Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Brachycephalic Respiratory Welfare

Brachycephalic dogs suffer chronic respiratory compromise from their flat-faced anatomy requiring surgical intervention and breed reform.

Key Facts

BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome) causes permanent respiratory difficulty
Affected breeds include French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs and Boston Terriers
Snoring and exercise intolerance are not normal - they indicate chronic respiratory suffering
Corrective surgery including soft palate resection and nare widening significantly improves breathing
Breeding registries are implementing breathing assessment tests as prerequisites for registration

Welfare Considerations

BOAS causes lifelong respiratory suffering in affected breeds. Many owners normalise signs as breed characteristics rather than recognising them as welfare problems. Breed reform to reduce anatomical extremes is the only long-term solution to this extensive welfare issue.

What You Can Do

Choose breeds without extreme brachycephalic features if considering a flat-faced dog
Support breeding regulations requiring respiratory function assessment before registration
Seek corrective surgery assessment for brachycephalic dogs showing breathing difficulty