Flat-faced dogs including bulldogs, pugs, and French bulldogs have been selectively bred to a point where their anatomy causes chronic suffering - breed reform is urgently needed.
Brachycephalic breed welfare represents a systemic failure of breed standards and consumer choices to prioritise animal welfare. The normalisation of laboured breathing in flat-faced dogs means millions of animals live with chronic respiratory compromise that affects every aspect of their lives. Breed reform requires changes at breeder, kennel club, legislative, and consumer levels simultaneously. Countries that have implemented breeding regulations demonstrate that reform is achievable. Consumer decisions - choosing breeds with longer faces - have direct welfare impact at scale.