Respiratory Function and Pedigree Data for 4,000 Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs

United Kingdom Royal Kennel Club data includes Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS) assessments and pedigree records for over 4,000 dogs from three extreme brachycephalic breeds. The dataset, created by Joanna Jadwiga Ilska and last updated in May 2026, was used to estimate the heritability of respiratory function traits like RFGS grade and nostril stenosis. These findings support the feasibility of selective breeding programs to improve respiratory health in these popular breeds.

Use Cases

• Estimate heritability of respiratory dysfunction based on RFGS grade data
• Analyze genetic correlations between respiratory traits based on the described heritability estimates
• Assess participation rates in health screening schemes across UK dog populations
• Model the potential impact of selective breeding on Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) prevalence

Strengths

• Data covers over 4,000 dogs, providing a substantial sample size for analysis
• Includes standardized RFGS exercise test results from a scheme established in 2019
• Pedigree records allow for genetic correlation and heritability estimation

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment
• Data may reflect geographic bias inherent to UK Royal Kennel Club registrations

Provenance

Source

figshare

Collection Method

Analysis of RFGS data and pedigree records from UK Royal Kennel Club registered populations.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-05-13 17:48:31; freshness should be verified

Geography

United Kingdom