Companion Animals

Dog Congenital Conditions Breeding Reform

Congenital conditions in dogs caused by breed standards prioritising extreme conformation over health are being addressed through breeding reform, health testing, and revised breed standards.

Key Facts

Brachycephalic breeds suffer chronic breathing difficulties, eye problems, and spinal disease
The Kennel Club has revised breed standards for brachycephalic breeds to reduce extreme features
Hip and elbow dysplasia scoring schemes reduce inherited joint disease in susceptible breeds
DNA tests for specific mutations enable selection against inherited conditions
Breed health coordinators within breed clubs are driving health improvement programmes

Welfare Considerations

Congenital conditions cause lifelong suffering to many purebred dogs. Breeding reform through health testing and revised standards reduces this suffering at population scale.

What You Can Do

Choose breeders using all available health tests for the breed you're purchasing
Support breed clubs with active health improvement programmes
Advocate for mandatory health testing requirements in KC registration
Consider adopting breeds with lower congenital health burdens where possible