Selective breeding for extreme physical characteristics has created dogs that suffer from chronic health problems built into their very bodies, raising profound animal welfare concerns.
Dogs bred for extreme features often live lives of chronic discomfort or pain from conditions that are written into their genetics. Snoring and labored breathing in brachycephalic dogs is not endearing — it reflects real physiological suffering. The welfare challenge is that consumer demand drives breeding, meaning education and legal frameworks must both change to prevent the normalization of suffering as an aesthetic choice.