A brachycephal kutyafajták tartásának állatvédelmi vonatkozásai és tapasztalatai Magyarországon

Abstract

Background: The popularity of brachycephalic dog breeds has increased significantly in the recent period as a result of their external characteristics, but there are more and more concerns about their well-being. Possible genetic disorders strongly influence the animal's health, the conditions and costs of animal keeping, which must ultimately be reflected in the legal regulations. Objectives: Our aims were to 1) study the veterinary and legal background of genetic disorders in dogs, especially Brachycephal Obstructive Airways Syndrome, 2) examine the experiences and attitudes of the owners and 3) explore the opinions and experiences of breeders of the dog breeds concerned in Hungary. Materials and Methods: Specialized surveys were conducted through social media from 15 June to 15 August 2022, the target groups were the keepers of brachycephalic dogs (n = 1620) and dog breeders of the affected breeds (n = 135). Results and Discussion: Based on the questionnaire survey, when choosing brachycephalic dogs, appearance is a more important aspect than taking into account the genetic abnormalities characteristic of the breed. The most common way of purchasing dogs was without a pedigree (44.9%, n = 727). Based on the survey, 11.4% of dogs purchased without a pedigree suffer from brachycephalic syndrome, 26.5% were treated for eye disorders and 9% were diagnosed with elbow, shoulder or hip joint dysplasia. For dogs purchased with a pedigree, the rates are very similar (11.3%, 30% and 9.4%). Although, according to Hungarian law, breeding dogs with hereditary diseases is animal cruelty, almost a third of the dog breeders who filled out the questionnaire (30.4%) are not aware of this. Based on the literature and questionnaire surveys, it would be necessary to regulate the selection of dogs for breeding and to inform dog keepers more effectively in order to ensure animal welfare.