Overweight in Swedish show dogs–prevalence and association with performance in competition

Abstract

Background 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. Results At 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. Conclusions Prevalence 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.

Exploration of body weight in 115 000 young adult dogs of 72 breeds

“…Concerns for a general trend towards heavier show dogs, both older and younger, are being discussed 23 , 38 , even though recommended BW and height in breed standards have not changed for the last decades. In consistency with the internationally published figures, a recent study on Swedish show dogs found 32% of the dogs being overweight 23 . The observed decrease in mean BW in several breeds in our study might as previously mentioned, relate to either changes in size or body condition.…”

“…Internationally reported prevalence of overweight and obesity in dogs is high, and seems to be increasing [18][19][20][21][22]24,38 . Concerns for a general trend towards heavier show dogs, both older and younger, are being discussed 23,38 , even though recommended BW and height in breed standards have not changed for the last decades. In consistency with the internationally published figures, a recent study on Swedish show dogs found 32% of the dogs being overweight 23 .…”

“…High BW in dogs, due to large size or excess amount of body fat, is a risk factor for several developmental and metabolic alterations 6-9 and degenerative joint diseases, such as hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis, and can negatively affect quality of life and lifespan [10][11][12][13][14][15][16] . High BW due to excess body fat is an escalating problem in dogs as well as in humans 17 , and studies have reported 20-59% of dogs being overweight or obese [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] .The basis for indicated breed BWs in breed standards are often unknown. Given the connection between BW and canine health, scientifically evaluated breed BWs of young adult dogs of different breeds are warranted.…”

Composition and short-term stability of gut microbiota in lean and spontaneously overweight healthy Labrador retriever dogs

“…It is possible that diet and body condition have a combined effect in changing the gut microbiota in dogs [ 23 , 24 , 26 , 48 ] and studies of causality are therefore complicated. Our study is based on a common dog breed, that may often be slightly overweight [ 49 ]. Furthermore, the data are generated from dogs living in a regular home environment, not exposed to any dietary intervention or body weight manipulation during sample collection.…”

Is Dog Owner Obesity a Risk Factor for Canine Obesity? A “One-Health” Study on Human–Animal Interaction in a Region with a High Prevalence of Obesity

“…Data on the incidence of this problem in dogs vary according to different authors. Studies in recent years have shown that the prevalence of canine obesity varies between 25 and 44% in developed countries [ 21 , 22 , 23 ]. The prevalence of obesity in dogs is increasing [ 24 ].…”