Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Breed Health Reform Progress

Efforts to reform dog breed standards to prioritise health over extreme conformation are gaining momentum in the UK and internationally.

Key Facts

Breed standards historically prioritised appearance over health in some breeds
Brachycephalic breeds face severe respiratory, ocular, and thermal regulation problems
The Kennel Club and FCI have updated standards to reduce extreme features in several breeds
Veterinary organisations have called for bans or restrictions on extreme conformations
Health testing requirements for breeding are expanding across European registries

Welfare Considerations

Breed standard reform is essential to prevent the perpetuation of heritable suffering in dogs selectively bred for extreme physical traits.

What You Can Do

Only purchase dogs from breeders who prioritise health testing
Avoid breeds known to suffer from conformation-related disease
Support veterinary and kennel club advocacy for health-centred breeding reform