Owners of brachycephalic dogs pay more attention to looks than health

APPEARANCE is the top reason why owners purchase brachycephalic dogs, according to research carried out by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and Plymouth University. The perceived health of a breed was of less concern to owners who bought a brachycephalic dog such as a French bulldog or pug compared with owners who bought breeds such as labrador retrievers or cocker spaniels. The research featured in the journal Animal Welfare from a team led by Rowena Packer, a research fellow at the RVC. ‘With their small size and baby-like features, some people cannot resist the looks of a brachycephalic dog,’ said Dr Packer. ‘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.’ The...
Source: Veterinary Record - Category: Veterinary Research Tags: News section Source Type: research