Overweight in Swedish show dogs\u2013prevalence and association with performance in competition

Sanna Lindåse,Malin Krantz,Josefin Söder,Tilda Feltenmark

doi:10.1186/s13028-021-00582-2

Sanna Lindåse, Malin Krantz + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13028-021-00582-2

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Abstract

BackgroundThe prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing in companion dogs, but little is known of these conditions in show dogs. This study assessed body condition score (BCS) of show dogs of six selected popular breeds at a major Swedish dog show event and examined the association between BCS and performance in competition.ResultsAt one of Sweden’s largest dog shows, BCS of 120 dogs of six different breeds was assessed by trained animal healthcare personnel, using a 9-point BCS scale with conditional cut-off for overweight set to BCS ≥ 6. Prevalence of overweight in the cohort was 32% but all overweight dogs except one displayed only slight overweight (BCS 6) and no dog was assessed as obese (BCS 8–9). Prevalence of overweight differed significantly between breeds (P < 0.0001) with Labrador retrievers, Golden retrievers and French bulldogs showing the highest mean BCS (5.6–5.7) and highest prevalence of overweight (50–67%). Lean and overweight dogs received awards and higher show awards (certificates) to the same extent, and no significant association between slight overweight and performance in competition was found.ConclusionsPrevalence of overweight in Swedish show dogs was relatively high and in the same range as in the Swedish dog population as a whole. Dog owners, breeders and judges should be made aware of canine obesity problems and trained in BCS assessment, to better prevent canine overweight and associated health risks. This is particularly important for retriever and brachycephalic breeds, which showed high prevalence of slight overweight and have breed-specific health problems exacerbated by overweight. Owners and breeders of traditionally sturdy dog breeds should be informed that overweight dogs do not outperform lean dogs in competition.

Highlights

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing in companion dogs, but little is known of these conditions in show dogs
A total of 38 dogs were assessed as having body condition score (BCS) ≥ 6, which corresponded to an overweight prevalence of 32% in the study population
This study revealed quite widespread excess adiposity in Swedish show dogs, but it should be emphasised that almost all of the dogs categorised as overweight were only slightly overweight (BCS 6) and that no dog was obese (BCS 8–9)

Summary

Introduction

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing in companion dogs, but little is known of these conditions in show dogs. This study assessed body condition score (BCS) of show dogs of six selected popular breeds at a major Swedish dog show event and examined the association between BCS and performance in competition. Lindåse et al Acta Vet Scand (2021) 63:17 increases the risk of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome [12, 17] and intervertebral disc disease [18,19,20,21] Working breeds, such as Labrador retrievers and Golden retrievers, are at increased risk of hip dysplasia [22, 23] and osteoarthritis [24], and the risk and severity of these joint diseases have been shown to increase with increased adiposity [8, 24,25,26]. The aims of the present study were to assess BCS of show dogs of six selected popular breeds at a major Swedish dog show event and to examine the association between BCS and performance in competition

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