Owner Awareness, Motivation and Ethical Considerations in the Choice of Brachycephalic Breeds: Evidence from an Italian Veterinary Teaching Hospital Survey

Abstract

The recent surge in the popularity of brachycephalic dog breeds has raised concerns about their predisposition to serious health issues linked to breed-specific morphological traits. This study examined the demographic characteristics, motivations, and awareness of owners regarding welfare issues in four brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers).

Methods: A total of 497 owners of brachycephalic dogs examined over six years at an Italian university veterinary hospital were considered; a subset of 75 owners completed a structured questionnaire. Based on responses to a key multiple-choice question about the main reason for breed choice, owners were classified into three groups: trend-driven (aesthetics/fashion), value-oriented (intelligence/behavior), and indeterminate.

Results: Gender distribution did not differ significantly compared to the overall population, but brachycephalic owners were significantly younger (p < 0.001). Value-oriented owners were significantly more likely (p < 0.01) to consult a veterinarian before acquisition and showed better understanding of typical respiratory issues, which did not affect their purchasing decision. Trend-driven owners were more influenced by public figures (p < 0.05) and less engaged in preventive care.

Conclusion: Our findings highlight the need for pre-acquisition veterinary counseling. Veterinarians can also assist breeders by promoting awareness of the ethical risks of selecting extreme traits in dogs.

Keywords: brachycephalic breeds; dog owner behavior; dog welfare; emotional decision-making; extreme traits; health awareness; owner demography; university veterinary hospital; veterinary counseling.

Figure 1

Demographic chart that illustrates the distribution of dog owners, categorized by the type of dog they own (selected brachycephalic breeds and other canine breeds) and segmented by the gender of the owners.