The Royal Veterinary College has published the results of a new study which found that owners of flat-faced brachycephalic dogs are more concerned about their appearance and less concerned about their health and welfare than the owners of longer-faced dogs, such as Labradors and Cocker Spaniels.

The study¹, which was conducted in collaboration with Plymouth University, sought to find out what influences owners to buy a flat-faced breed, and once this decision has been made, how they go about acquiring a puppy. The study surveyed owners of the top 10 most popular Kennel Club registered breeds in the UK, to compare how influences upon breed choice and purchasing processes differed between owners of flat-faced breeds and popular longer-faced breeds.

Appearance was found to be the number one reason owners purchase flat-faced breeds, attracted by their large, round, wide-set eyes, and flat rounded faces. However, such characteristics are linked with lifelong respiratory, eye and skin problems, and a reduced lifespan compared with longer-faced breeds.

Key influencing factors associated with the choice of a brachycephalic breed included:

• The size of the breed being suited to owner lifestyle as owners of flat-faced dogs were more likely to live in apartments
• The breed being perceived to be good with children and for companionship as owners of flat-faced dogs were more likely to live with children
• Owners of the breed were more likely to be younger and buying that breed for the first time – this may reflect increased media influence among younger people, with flat-faced breeds commonly used in the media and advertising

When it came to buying a flat-faced dog, owners were:

• more likely to use puppy selling websites to find their dog
• less likely to see either parent of their puppy
• less likely to ask to see any health records

Dr Rowena Packer, lead author of the study and Research Fellow at RVC, said: "With their small size and baby-like features, some people cannot resist the looks of a brachycephalic dog. With growing evidence that these breeds are faced with a range of chronic and severe health conditions directly linked with their appearance, it is of huge concern that many people drawn to these breeds prioritise a dog’s looks over their long-term health and wellbeing.

"Potential puppy buyers attracted to the appearance of these breeds should seriously consider whether they are emotionally and financially prepared to take on a breed with high risks of health complications, and consider whether alternative, lower-risk breeds would better fit their lifestyle."

Co-author of the study and Associate Professor of Animal Welfare at Plymouth University, Dr Mark Farnworth, said: "Owners must be aware that as puppy-buyers, they are consumers, and their choices affect not only the health of the puppy they purchase, but also the health of the breed more widely. If owners do not follow recommended processes when purchasing a puppy, for example those set out in BVA AWF & RSPCA ‘Puppy Contract’, unscrupulous breeders will be kept in business, and continue to profit from the breeding and sale of unhealthy dogs. Without consumer awareness, breed health improvements are not possible and the overall health of these breeds will likely decline."

Paula Boyden, Dogs Trust Veterinary Director said: "The increased popularity of breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs is a huge welfare concern, particularly as this research indicates that the health of the breed was not a major consideration for potential puppy buyers. Many people mistakenly believe that the breathing sounds these breeds often make are endearing traits, rather than an indication of respiratory problems associated with their conformation. Dogs Trust urges anyone thinking of getting a puppy to look beyond the appearance of a breed, understand the impact on health, research the seller and buy responsibly."

Researchers say that the French Bulldog is set to become the most registered dog in 2017, overtaking the Labrador Retrievers’ 27-year reign at the top. The study therefore makes a number of recommendations, including:

• identifying and promoting breeds with fewer health conditions that fit the lifestyle niches associated with flat-faced dog owners; and
• moderating the use of flat-faced dogs in the media. 
• educating the public regarding the consequences of breeding animals based on looks rather than health
• promoting responsible puppy-buying practices for all breeds of dog

Reference

1. Packer RMA; Murphy D; Farnworth MJ (2017) Purchasing popular purebreds: Investigating the influence of breed-type on the pre-purchase attitudes and behaviour of dog owners. Animal Welfare 26: 191-201

Photo: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0 Credit: Cristorresfer

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