Overview
- The study evaluated 898 dogs at least one year old across 14 flat-faced breeds in the United Kingdom using standardized respiratory grading.
- Pekingese showed BOAS in roughly 89–90 percent of tested dogs, and Japanese Chins in about 82–83 percent, the highest rates reported in the sample.
- Nearly every breed exhibited some breathing abnormality, with Maltese and Pomeranian the only breeds without clinically significant signs in this cohort.
- Across dogs, higher risk correlated with extremely flattened faces, narrowed nostrils and overweight status, with thick necks and shorter tails linked in some breeds.
- The authors urge breed-specific screening and breeding choices to select away from extreme conformations, extending BOAS focus beyond pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs.