Flat-faced dog breeds such as pugs and French bulldogs cost twice as much in veterinary bills and require more annual vet visits than other breeds, according to an Australian survey of five years of pet insurance claims. The data, released by pet insurance body Petsure, also shows these breeds are more susceptible to heat stroke, with the RSPCA warning that rising temperatures pose a greater risk to brachycephalic dogs.
The RSPCA has used the findings to encourage potential dog owners to consider animal welfare risks and increased costs before choosing a fashionable breed. Di Evans, senior scientific officer at RSPCA Australia, said: 'There is a lot placed on aesthetics with a dog. If potential dog owners would look at some of the welfare concerns relating to designer breeds, and think about those animals who are really desperate for a loving home, they might put that as a priority rather than what the dog looks like.'
The survey analysed three million pet insurance claims made in Australia between 2013 and 2018. British bulldogs had the most frequent vet attendance, averaging three visits per year, while French bulldogs experienced the most rapid rise in popularity. The study recorded a 79% increase in claims for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, a condition affecting up to half of all dogs bred for foreshortened snouts, often requiring surgery.
British and French bulldogs also had the highest rate of claims for heat stroke, as their flat noses and reduced upper respiratory tract hinder their ability to cool down by panting. 'If you have a combination of exercise and higher temperatures you are increasing the risk of that dog collapsing,' Evans said. The average annual veterinary spend for a British bulldog was $965, while French bulldogs cost $871 per year.
The survey also highlighted a rise in designer crossbreeds, with 86% in the 'oodle' class, including cavoodles and labradoodles. Evans warned that high demand and price points for such breeds create a monetary incentive to produce as many dogs as possible, potentially supporting puppy farms. From 1 July, all dogs and cats sold or adopted in Victoria will be tracked through a pet exchange register, requiring a traceable source code linking back to the breeder.
