Born to Suffer | Brachycephalic | RSPCA - RSPCA
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.
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