Breed Health Score
respiratory

BOAS in dogs

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome affects flat-faced breeds whose narrowed airways make breathing difficult. Signs include noisy breathing, snoring, exercise intolerance and overheating. Severe cases struggle to breathe and may need surgery.

11 of the 155 breeds we track are commonly associated with BOAS, including French Bulldog, Pug. Across these breeds median lifespans range from 9.8 to 13.3 years.

BOAS in dogs: quick facts

Type
respiratory condition
Breeds affected
11 of the 155 breeds we track
Severity (as scored)
Major-welfare or life-threatening

Plain-English definitions of these terms are on the glossary. On the Breed Health Score, BOAS is weighted as a major-welfare or life-threatening condition, so breeds it commonly affects carry a larger hereditary-burden deduction. This describes how our data weights the condition, not a diagnosis.

Breeds commonly associated with BOAS (11), ranked by health score

71
Pekingese13.3 yr · toy
69
Brussels Griffon13.3 yr · toy
65
Japanese Chin12.5 yr · toy
65
Shih Tzu12.8 yr · small
59
Boston Terrier11.8 yr · small
55
Pug11.6 yr · toy
47
Chinese Shar Pei10.6 yr · medium
47
Boxer11.3 yr · large
46
Dogue de Bordeaux11.1 yr · giant
38
Bulldog9.8 yr · medium
38
French Bulldog9.8 yr · small

Related respiratory conditions

Tracheal collapseChylothoraxJuvenile laryngeal paralysisLaryngeal paralysisPulmonary fibrosisUpper airway syndrome

Products that may help

General care products for dogs prone to BOAS. Browse on Amazon → Ad

Note. Breed associations are compiled from RVC VetCompass / AKC / PDSA and are indicative, not a diagnosis or veterinary advice. Browse all conditions or the breed directory.