Dogs should not be born to suffer

All animals should live a pain-free life, but some are more prone to suffering than others.

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) animals can be born into a life of suffering and chronic pain, all because of how they’ve been bred.

Pledge against extreme breeding

Animals are paying the price while irresponsible breeders cash in

Short-nosed and flat-faced animals such as French bulldogs, pugs and English bulldogs are seen everywhere, and are celebrated across social media and at annual dog shows like Crufts. While these breeds are suffering, they’re also being rewarded for their extreme looks and are being normalised to the public. Worse still, irresponsible breeders are profiting from their pain.

Brachycephalic dog breeds include French bulldogs, pugs and English bulldogs and have shorter snouts and flat faces - sadly, this can lead to a lifetime of suffering. Their extreme conformation means that many dogs have airways that are obstructed and abnormally narrow nostrils and windpipes. This means that every breath can be a struggle.

But it is not just breathing problems that affect these dogs. Due to their extreme body shape, these beloved family pets often suffer from other lifelong diseases.

Brachycephalic dogs can experience:

A constant struggle to breathe
Heat regulation problems
Difficulty with exercise
Struggle to sleep properly, causing chronic tiredness
Difficulty giving birth (dystocia)
Chronic skin conditions
Eye issues
Dental problems
Spinal deformities

Say 'no' to extreme breeding

These animals can live a life filled with physical pain and distress, and should not be promoted in ways that suggest they are happy and healthy. We have a responsibility to make sure that we play our part in stopping this.

We want to take a stand and say no to extreme breeding, and yes to health and wellbeing. If you agree that breeding for extreme features has gone too far, please take our pledge below.

Make the pledge

By taking this pledge, you're promising not to celebrate their suffering online or in your day-to-day life, and will stand up for generations of unhealthy animals.

Enter your details below and click the 'submit' button.

Let's go!

Your details

First name

Last name

Confirm email

Your information is in safe hands. Your details will only be used by us. They will never be passed on or sold to any other organisations for their own marketing purposes. Information about how we use your personal data is set out in our privacy notice