RESEARCHERS from Cambridge University came to Runcorn to carry out pioneering tests on more than 20 dogs.

They are investigating a clinical condition which affects Bulldogs and Pugs.

These breeds have a shortened skull and flat face, known as brachycephaly, which can cause breathing problems.

Abigail Findlay-Stankovic, 61, from Beechwood, Runcorn, the only Kennel Club breeder of Bulldogs and Pugs in Halton, invited the team to her home to put her dogs to the test.

She said: “It was amazing.

“I asked some friends to bring their dogs along too.

“It was great to do something to improve the health of this breed.”

Researchers took precise measurements of each dog’s nose, eyes, length of their body and size of their head.

They listened to their heart and chest and took DNA swabs.

Each dog was then put into a special chamber to examine their breathing.

After running them on a nearby field, this test was repeated.

“They watched how long they were panting,” said disabled Mrs Findlay-Stankovic, who has eight Bulldogs, one French bulldog and four Pugs.

“They are then able to come up with a score for each dog.”

Jane Ladlow, European and Royal College specialist in small animal surgery, who is leading the research, said: “The whole project is trying to measure the respiratory function in Bulldogs.

“We came up with an objective test which means we can put dogs in a box and come up with how good they breathe.

“We are collecting data and doing genetic work to find out how many of these dogs are affected.

“They were lovely dogs from Runcorn.”

In a few years she hopes to come up with a test which will indicate which dogs are best to breed from.

“Some people think these dogs all naturally sound loud,” she added.

“But it is because of an obstructive airway.

“We should be trying to get dogs to breathe more quietly with less problems.”

Her research will be published in the New Year.