How your English, French Bulldog or Pug can join BOAS research

Brachycephalic dog breeds like the English bulldog, French bulldog and pug are among the UK's most beloved breeds, consistently ranking in the top ten for popularity, with the French bulldog holding the number one spot overall.

Despite their charm and popularity, these breeds are particularly vulnerable to a serious health issue called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). This condition, caused by the breed’s characteristic flat facial structure, can severely affect their breathing and overall quality of life.

Many pugs, English bulldogs, and French bulldogs exhibit signs of BOAS to varying degrees. This serious concern has prompted The Kennel Club, the French Bulldog Club of England, and veterinary experts to fund and support important research aimed at understanding and alleviating this condition.

Understanding BOAS, its causes linked to breed conformation, and its impact on these dogs is crucial. The goal is to offer support to owners and breeders promoting responsible breeding practices that prioritise health and aim for more moderate physical traits.

Currently, a large-scale veterinary research programme is being conducted at Queen's Veterinary School Hospital in Cambridge. It aims to perform a non-invasive respiratory function assessment of English bulldogs, French bulldogs, and pugs, studying how their physical traits affect their breathing ability.

If you own any of these breeds, your dog could contribute to this valuable research, helping to shape a healthier future for these popular dogs.

What does the assessment involve?

The assessment is structured into four key stages making a comprehensive evaluation of the dog's breathing and conformation.

Stage 1: Veterinary Examination

A vet conducts a thorough check that includes listening to your dog's throat and chest with a stethoscope, assessing the openness of the nostrils, and observing respiratory signs to gauge how freely the dog breathes. This also involves a gentle trotting test lasting three minutes, while monitoring the dog's response.

Stage 2: Physical Measurements and Photos

This stage focuses on detailed measurements of the dog's head and body, including skull and muzzle length, eye width, neck and chest girth, plus body dimensions. Photographs are taken from the front and side to aid in conformation analysis.

Stage 3: DNA Cheek Swab

A quick cheek swab is collected to gather DNA data that supports the broader research on genetic factors linked to BOAS.

Stage 4: Respiratory Function Assessment

Your dog will be placed in a special chamber where they can move freely while their breathing is recorded comfortably for about twenty minutes. An investigator stays in the room to watch the dog, and you can observe from just outside, ensuring your dog remains relaxed throughout.

Which dogs are eligible for assessment?

Pedigree English bulldogs, French bulldogs, and pugs, regardless of whether they show signs of BOAS or appear perfectly healthy, can participate in the study. The aim is to collect data across the full spectrum of affected and unaffected dogs to build an accurate picture of the condition's prevalence and impact.

The ultimate goal is to reduce BOAS occurrence and improve the long-term welfare of these brachycephalic breeds through informed breeding and owner education.

How to enrol your dog in the BOAS study?

The assessments are held at Queen's Veterinary School Hospital in Cambridge, so participation requires the ability to bring your dog to this location for their appointment.

For full details on the process, to ask questions, or to arrange an assessment, you can contact the researchers directly via this Queen's Veterinary School Hospital webpage.

UK Veterinary Consensus on BOAS and Breed Health (2025 Update)

Quick Answer: In the UK, the veterinary consensus on brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) in breeds like English bulldogs, French bulldogs, and pugs emphasises rigorous respiratory health screening, responsible breeding practices, and health entry requirements at dog shows starting in 2025.

Veterinary and breed organisations have collaborated to create the Respiratory Function Grading (RFG) scheme to measure BOAS severity, guiding breeders and owners in selecting healthier dogs. Dogs showing severe signs are recommended for further care and are excluded from dog shows such as Crufts from 2025 onward. The UK’s Kennel Club promotes these measures alongside public education and ongoing research to improve the wellbeing of affected breeds.

This approach focusses on reducing disease through careful selection, discouraging breeding of severely affected dogs, and heightening awareness among buyers. It reflects a growing commitment to prioritising health over exaggerated features and advancing veterinary research for better outcomes.

For those concerned about acquiring or breeding these dogs, it is more important than ever to seek reputable breeders who prioritise health testing, including RFG assessments, and who work to produce dogs with improved conformation that minimises BOAS risk.