Labradors and golden retrievers wanted
A research group at the University of Cambridge is asking labrador and golden retriever owners to participate in a canine obesity study.
The research group, called GOdogs, investigates the genetics of obesity in dogs. For this study, it is looking into at why both breeds are prone to being overweight.
Eleanor Raffan, a veterinarian and geneticist at the university's Institute of Metabolic Science, who is running the project, said: "Canine obesity is emerging as a significant threat to dogs' health and welfare."
She added that obesity is associated with the development of diseases, including arthritis, diabetes and cancer. However it is not known why some dogs eat and beg for food to the point of obesity, whilst others remain lean.
"The fact that some breeds, such as labradors and golden retrievers, are predisposed to obesity makes us believe that their genes are the cause.
"If we can find genetic reasons why [these breeds] are considered greedy, it will offer benefits to them, other dog breeds, and human medical science too," she explained.
A tendency to be obese is listed as an issue for both labradors and golden retrievers, according the the Kennel Club's (KC) Breed Watch scheme.
Caroline Kisko, of KC, commented: "We would encourage as many labrador and golden retriever owners as possible to get involved in the study, which may help to safeguard the future health of these wonderful breeds."
For further information about the study and to register your labrador or golden retriever to take part, click here, or contact Eleanor directly via email.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
