• Pekingese (left) and Japanese chin (right) dogs have a high risk of breathing problemsMichael Schultze, KATAMOUNT/Alamy Pekingese (left) and Japanese chin (right) dogs have a high risk of breathing problems Michael Schultze, KATAMOUNT/Alamy Dog owners are being warned to be cautious of a much broader range of breeds when purchasing puppies, following research showing serious breathing disorders are more prevalent than previously thought. • Dogs with a shorter snout and flatter face are known as brachycephalic breeds and have become “hugely popular” in recent years, saysFrancesca Tomlinsonat the University of Cambridge. • Read moreHuge study of dog longevity reveals which breeds live the longest Read more Huge study of dog longevity reveals which breeds live the longest Advertisement But as the popularity of these breeds has soared, so too have the health issues associated with them - particularly brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), easily recognisable from noisy breathing. • This condition can lead to an inability to exercise, sleep and cope with heat or stress. • Concerns over BOAS have primarily focused on English bulldogs, French bulldogs and pugs. • To find out which other breeds are at risk, Tomlinson and her colleagues studied 898 dogs from 14 breeds: affenpinscher, Boston terrier, boxer, cavalier King Charles spaniel, Chihuahua, Dogue de Bordeaux, Griffon Bruxellois, Japanese chin, Maltese, Pekingese, King Charles spaniel, Pomeranian, shih tzu and Staffordshire bull terrier.

Article Summaries:

  • A new study from the University of Cambridge examined 898 dogs across 14 brachycephalic breeds and found that breathing disorders are far more common than previously thought. The research identified the Pekingese and Japanese chin as having the highest risk, with over 80 % affected, while five other breeds showed moderate risk (50-75 %). Only Maltese and Pomeranian dogs showed no clinically significant cases. Key risk factors included obesity, nostril narrowing and extreme facial flatness, suggesting that breeding for extreme traits increases disease risk. The authors urge owners to choose puppies from health‑tested parents and breeders to reduce extreme physical traits to improve welfare.

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