Sad reality: loyalty to brachycephalic breeds

A recent study from the UK led by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh and Nottingham Trent University has revealed that 93 % of owners of brachycephalic dogs – including the Pug, French Bulldog, and English Bulldog – would choose the same breed once again, despite experiencing common and severe health problems in their pets. Moreover, 66 % of owners would recommend »their« breed to others.

The key reasons for owners recommending their breed included:
• The perceptions that these dogs were loving and affectionate, loyal, comical, ‘clown-like’ and playful.
• A belief that they were suitable for households with children.
• A perception that flat-faced breeds are ‘lazy’ and require little exercise, so are suited to sedentary lifestyles with limited space.

The French bulldog is the most popular breed in the UK, and despite a multitude of stakeholders trying to make awareness or the lifelong health issue of brachycephalic breeds, the results are of real concern to these efforts.

Read more at the source (RVC).

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