Reforming unhealthy dog breeds requires collaboration between kennel clubs, breeders, veterinarians and the public to prioritise health over appearance.
Breed reform requires sustained effort because the selection pressures creating health problems operated over many generations and reversal requires equivalent sustained selective pressure in the opposite direction. Breeders committed to health improvement face economic pressure from buyers who prefer extreme conformation. Veterinary profession leadership in declining to certify unhealthy conformations, combined with public education reducing demand for problematic traits, addresses both supply and demand sides of the problem. Success stories in breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel demonstrate that meaningful improvement is achievable.