For years, veterinarians and animal welfare advocates warned that flat-faced dogs like pugs, French bulldogs, and bulldogs were being bred into lives of suffering. Now, something hopeful is happening. In the UK, registrations for these breeds are dropping dramatically. Pug registrations are down more than 40%, and French bulldog registrations continue to fall after years of explosive popularity. Experts say growing public awareness about the serious health problems these dogs face is finally changing minds.
This is proof that public education works. Let's bring this trend to the United States.
Sign the petition to urge the American Kennel Club to lead a nationwide effort to educate the public about the suffering linked to extreme breeding and promote healthier standards for dogs.
Flat-faced, or brachycephalic, dogs are often prone to severe breathing difficulties, spinal abnormalities, skin infections, eye ulcers, and dangerous complications during birth – all because of physical traits humans intentionally bred into them.
Many owners are left heartbroken watching beloved dogs struggle simply to breathe.
Veterinary organizations in the UK have spent years raising awareness through public campaigns about these health risks, and experts now believe that work is helping reduce demand for dogs bred with extreme physical traits. The U.S. should not wait.
The American Kennel Club has enormous influence over breeding standards and public perceptions of what makes a "desirable" dog. It should be leading the effort to educate families, collaborate with veterinary organizations, and push for breeding standards that prioritize health over appearance.
This doesn't mean blaming loving owners. These dogs deserve compassion too. But, no dog should be intentionally bred to suffer.
Sign the petition now to urge the American Kennel Club to launch stronger public education efforts and work with veterinary experts to help end the suffering caused by extreme breeding.
