The American Kennel Club and the AKC Canine Health Foundation have issued a Request for Applications for a study of thermoregulation in brachycephalic dog breeds. The request was sent to about 1,200 researchers and research institutions and focuses on providing scientific findings to help air carriers develop and implement appropriate policies for transporting “snub-nosed” dog breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, or Boston Terriers.

The AKC requested that the CHF consider supporting research on this issue after a proposal was presented to the International Air Transport Association’s Live Animals and Perishables Board — a group that issues the Live Animal Regulations Manual which governs the acceptance, packing and handling of live animals by about 250 air carriers worldwide — to severely restrict or ban the air transport of these dogs.

An increasing number of air carriers over the years have banned or restricted the carriage of brachycephalic dog breeds because of the possible relationship between the thermoregulatory capacity of these breeds and mortality in shipment.

“Issuing this Request for Applications is an important demonstration of how the AKC’s active involvement in public policy issues benefits purebred dogs and dog owners,” says Dennis Sprung, AKC president. “A global ban on the air transport of many of our most popular breeds of purebred dogs would be devastating to the welfare of these breeds and to their owners.”