Selective breeding for extreme physical conformations has created severe welfare problems for many popular dog breeds, with brachycephalic breeds facing the most serious and widespread suffering.
Dogs bred for extreme conformations suffer from the moment they are born. Brachycephalic dogs cannot breathe normally, exercise properly, or cool themselves effectively. Many require surgery to achieve adequate welfare. The welfare crisis in popular breeds is driven by consumer demand that must be redirected to healthier conformations.