Selection for extreme physical traits in dog breeds causes chronic suffering that begins before birth and continues throughout life.
Selective breeding for exaggerated physical traits has created dogs that suffer throughout their lives from conditions inherent to their conformation. This is not a matter of husbandry or management — it is built into the animals biology. Brachycephalic dogs struggle to breathe with every breath. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels develop a skull too small for their brain with a frequency indicating genetic inevitability. These conditions are welfare catastrophes affecting millions of dogs. Breed standard reform is the only solution.