Flat-faced dog breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs are among the most popular in the world, yet their extreme conformation causes lifelong breathing difficulties, eye problems, and reduced quality of life.
Brachycephalic dogs live their entire lives with compromised breathing, often compared to a human breathing through a narrow straw permanently. Snoring, gagging, exercise intolerance, and heat stress are normal for these animals. The popularity of the breeds is driven by appearance rather than welfare-informed choice. Responsible breeding towards less extreme features and public education about health costs are both urgently needed.