A solution right under our nose? Crossbreeding extreme brachycephalic dogs results in better health outcomes while preserving behavioural profiles and dog-owner relationship quality

Abstract

Despite substantial evidence of numerous welfare-limiting disorder predispositions linked to their exaggerated conformation, brachycephalic dogs remain highly desired breeds in the UK. National and international attempts to reduce demand for brachycephalic breeds appear to have had a limited effect on significantly reducing their acquisition. As ‘designer crossbreeds’ become increasingly popular, an opportunity exists to leverage the public’s desire for intentionally crossbred dogs to meet the ownership niche currently occupied by extreme brachycephalic dogs. However, evidence on the comparative health, behaviour and dog-owner relationship between extreme brachycephalic purebreds and their less extreme designer crosses is urgently needed to understand whether they are truly higher-welfare. Purebred Pug (n = 51) and Pug-cross (‘Jug’: Jack Russell × Pug; n = 51; and ‘Puggle’: Beagle × Pug; n = 48) dogs were recruited from the UK pet-owned population for veterinary health assessments and to assess owner-reported health, behaviour and dog-owner relationships using established tools. Jugs and Puggles had a less extreme facial conformation than Pugs, with significantly longer relative muzzle length and less stenotic nostrils. Purebred Pugs exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory, ocular, dermatological and musculoskeletal disorders compared to Jugs and Puggles, and accrued increased veterinary costs. However, behaviour profiles and dog-owner relationships were similar between purebred and designer crossbred dogs. These results provide strong evidence of substantially reduced conformation-related disorder burden in designer crossbreed Pugs compared to their purebred Pug progenitor, whilst preserving behaviour profiles and dog-owner relationships that are known key motivators for extreme brachycephalic acquisition. Crossbreeding offers major opportunities to improve the welfare of extreme brachycephalic dogs.