specific anatomical features that determine the animals' suffering and limit their basic life functions.
Broad Scale of the Problem
The Cambridge study found that as many as 12 different dog breeds are at risk of BOAS syndrome, extending beyond the previously known circle of species.
New High-Risk Breeds
Pekingese and Japanese Chin have joined the highest-risk group, alongside pugs and French bulldogs.
Anatomical Causes of Suffering
The main factors are narrowed nostrils and a wide skull, which lead to chronic shortness of breath and problems with temperature regulation.
The latest research conducted by experts from the University of Cambridge and published in the prestigious journal „PLOS One” sheds new light on the scale of health problems in dogs with shortened snouts. Brachycephaly is not exclusive to pugs or bulldogs. The analysis shows that as many as 12 dog breeds are predisposed to suffering from BOAS syndrome. The most alarming results concern Pekingese and Japanese Chin, whose risk of respiratory obstruction is comparably high as in pugs, commonly associated with this condition. The study covered a wide spectrum of breeds, indicating varying degrees of risk depending on skull and nostril structure. The phenomenon of breeding dogs for extreme appearance traits, known as selective cynology, intensified in the 19th century, leading to the perpetuation of genetic defects that veterinarians today refer to as detrimental breeding (Qualzucht).The main factors determining the disease are narrowed nostrils, excessively long soft palate tissue, and a specific, wide skull shape. These physical barriers make it difficult for dogs to breathe normally, leading to problems with thermoregulation, sleep, and the ability to engage in physical exertion. Veterinarians note that many owners mistakenly take their pet's wheezing as a breed characteristic, while in reality, it is a symptom of hypoxia. Furthermore, scientists emphasize the impact of overweight, which drastically worsens the prognosis and intensifies shortness of breath symptoms in dogs affected by this syndrome. Pekingese and Japanese Chin have comparably high risks of breathing problems as pugs and bulldogs.The conclusions from the publication are crucial for breeders and future owners, suggesting the need to change breed standards to improve animal welfare. Experts appeal for monitoring dogs' respiratory fitness before allowing them to breed, which could limit passing on defective genetics to future generations. The problem also affects breeds such as boxer and shih tzu, although in their case, the degree of risk was assessed as moderate compared to the highest-risk group. Highest-risk breeds: 4, Moderate-risk breeds: 8this many dog breeds are threatened by serious shortness of breath