Dog shows will mark down French bulldogs bred with extremely flat faces that risk their health after new measures introduced by The Kennel Club.
The dog welfare organisation has introduced stringent measures on breeding standards and updated its guidance in an effort to tackle the growing problem of ‘Frenchies’ being bred with ‘deformed’ features that make them look ‘cute’.
Under the new rules, which were introduced yesterday, the brachycephalic breed will need to display a well-defined muzzle that should also ‘be clearly viewed in profile’.
The guidance also states that the canine’s nostrils should be ‘visibly’ open.
It comes after researchers found demand for ‘flat-faced’ puppies such as French Bulldogs and Pugs, which have been favoured by celebrities in recent years, had soared during the coronavirus pandemic, with searches for them increasing by 225 per cent during April and May 2020.
French bulldogs bred with extremely flat faces that risk their health will be marked down in dog shows after new guidance by The Kennel Club
Bill Lambert, health and welfare expert at The Kennel Club, said: ‘Certain health problems in French Bulldogs have been impacted by their huge increase in popularity, and we continue to be extremely concerned that exaggerations which are perceived to create a ”cute” look or sound, have gradually become seen as normal and even desirable.
‘All breed standards are regularly reviewed, informed by ongoing breed-specific health data, and are explicit that any physical exaggerations should be avoided.
‘These changes to the French Bulldog breed standard aim to ensure it cannot be misinterpreted and that dogs are bred with their health and welfare as the absolute priority.
‘Whilst breed standards are not really a reference point for the vast majority, we hope these amends send a strong message about the importance of ensuring that the puppy that you buy does not have exaggerated features.
‘We hope that this, alongside our Respiratory Function Grading Scheme for breeders and owners – and the further research into brachycephalic health which we’ve committed to with the University of Cambridge – will help to improve and protect the breed’s health.’
Dr Laura Hamilton, veterinary surgeon and French Bulldog Breed Health Coordinator added: ‘Many people love owning French Bulldogs, but it’s crucial that the public are aware of the breed’s complex health concerns and prioritise health over what they might think looks ‘cute’, and that breeders do all they can to produce healthy puppies.
‘Although these changes to the French Bulldog breed standard are important, these days social media can often be influential on the way that dogs are bred to look, so we urge any would-be owners to fully research the breed before making any decisions, speak to experts, and find a responsible breeder who health screens their dogs.’
Brachycephalic dogs, also known as ‘flat-faced’ due to their short muzzle, can suffer from a number of health problems including breathing, eye, spine and skin issues.
In recent years the breed has seen a soaring popularity among celebrities, including Lady Gaga, Reese Witherspoon, Hugh Jackman and Reese Witherspoon.
But the Brachycephalic Working Group (BWG) has said the rise in demand for these dogs has created one of the most pressing welfare issues for dogs in the UK.
Last year statistics from PDSA and released by the BWG showed that Google searches for ‘buying a puppy’ increased by 175 per cent in just one month of UK lockdown compared to the average.
In recent years the breed has seen a soaring popularity among celebrities, including Reese Witherspoon (pictured with her dog Pepper)
Famous faces included Dwayne Johnson (left) and Lady Gaga have also shared pictured on social media of their French Bulldogs
Searches for French Bulldog puppies via the Kennel Club’s ‘Find a Puppy’ tool also increased by 225 per cent during April and May 2020, as people stayed home, compared to the same time last year.
And data by The Kennel Club also showed the surge in registered French Bulldogs had increased by 1,682 per cent since 2010.
The BWG has previously warned that this increased demand for flat-faced puppies fuelled by the pandemic could worsen the already serious health and welfare crisis faced by these breeds.
Speaking on the recent measures Dr Dan O’Neill, Chair of the Brachycephalic Working Group commented: ‘The BWG welcomes the amends to the French Bulldog breed standard, having worked collaboratively to put forward suggestions based on scientific evidence.
‘These changes show that all breeds can, and must, evolve to redress any serious health issues associated with conformation.
‘We encourage would-be owners to place good health, welfare and temperament above human desires when choosing a breed and we urge more people to ”stop and think before buying a flat-faced dog”.’