ArticlePloS one2026
Quantitative genetic analysis of respiratory function and related traits in Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs.
Article in PloS one, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- 'Teleonomes in Tatters': The Welfare Costs of Selecting Dogs for Extreme Phenotypes, and the Case for Change.Animals : an open access journal from MDPI · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is a common health issue in brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs, linked to their distinctive skull morphology. Despite its prevalence, the genetic basis of respiratory dysfunction in these breeds remains poorly characterised. To enable selection against BOAS, the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS) was established in 2019, where respiratory function of dogs considered for breeding is tested via a standardised exercise test. Here, we analysed RFGS data from over 4,000 dogs, alongside pedigree records, to estimate heritability of respiratory function and assess RFGS participation across the UK Royal Kennel Club registered populations of the three extreme brachycephalic breeds. Moderate heritability estimates for RFGS grade (0.21-0.49), and nostril stenosis (0.31-0.39), with significant genetic correlations between the traits indicate that within-breed selective breeding can improve respiratory health. These findings support the feasibility of breeding programs targeting respiratory function. Implementing such strategies, alongside increased health screening participation, may help mitigate BOAS prevalence and enhance welfare in these popular breeds.
Indexed as
Identifiers
What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.