Skip to main content
institutional access

You are connecting from
Lake Geneva Public Library,
please login or register to take advantage of your institution's Ground News Plan.

Published loading...Updated

Pekingese, Shih Tzu and Staffordshire Bull Terrier Among 12 Dog Breeds at Risk of Serious Breathing Condition

Nearly 900 dogs across 14 breeds were studied, revealing 12 breeds with breathing issues linked to obesity, nostril narrowing, and head shape, Cambridge researchers said.

  • Published February 18 in PLOS One, researchers from the University of Cambridge found 12 of 14 brachycephalic breeds had detectable BOAS after examining nearly 900 dogs at Queen's Veterinary School Hospital and events.
  • After earlier focus on pugs and bulldogs, researchers aimed to identify other at-risk breeds, studying 898 dogs across 14 breeds, says Francesca Tomlinson.
  • The study found over 80 dogs of Pekingese and Japanese Chin affected, with researchers grading BOAS on a 0–3 scale and assessing breathing before and after a three-minute exercise test.
  • Affected dogs can face reduced quality of life, and Dr Fran Tomlinson said `Weight loss could be used as a management tool to reduce the risk of BOAS in these three breeds, as it is in the pug`.
  • Unexpectedly, other anatomical features linked to BOAS include short or screw tails and thicker necks, while weight, nostril narrowing and craniofacial ratio explain only 20% of variation; Paul McGreevy, University of Sydney, questions subjective auditory grading and exercise-test limits.
Insights by Ground AI

29 Articles

Lean Left

fainting, vomiting, sleep disturbances, fatal breathlessness: some breeds of dogs are struggling with respiratory disease because of quality breeding. According to one study, this includes more breeding than previously known.

·Germany
Read Full Article
ABC FOX MontanaABC FOX Montana
+12 Reposted by 12 other sources
Center

New ‘flat-faced’ dog breeds identified as at risk of deadly condition

Scientists have found a dozen further breeds threatened by Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome or BOAS.

·Missoula, United States
Read Full Article
Lean Right

Gasping for breath, constant overheating, and sleep disturbances are commonplace for many brachycephalic dogs. A new study now shows that, in addition to pugs, Pekingese and Japanese Chins are also severely affected. Other breeds are reportedly at moderate risk.

Center

Writing Science, (EFE).- Short skull dogs (brachycephalus), a very flat face, collapsed nostrils and a plump physique are associated with respiratory difficulties and, among them, the pequinés and Japanese chins have a particularly high risk. Pugs, French bulldogs and bulldogs are known for their brachicephaly, but a new research ... Read more

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

University of Cambridge broke the news in on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal