
What is the scheme?
The Kennel Club and University of Cambridge's Respiratory Function Grading Scheme assesses Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs for a breathing problem known as BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome).
The scheme advises owners if their dog is affected by BOAS and gives guidance to breeders on how to lower the risk of producing affected puppies. A selection of regionally approved assessors (vets trained especially in BOAS) have been appointed to carry out respiratory function grading on dogs of these breeds.
What is BOAS?
Dogs with a flat, wide-shaped head are said to be brachycephalic (‘brachy’ meaning short, and ‘cephalic’, meaning head). The soft tissue in the nose and throat of some brachycephalic dogs may be excessive for the airways, partially obstructing the airway and making it difficult for them to breathe normally (causing heavy panting or noisy breathing). This condition is known as BOAS and is a progressive disorder that can impair a dog’s ability to exercise, play, eat and sleep.
How can I book an assessment?
You could look at our list of health testing clinics, or alternatively find your closest regional assessor below and contact them directly to book an assessment.
Scotland
Assessor: | Laura Hamilton |
---|---|
Location: | East Lothian |
Practice: | Animal 1st Veterinary Surgery |
Bookings (via email): | Laura Hamilton |
Assessor: | Adele Fitzpatrick |
Location: | Glasgow |
Practice: | The Natural Vet/Vet Crèche |
Bookings (via email): | Adele Fitzpatrick |
Ireland
Assessor: | Ian Finney |
---|---|
Location: | Stamullen, County Meath |
Practice: | Shenick Veterinary Centre |
Bookings (via email): |
Ian Finney
00353830332468 |
Northern Ireland
Assessor: | Daniel Flynn |
---|---|
Location: | Belfast |
Name: | FlynnVets Balmoral |
Bookings (via email): | FlynnVets Balmoral |
Assessor: | Gilbert McKnight |
Location: | Belfast |
Name: | Cedar Grove Veterinary Clinic |
Bookings (via email): | Cedar Grove Veterinary Clinic |
Wales
Assessor: | Fiona Murphy |
---|---|
Location: | Denbighshire |
Practice: | Murphy and Co. Vets |
Bookings (via email): | Murphy and Co. Vets |
North East
Location: | Durham |
---|---|
Practice: | Cestria Veterinary Centre Ltd |
Bookings (email): | Cestria Veterinary Centre Ltd |
Assessor: | Andrew Ward |
Location: | Northumberland |
Practice: | St. Clair Veterinary Care |
Bookings (via email): | Andrew Ward |
North West
Assessor: | Gemma Holloway |
---|---|
Location: | Cumbria |
Practice: | Kentdale Referrals |
Bookings (via email): | Kentdale Referrals |
Assessor: | James Dutfield |
Location: | Greater Manchester |
Practice: | Yew Tree Veterinary Surgery - Withington |
Bookings (via email): | Yew Tree Veterinary Surgery - Withington |
Assessor: | Lloyd Davies |
Location: | Greater Manchester |
Practice: | My Pet Vets, Walter Leigh Way Surgery |
Bookings (via email): | My Pet Vets, Walter Leigh Way Surgery |
Assessor: | Lisa Steinhage |
Location: | Lancashire |
Practice: | Oakhill Veterinary Centre – Conway Drive |
Bookings (via email): | Oakhill Veterinary Centre – Conway Drive |
Assessor: | Michael Hough |
Location: | Cheshire |
Practice: | The Vets Place |
Bookings (via email): | The Vets Place |
Assessor: | Richard Pescod |
Location: | Cheshire |
Practice: | Medivet Nantwich, Hillside Veterinary Centre |
Bookings (via email): | Medivet Nantwich, Hillside Veterinary Centre |
Yorkshire
Assessor: | Beth Laycock |
---|---|
Location: | North Yorkshire |
Practice: | Kingsway Veterinary Group Ltd - Skipton |
Bookings (via email): | Kingsway Veterinary Group Ltd - Skipton |
Assessor: | Katie Illingworth |
Location: | North Yorkshire |
Practice: | Kingsway Veterinary Group Ltd - Skipton |
Bookings (via email): | Kingsway Veterinary Group Ltd - Skipton |
Assessor: | Natalie Ratcliffe |
Location: | South Yorkshire |
Practice: | Abbey Veterinary Group |
Bookings (via email): | Natalie Ratcliffe |
West Midlands
Assessor: | Susan Seffer |
---|---|
Location: | West Midlands |
Practice: | 608 Veterinary Practice |
Bookings (via email): | Susan Seffer |
Assessor: | Tom Bingham |
Location: | Staffordshire |
Practice: | Walpole & Bingham |
Bookings (via email): | Tom Bingham |
Assessor: | Rumen Beleliev |
Location: | Staffordshire |
Practice: | Walpole & Bingham |
Bookings (via email): | Rumen Beleliev |
Assessor: | Craig McCreatb |
Location: | Staffordshire |
Practice: | E.C Straiton and Partners Veterinary Hospital |
Bookings: | 01785 712235 |
East Midlands
Assessor: | Alistair Mitchell |
---|---|
Location: | Lincolnshire |
Practice: | Holbeach and Fleet Veterinary Clinic |
Bookings (via email): | Alistair Mitchell |
Assessor: | Richard Morris |
Location: | Lincolnshire |
Practice: |
Fenwold Veterinary Practice |
Bookings (via email): | |
Assessor: | Dinu Catilina |
Location: | Derbyshire |
Practice: | Prime Veterinary Practice |
Bookings (via email): | Prime Veterinary Practice |
East of England
Assessor: | Alexander Bradnick |
---|---|
Location: | Essex |
Practice: | Animal Ark Veterinary Centre |
Bookings (via email): | Animal Ark Veterinary Centre |
Assessor: | Hayley Giles |
Location: | Essex |
Practice: | Animal Ark Veterinary Centre |
Bookings (via email): | Animal Ark Veterinary Centre |
Assessor: | Lindsey Nice |
Location: | Essex |
Practice: | Millennium Veterinary Practice |
Bookings (via email): | Millennium Veterinary Practice |
Assessor: | Jane Ladlow |
Location: | Cambridgeshire |
Practice: | The Queen's Veterinary School Hospital |
Bookings (via email): | The Queen's Veterinary School Hospital |
Assessor: | Nai-Chieh |
Location: | Cambridgeshire |
Practice: | The Queen's Veterinary School Hospital |
Bookings (via email): | The Queen's Veterinary School Hospital |
Assessor: | Phillip Franklin |
Location: | Cambridgeshire |
Practice: | The Queen's Veterinary School Hospital |
Bookings (via email): | The Queen's Veterinary School Hospital |
London & South East
Assessor: | Andy Trevan |
---|---|
Location: | Surrey |
Practice: | Gayton Veterinary Group, Redhill |
Bookings (via email): | Andy Trevan |
Assessor: | Charlotte Gray |
Location: | East Sussex |
Practice: | Badgers Oak Veterinary Clinic |
Bookings (via email): | Badgers Oak Veterinary Clinic |
Assessor: | Katarzyna Atmaca |
Location: | West Sussex |
Practice: | Portland Vets East Grinstead |
Bookings (via email): | Portland Vets East Grinstead |
Assessor: | Mike Nikolaou |
Location: | Kent |
Practice: | Abbeywell Veterinary Clinic |
Bookings (via email): | Abbeywell Veterinary Clinic |
Assessor: | Kevin Clifford |
Location: | Greater London |
Practice: | Brompton Veterinary Clinic |
Bookings (via email): | Kevin Clifford |
South West
Assessor: | Carla Puime |
---|---|
Location: | Bristol |
Practice: | Bristol Emersons Green Vets4Pets |
Bookings (via email): | Carla Puime |
Assessor: | Edward Pattison |
Location: | Devon |
Practice: | VetsCity |
Bookings (via email): | Edward Pattison |
Assessor: | Mario Antignani |
Location: | Whiltshire |
Practice: | Macqueen Veterinary Centre |
Bookings (via email): | Macqueen Veterinary Centre |
Assessor: | Victoria Woods |
Location: | Somerset |
Practice: | Tone Veterinary Centre |
Bookings (via email): | Victoria Woods |
Isle of Wight
Assessor: | Katy Butler |
---|---|
Location: | Newport |
Practice: | Green, Roberts and Butler Veterinary Surgeons |
Bookings (via email): | Green, Roberts and Butler Veterinary Surgeons |
Getting your dog assessed
How much does it cost?
What do I need to bring to the assessment?
What happens during the assessment?
How often do I need to have my dog assessed?
What does each grade mean?
- Grade 0: Your dog is clinically unaffected and is currently free of respiratory signs of BOAS. If your dog is under 2 years old we suggest they have an annual health check with their own vet, as BOAS can develop later in life
- Grade 1: Your dog is clinically unaffected but does have mild respiratory signs linked to BOAS. These signs do not affect their exercise performance. If your dog is under 2 years old we suggest they have an annual health check with their own vet, as BOAS can develop later in life
- Grade 2: Your dog is clinically affected and has moderate respiratory signs of BOAS that should be monitored and may require veterinary treatment
- Grade 3: Your dog is clinically affected and has severe respiratory signs of BOAS and should be seen by your own vet for a thorough veterinary examination with treatment. We do not recommend that you breed from your dog
Breeding advice
The way that BOAS is inherited is not fully understood and is not always entirely predictable. Using the guidelines below can help you reduce the chances of breeding puppies affected by BOAS. However, even if used responsibly, this guidance cannot guarantee that a puppy from two unaffected parents will be free from BOAS.

- Green: the lowest risk of breeding dogs affected by BOAS
- Amber: a higher risk of producing puppies that may grow up to be affected by BOAS
- Red: a mating which has a high risk of producing puppies that may grow up to be affected by BOAS. These matings are not recommended. Producing puppies affected by BOAS has a serious impact on their health and welfare. A mating which may produce affected puppies should never knowingly be carried out
Find a dog's BOAS grade
Our Health Test Results Finder can help you find any dog's BOAS grade, as well as results from any DNA tests and health screening schemes that we record. This tool can help you make informed decisions, whether you're a breeder trying to find a suitable healthy mate for your dog, or a puppy buyer wanting to know more about the health of a puppy's parents.
Making balanced breeding decisions
As well as considering the implications of a dog’s respiratory function grading score, there are other equally important factors to consider when deciding whether two dogs should be mated together, such as temperament, genetic diversity, conformation, other available health test results, the general health of the dogs etc. Your breeding decisions should always be well balanced between and take into consideration the qualities and compatibility of both the sire and dam that you are considering.
Questions and answers
What happens with my result?
Your dog’s grades will be recorded on The Kennel Club’s database and will be published in one or more of the following:
- the Breed Records Supplement
- our Health Test Results Finder
If my dog was tested before 2019 am I able to send the results to be added?
Yes, The Kennel Club will accept results from dogs assessed during 2017 and 2018, carried out by a regional assessor trained under The Kennel Club/Cambridge scheme, providing the results are submitted on a signed and dated form including the dog’s microchip and The Kennel Club registration number and name. Please email these results to us.
Can I appeal my dog’s grade?
Any appeals against a grade given to a dog must be lodged in writing to The Kennel Club within 30 days of the examination. Following this, the owner is eligible to take the dog, with the original certificate issued, for an additional examination under the chief assessor. The chief assessor will charge the normal fee. Should the chief assessor agree with the initial assessor, the appeal will be deemed to have failed, and the chief assessor will inform The Kennel Club accordingly. In such an event no further appeal is possible. The decision of the chief assessor is final. Should the chief assessor disagree with the first assessment, the dog’s new grade shall be referred to The Kennel Club for amendment.
The final result of any appeal must be received by the Kennel Club within 90 days of examination, otherwise the first result may be sent to The Kennel Club for publication.
Contact information
Chief Assessor: Dr. Jane Ladlow
Health Results Appeal
Breeder Services Dept
The Kennel Club
1-5 Clarges Street
Piccadilly, London
W1J 8AB