Extreme flat-faced dog breeds including bulldogs, pugs and French bulldogs suffer from inherited breathing problems that affect their quality of life throughout their entire lives.
The popularity of flat-faced dog breeds represents a profound welfare crisis that has been driven by social media and celebrity influence. These dogs have been bred to such extremes that breathing, eating and sleeping are compromised for their entire lives. Veterinary costs are high, quality of life is reduced, and many dogs require surgery just to function. The problem is systemic — existing in Kennel Club standards, breeder incentives and consumer demand. Significant reform requires action at all levels: tighter breed standards, consumer education, and restrictions on advertising images that glamorize severely affected dogs.