Experts have identified a complete list of dog breeds at risk of serious breathing problems, as they warn ‘cute’ flat faces result in a lifetime of suffering.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge said the popularised ‘squished’ faces of dogs can come at a price.

Their shortened skull shape, called brachycephaly, can cause horrific wheezing and difficulty breathing.

While previous research has focused on the three most popular ‘flat faced’ dog breeds in the UK – the Bulldog, French Bulldog and the Pug – they have now found a further 12 breeds at risk of serious issues.

This includes the Pekingese and Japanese Chin breeds, which were found to be at highest risk of a serious breathing problem called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).

Meanwhile the King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu, Griffon Bruxellois, Boston Terrier and the Dogue de Bordeaux are all at moderate risk of the condition.

The Staffordshire Bull terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Boxer and Affenpinscher were all found to be at mild risk.

‘BOAS exists on a spectrum,’ co–lead author Dr Fran Tomlinson, from the University of Cambridge, said. ‘Some dogs are only mildly affected, but for those at the more severe end, it can significantly reduce quality of life and become a serious welfare issue.’

Flat–faced dogs, like Pugs, suffer from debilitating health conditions. A dog’s nose should be at least one–third the length of its skull in order for it to breathe normally, experts have said

For their study, the team collected data from 898 dogs encompassing 14 different breeds.

They measured the animals’ skulls and noses, bodies and necks, and checked them for symptoms of BOAS following a three–minute exercise test.

In the study they focused on the loudness and difficulty of the animals’ breathing, but other symptoms can also include loud snoring, snorting, poor heat tolerance, exercise intolerance and even vomiting.

Of the 14 breeds, two were found to not be clinically affected by the condition – the Pomeranian and the Maltese.

However, the team discovered the remaining 12 all experienced problems on some level, meaning they join the likes of Pugs and Bulldogs in a comprehensive list of the breeds at risk of BOAS.

The study, published in the journal PLOS One, also found that the condition varies considerably within each breed.

Those with a very flat face, collapsed nostrils or a ‘plump physique’ were at especially high risk, they discovered.

The researchers hope that this study will lead to more ‘flat–faced’ dogs being tested and encourage greater engagement on BOAS and other health issues faced by these breeds.

89 per cent of Pekingese involved in the study were found to be at risk of BOAS, the researchers found. Pictured: Pekingese at Crufts in 2024

A Japanese Chin, one of breeds found to be at highest risk of BOAS, with rates comparable with Pugs, French Bulldogs and Bulldogs (file image)

The dogs were graded for BOAS on a scale of zero to three, with zero indicating few symptoms, and three meaning the pup had difficulty exercising and getting enough air

Dr Jane Ladlow, who co–led the study, said: ‘Being aware of risk factors can be useful for both breeders and prospective owners in selecting dogs which are less likely to be affected by BOAS.

‘Knowledge of these risk factors can also help to inform judges in deciding which features are detrimental to health so that factors associated with BOAS are not rewarded in the show ring, particularly as winning dogs can become popular sires.’

The team said that a breathing assessment remains the most accurate way to determine BOAS risk and therefore which dogs should be selected for breeding or whose welfare would benefit from veterinary intervention.

‘While surgery, weight management and other interventions can help affected dogs to some degree, BOAS is hereditary, and there is still much to learn about how we can reduce the risk in future generations,’ Dr Tomlinson added.

In severe cases, BOAS can result in collapse or even death, they warned.

Last week, it emerged that dog shelters are being forced to euthanise flat–faced breeds amid a ‘heartbreaking’ rise in abandonments.

The shelters warned they are being overwhelmed by the sheer number of dogs with ‘extreme conformations’, with one reporting a 500 per cent increase since 2017.

Sarah Roser, head of operations at Hope Rescue in South Wales, told the Daily Mail: ‘We’re looking at a dog where nothing is functioning as it should be, and sadly, those are the animals that sometimes we have to make a euthanasia decision for. No matter what we do medically, we’re never going to get them to a point where they’re free of pain.’

Animal welfare experts also recently revealed the 10 extreme body traits in dogs that they’re urging prospective owners to avoid.

Experts say demand for these pets has been fuelled by social media trends and celebrity pooches like Megan Thee Stallion’s French bulldog and Kendall Jenner’s Doberman.

Extreme conformations that dog owners should avoid include the Merle colouration, skin folds, a very short muzzle, eyelids that roll inwards or outwards and bulging eyes.

Prospective owners should also avoid dogs which have an underbite or overbite, an excessively short tail, bowed or curved legs, an inflexible spine or very short legs.

Dr Dan O’Neil, an animal health expert from The Royal Veterinary College who helped develop the IHA, says: ‘Extreme conformation means that we have crossed a boundary, and that the conformation is preventing the animal from living its life as a dog.

‘This is so basic, but dogs that are incapable of doing this are suffering.’

Shocking images and reports of dogs being killed in Morocco have drawn global scrutiny of a campaign linked to the country’s 2030 World Cup preparations. 

The North African nation was confirmed in 2023 as a co-host alongside Spain and Portugal, a decision that animal rights groups claim has coincided with a widespread cull of strays across Moroccan cities. 

Activists have said the alleged effort aims to make cities and tourist hotspots appear cleaner and safer, as well as more appealing to international visitors, fans, and media, in an attempt to avoid negative perceptions associated with strays.

An estimated three million stray dogs live on Morocco’s streets.

Animal welfare organizations have released images and testimony alleging Moroccan authorities are using harsh methods, including clamping dogs by the neck, loading them into trucks and poisoning or shooting them before disposing of their bodies in mass graves.

A report published last month described Marrakech, expected to host World Cup matches, as a ‘kill center,’ where canines were transported in white vans and processed in warehouse facilities fitted with meat hooks and washable flooring.

Witnesses in other host cities alleged that dogs were starved for days before being burned alive at rubbish depots.

The International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition (IAWPC) said Morocco has a pattern of large-scale animal killings ahead of major international events, arguing that organizations like FIFA are not issuing orders but are effectively enabling the practice.

Morocco has been accused of killing stray dogs in its streets in a ‘clean up’ effort ahead of the 2030 World Cup

Officials said the effort is aimed at making cities and tourist hotspots appear cleaner, safer, and more appealing to international visitors, fans, and media, in an attempt to avoid negative perceptions of stray animals during major global events

The coalition submitted a 91-page dossier to FIFA, including photographs documenting poisonings, forced starvation, and the shooting of dogs. Despite the evidence, questions remain about how seriously the allegations are being addressed.

‘After the [World Cup confirmation], the extermination of the dogs has increased dramatically,’ IAWPC said in a statement.

‘As a result, the fear is that Morocco will now go ahead with their plan for the mass slaughter of three million dogs.’

A FIFA spokesperson told Daily Mail that during its bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Morocco emphasized its commitment to animal welfare, noting government efforts to expand clinics and support programs for stray dogs.

‘With the bidding process now completed, FIFA is following up with its local counterparts with the aim of ensuring commitments are upheld,’ the FIFA spokesperson continued.

FIFA also said it is working with the animal welfare group IAWPC, which convened a global panel of senior legal and animal welfare experts to review Morocco’s draft regulations; their recommendations have now been submitted to Moroccan authorities.

Morocco’s Embassy in London has denied the claims, insisting there is no cull of stray dogs and citing what it described as the country’s commitment to humane and sustainable animal management.

A spokesman said last year that Morocco launched a Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release program in 2019 and is investing in clinics, veterinary services, and municipal hygiene systems, adding: ‘It is entirely untrue that Morocco is planning to cull stray dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.’ 

Images from the North African nation show men collecting dogs and putting them inside cages

Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo has thrown his support behind the IAWPC campaign to stop the killings

However, documents obtained by The Athletic reportedly show local authorities ordered 1,000 rounds of ammunition in September 2025 to deal with stray dogs.

In its evaluation report for Morocco’s World Cup bid, FIFA cited the country’s commitment to animal welfare. 

PETA spokesman Catie Cryar told the Daily Mail: ‘Morocco hasn’t attempted to hide the fact that dogs are being poisoned, shot, and burned alive to ‘clean up’ for the 2030 World Cup, as this report details, so no investigation has been necessary. 

‘PETA entities worldwide have been protesting FIFA events, and tens of thousands of PETA members and supporters have sent urgent appeals calling on FIFA to withdraw Morocco’s right to co-host the tournament unless it stops the dog slaughter.

‘FIFA needs to stop dogs from being gunned down in its name, and it can start by funding a spay/neuter program to help solve the homeless-animal crisis on Morocco’s streets.’

Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo has thrown his support behind the IAWPC campaign to stop the killings in an X post that reads: ‘Killing millions of dogs to prepare for a global sporting event is not progress, it’s a moral failure. 

‘The World Cup should unite the world, not be built on suffering that happens behind closed doors. Humane solutions exist, and choosing compassion over violence is a responsibility we all share.’

An estimated three million stray dogs live on Morocco’s streets

Animal welfare organizations have released images and testimony alleging Moroccan authorities are using harsh methods, including clamping dogs by the neck, loading them into trucks and poisoning or shooting them before disposing of their bodies in mass grave

The International Animal Coalition has launched a campaign to expose what it calls ‘Morocco’s ugly secret,’ detailing horrifying methods used to kill stray dogs.

They claim dogs are being poisoned with strychnine, injected directly into their bodies or fed through bait.

Gunmen reportedly patrol the streets around the clock, shooting the animals and often leaving them wounded to die in agony.

Other dogs are said to be trapped with clamping devices, thrown into trucks, and transported to facilities where they are inhumanely killed.

The coalition alleges that since FIFA’s announcement in 2023, the killings have dramatically increased, despite Moroccan authorities claiming in August 2024 that the initiative had been halted.

The psychological well-being and moral development of children witnessing the reported dog slaughter in Morocco have also become a growing focus for the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). 

In September 2023, the committee issued General Comment 26, in support of Article 19 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, stating: ‘Children must be protected from all forms of physical and psychological violence and from exposure to violence, such as domestic violence or violence inflicted on animals.’