Dog Breed Health Reform: Current Progress

Concerted efforts from veterinary organisations, breed clubs and regulators are beginning to drive meaningful reform of dog breeds with severe conformation-related health problems.

Key Facts

Brachycephalic breeds including bulldogs, pugs and French bulldogs represent the most purchased breeds in the UK despite severe respiratory compromise
The BVA and BSAVA have published clear position statements calling for reform of extreme breed standards
The RSPCA's 'Be Bossy' campaign has highlighted welfare harms in brachycephalic breeds to consumers
Norway's Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that breeding English bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles spaniels violated animal welfare law
Health testing programmes for heritable conditions are expanding but compliance remains voluntary in most countries

Welfare Considerations

Dog breed health reform is one of the most challenging and important welfare issues in companion animal medicine. The welfare harms of extreme conformation - chronic respiratory compromise, pain, skin infections, dystocia - affect millions of dogs globally and are entirely human-created. Progress requires simultaneous action on breed standards, veterinary advice, consumer education and regulatory frameworks. Recent legal and regulatory actions in Scandinavia and the Netherlands demonstrate that meaningful reform is achievable.

What You Can Do

Avoid purchasing brachycephalic breeds or dogs from breeds with known severe heritable health problems
Advocate for mandatory health testing before breeding for all pedigree dog breeds
Support organisations like the Dog Breeding Reform Group and the Brachycephalic Working Group
If you already have a brachycephalic dog, consider BOAS surgery to improve their breathing
Engage with kennel clubs about reforming breed standards to prioritise health over extreme appearance