Submitted by J. Hudson on Thu, 19/02/2026 - 10:26
The Department of Veterinary Medicine researchers led by PhD student Francesca Tomlinson, have just published a study that has significantly advanced understanding of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) across a much wider range of dog breeds.
The study, published in PLOS One, assessed nearly 900 dogs and identified twelve additional breeds as being at risk of this serious breathing condition. The study moves beyond the traditionally recognised high-risk breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs and Bulldogs, demonstrating clearly that BOAS varies not only between breeds but also within them, and that risk is influenced by a combination of physical features including head shape, nostril narrowing, neck thickness, tail length and body weight.
Our researchers carried out detailed assessments of dogs at our own referral hospital, the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital but also at dog shows and at breed-specific health testing days, adapting the internationally recognised Respiratory Function Grading Scheme so that it could be applied to 14 additional breeds. This work required close collaboration between clinicians, researchers and dog owners, and reflects the strength of our integrated approach to clinical research and animal welfare. The findings show that BOAS exists on a spectrum, from mild noisy breathing to severe disease that can compromise a dog’s ability to exercise, sleep and cope with heat or stress, with significant implications for quality of life.
We are immensely proud of our colleagues for delivering research with such clear clinical relevance and real-world impact, and we extend our sincere thanks to the many dog owners who generously participated in the study, as well as to the Royal Kennel Club for their support. This research exemplifies the Department’s commitment to improving animal welfare through rigorous science, collaboration and public engagement. To read more about the study and its findings, visit the University of Cambridge Research website.