Would-be dog owners are being urged to not buy bulldogs over fears their breeding causes severe health problems amid a surge in demand during lockdown. The RSCPA has warned flat-faced breeds of dog are prone to breathing issues and other conditions due to their "extreme features".
The charity has launched a campaign called 'Save Our Breath' to urge pet owners to "stop seeing these pets as cute and recognise the serious health issues they face". RSPCA chief vet Caroline Allen said the "desire for cuteness and the selection for shorter, flatter faces" - known as brachycephaly - has resulted in dogs who struggle to breathe.
She added: “We understand why there is so much love out there for these breeds. But it’s wrong that we’re knowingly breeding for features which compromise their basic health and welfare.”
The RSPCA said the excessive soft tissue causes obstruction in their airways and their abnormally narrowed nostrils and windpipes leave them gasping for air. It caused the dogs to struggle to breathe and sleep, the charity says.
Flat-faced breeds also face eye problems, skin concerns due to excessive wrinkles, and painful back conditions due to their corkscrew tails. It comes after British bulldog Cleo was taken to its Doncaster branch struggling with breathing and a condition where her face was inflamed.
The charity has launched a campaign to raise £2,500 for surgery to help widen the four-year-old pooch nostrils and remove tissues from her mouth and throat. Rescuers said Cleo - who also had an eye removed - was among a "growing" number of brachycephalic dogs coming into their care.
Branch chief executive Mary McSherry said: “Cleo is one of a growing number of brachycephalic dogs - or dogs with flat faces - coming into the RSPCA’s care with severe health problems due to the extreme features they’ve been bred for. Poor Cleo is only four but her life is being severely impacted by the health problems she’s plagued with."
The RSPCA says the number of British bulldog puppies being registered with the Kennel Club increased 149%, between 2011 and 2020. Meanwhile the number of French bulldogs registered soared by 1,317%.
Last month another British bulldog, called Miss Pickles, had such severe breathing difficulties that the lightest exercise could cause her to collapse and "turn blue". She was another dog which found it "impossible" to carry out normal activities such as walking, playing, or even sleeping, the RSPCA added.
It fears flat-faced dogs could be abandoned or relinquished to charity as their owners struggle to cope with costly veterinary bills as the cost of living soars.
