Selective breeding for extreme physical traits in dogs has created heritable health problems that cause chronic suffering across millions of animals. Brachycephalic breeds are the most affected.
A dog that cannot breathe normally is in chronic discomfort with every breath. Overheating risk is constant. BOAS surgery provides partial relief but does not fully restore normal airway function. These dogs live their entire lives with unnecessary physiological compromise caused by human aesthetic preference for flat faces.