In a recent study by Åsbjer et al. (2024), Swedish researchers explored the awareness, experiences, and opinions of various stakeholders, including 1806 dog owners, 557 vets, 1357 breeders, and 108 show judges, regarding Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) and related health issues. The findings are both eye-opening and concerning, highlighting the need for further action from a range of stakeholders.
The study revealed that while most stakeholders are well aware of the health problems associated with brachycephaly, there is a significant divide in opinions on how to address these issues effectively. Vets, for instance, are highly supportive of banning breeding from severely brachycephalic dogs or even halting the breeding of these breeds altogether, with a staggering 75.9% in favour of the latter. In contrast, only 8.5% of show judges supported a complete breeding ban, reflecting a deeper disagreement on the importance of adhering to breed standards versus prioritising health and welfare.
The study also found that one-third of owners of brachycephalic breeds had personally experienced owning a dog with BOAS-related health problems. Moreover, nearly all vets (94.8%) had diagnosed or treated at least one brachycephalic dog with BOAS-related issues, underscoring the magnitude of this problem. The vets in the study also had a perception of an increasing prevalence of BOAS-related health issues over time.
There were clear disagreements and polarised views highlighted by the study. A disagreement was noted among stakeholders regarding further measures to be taken and the importance of adhering to breed standards. Show judges were more inclined to prioritise following breed standards, even if associated with health issues, compared to other stakeholder groups. Owners of brachycephalic dogs with clinical signs were more likely to perceive BOAS-related health issues as a serious threat and support further measures compared to owners without such experiences. Breeders of brachycephalic breeds were less supportive of further measures and banning breeding compared to breeders of non-brachycephalic breeds.
In Sweden, actions have been in place for several years; such as:
- Breed-specific instructions for show judges regarding exaggerated features, including brachycephaly, were introduced in Sweden in 2009.
- A system for vets to report BOAS surgeries to the Swedish Kennel Club was established.
- Several conferences focusing on BOAS have been arranged for show judges, breeders, and vets.
- National and international welfare and veterinary organisations have made statements and guidelines regarding BOAS, concluding that health issues related to BOAS are a serious welfare problem and require immediate action with multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Responsible breeders have a pivotal role to play in addressing this issue. The study’s findings serve as a reminder that we need to take decisive action to ensure the well-being of the dogs we breed and the preservation of these breeds, albeit with demonstrably improved health, for generations to come.
It’s also worth reminding ourselves of some of the key initiatives and actions taken in the UK to tackle this issue:
- The Kennel Club in the UK has developed Breed Health and Conservation Plans for the brachycephalic breeds, including French Bulldogs, Pugs, and English Bulldogs. These plans outline breed-specific strategies to improve health and address issues like BOAS.
- In 2019, the University of Cambridge Veterinary School introduced a Respiratory Function Grading Scheme for brachycephalic breeds. This scheme aims to assess the degree of respiratory impairment in these dogs and provide guidance for responsible breeding.
- A Brachycephalic Working Group was established in the UK in 2016, comprising representatives from various stakeholders, including veterinary organisations, welfare groups, and breed clubs. This group has published consensus statements and guidelines to raise awareness and promote responsible breeding practices for brachycephalic breeds.
- The Kennel Club’s “Breed Watch” programme monitors all breeds for points of concern, including exaggerated features that may cause health issues like BOAS. Breeds in Category 3 are subject to additional scrutiny during dog shows.
- Various veterinary and animal welfare organisations in the UK, such as the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), have launched awareness campaigns to educate the public about the health risks associated with brachycephalic breeds and the importance of responsible breeding and ownership.
While these initiatives represent significant efforts to address BOAS in the UK, the research paper suggests that more comprehensive and collaborative actions may still be needed to tackle this issue effectively across all stakeholder groups, including:
Collaborative Efforts: Establish open channels of communication and knowledge-sharing among breeders, vets, show judges, and dog owners. We should foster a shared understanding of the severity of BOAS-related health issues and their impact on the welfare of brachycephalic breeds.
Responsible Breeding Practices: Implement rigorous health screening protocols for breeding stock, including respiratory function tests and evaluation of anatomical features. Breeders should prioritise breeding dogs with moderate or non-exaggerated physical characteristics to reduce the risk of BOAS and related health issues.
Review and Revise Breed Standards: The KC continues to collaborate with breed clubs to review and revise breed standards, emphasising the importance of health and functionality over exaggerated physical features. We need clear guidelines and objective criteria for evaluating conformational traits related to brachycephaly.
Education and Awareness: Develop comprehensive educational programmes and campaigns targeting breeders, show judges, and potential owners of brachycephalic breeds. These should emphasise the importance of prioritising health and welfare over physical appearance or breed standards.
Regulation and Enforcement: If we don’t see improvements, we can expect calls for stronger regulations and legislation regarding the breeding and sale of brachycephalic dogs with severe anatomical exaggerations. Existing laws and regulations aimed at promoting responsible breeding practices and preventing the propagation of inherited disorders could be applied more rigorously.
Research and Continuous Monitoring: The KC supports and funds ongoing research efforts to understand the genetic, anatomical, and physiological factors contributing to BOAS and related health issues. Breed clubs should conduct regular monitoring and data collection to track the prevalence and impact of BOAS in the brachycephalic breeds.
By embracing these actions, collectively we can address the health and welfare concerns associated with BOAS in brachycephalic breeds. As responsible breeders, it is our duty to prioritise the well-being of these dogs, ensuring their quality of life and promoting responsible breeding practices. I strongly recommend anyone reading this also to read the KC’s 2023 “Play your part” report with its comprehensive call to action for multiple stakeholders.
Dog-ED: Social Enterprise 