We must do better to help raise awareness about Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). A recent study revealed a majority of show judges (59.3%) agreed (totally or partly) that it is essential to follow the breed standard, even if it can be associated with health issues.

The corresponding percentages of veterinarians, breeders, & owners were 7.4%, 37.9%, & 27.5%, respectively.

Breed standards are descriptions of anatomic features of a breed and are “prescribed” by the cynological organisations (Federation Cynologic Internationale (FCI), the Royal Kennel Club (UK) & the American Kennel Club (AKC)).

Since the nineteenth century, several standards have been adopted by the Royal Kennel Club [36] & somewhat later similar standards were internationally recognized by the FCI & the AKC.

The breed standards often describe an “ideal picture” of a breed, rather than a range, & are formulated as short, long, small or great. These undefined measures introduce a possibility of subjective interpretations of the breed standards & may lead to promotion of anatomical exaggerations.

Breed standards have been in focus since 1960 for their detrimental effect due to the risk of encouraging exaggeration of anatomical features such as too much skin, too short legs or too short & broad skull [37, 38].

Since then, the standards have been rephrased, & a statement saying that ”Only functionally & clinically healthy dogs, with breed typical conformation should be used for breeding” has been added to breed standards.