“Torture breeding.” That’s how many countries refer to the breeding practices that result in dogs with grotesquely flattened snouts like those of English bulldogs, French bulldogs, pugs, Pekingese, Boston terriers, boxers and Shih Tzus. “Torture breeding” is the literal translation of the German term “Qualzucht,” which means promoting traits in animals that cause them pain, suffering or harm.
Germany, Norway, Austria and Switzerland have passed laws to restrict torture breeding, and the Netherlands has made it illegal to breed about 20 types of dogs who are intentionally bred to have flat faces and is now seeking to ban their import and trade as well. Animal welfare groups in Australia and the U.K. are calling for similar measures. It’s time for the U.S. to ban torture breeding, too. Breeding deliberately deformed dogs who suffer their whole lives, all just for human preference, is undeniable cruelty.
Dogs who are selectively bred (and often inbred) to have nearly snoutless faces are afflicted by a condition called brachycephalic syndrome, which means that their crumpled, constricted airways leave them struggling just to breathe. These breathing-impaired breeds (BIB) suffer from numerous health problems, such as sleep apnea, gagging, vomiting, fainting, dental issues, eye problems caused by misshapen skulls, laryngeal collapse caused by chronic stress on the cartilage and strain on the heart from fighting for air — and that’s only a partial list.
