Prospective dog owners are being warned against buying breeds with fashionably “flat-faced” features due to health concerns.
Advertisement
Pugs, bulldogs, French bulldogs, shih-tzus and Cavalier King Charles spaniels have all become fashionable in the United Kingdom in recent years.
Such dogs, known properly as brachycephalic breeds, have surged in popularity after a rise in celebrity ownership, but their shortened muzzles put them at risk of breathing and eating difficulties, as well as eye problems.
The Royal Veterinary College said many owners of short-muzzled dogs are not aware of the underlying health problems they face, with some even believing that “airway noise” is normal in dogs.
“Prospective dog owners need to consider that these dogs can suffer a range of health issues throughout their lives from eye ulcers to painful spine abnormalities and severe breathing difficulties that can result in otherwise preventable surgery”.
He said: “We strongly encourage people to choose a healthier breed or a crossbreed instead”.
Dr Rowena Packer, a researcher at the Royal Veterinary College, explained this process further by saying that the health issues faced by brachycephalic dogs were linked to body shapes.
So perhaps – for the health of the dogs – it’s best to think twice before picking up that cute pug.
In 2015, Battersea Dogs Home and Bluecross Animal Rescue received 314 “flat-faced” dogs, compared to 226 the year before – an increase of 39%.
Their increased popularity has sadly led to lots more “in vogue” dogs such as pugs and French bulldogs being left at animal shelters as their owners can’t cope, or can’t afford their medical bills.
“For example, dogs who have been bred to have short, flat faces often have narrow nostrils and abnormally-developed windpipes”.
Steve Gosling, a vet at Battersea Dogs Home, told the BBC that one of their bulldogs was suffering greatly, and desperately needed help.
Caroline Kisko, the Kennel Club secretary, said: ‘The breed standards were set many years ago. If you look back through history there are some dire things that went on, and undoubtedly we would accept all responsibility for that. Because breed standards are so strict, they say, the number of dogs that are suitable to breed is quite small, which can inadvertently lead to inbreeding and subsequent problems. But if you simply must have a Boston terrier, the veterinarians urge you to make sure you have thoroughly researched its breeder-and don’t even think of buying a pet from a puppy mill or a pet store that uses one.
‘If you want a pet that will run around and chase a ball and so on, don’t go out and buy any short-faced breed based on what celebrities are walking around with under their arm’.
Advertisement
Watch two vets explain why the “squashed nose” look is such a problems for dogs.
