Every so often, for no apparent reason, my PRT seems to hyperventilate and have problems catching his breath.  Any ideas please?  He calms down after a minute or two and there don't seem to be any after effects.

I'm not entirely sure what causes this - it could be 'reverse sneezing' - but every dog I've known has done this. We call it 'having a wheezle'.
:)

Thanks Jeangenie.  I didn't think it was anything to be worried about .. just a bit curious! ;)

Not sure what causes it but think it is something to do with the soft pallet. As JG says most if not all dogs do it from time to time.

My Dalmatian does this quite often, I find holding my hand over his nostrils and forcing him to breath through his mouth helps him to overcome it.  Jackie is right, it is the soft pallet which causes it.

Sandra