Welfare science and reform efforts addressing brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) in flat-faced dog breeds, covering breeding reform, surgical intervention, and the ethics of exaggerated conformation.
Brachycephalic welfare reform is one of the most urgent challenges in companion animal welfare because the problem is created by human selective breeding against the interest of the animals themselves. Dogs with severe brachycephalic features live with chronic breathing difficulty, sleep apnea, overheating risk, dental crowding, eye problems, and skin fold infections — conditions that are inherent to the conformation humans have selected. Every purchase of a severely brachycephalic puppy funds continuation of this breeding. Reform requires both supply-side intervention — breeding standards and legislation restricting extreme conformation — and demand-side change through consumer education and willingness to choose healthier conformations. Breeders who are moderating facial features while maintaining breed character show the path forward.