Campaigns to reduce breeding of dogs with extreme brachycephalic features have achieved progress through breed standard reform, surgical guidelines, and shifting consumer preferences, but significant welfare harm continues at scale.
Brachycephalic welfare reform requires changing consumer behavior, breeder practices, judge standards, and potentially legislation simultaneously. Dogs with severe BOAS experience chronic respiratory stress that limits exercise, disturbs sleep, and reduces quality of life. The normalization of dogs that breathe noisily - sometimes perceived as endearing snoring - represents a misunderstanding of welfare indicators as personality traits. Progress has been made through increased veterinary and media advocacy, but demand for flat-faced dogs continues among buyers who prioritize appearance over health. Regulatory approaches in some countries show that effective reform may require legislative intervention.