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.”
