‘Stop ads that fuel trade in sickly breeds’

Animal welfare: Vets say dogs with flat faces suffer ‘horrible’ ill health

Companies should stop using pugs and bulldogs to advertise products because it is fuelling a “welfare crisis” for dogs, animal welfare groups have urged.

Dogs with flat faces or short muzzles, known as brachycephalic dogs, have grown in popularity, with registrations of the breeds with the Kennel Club soaring in the past 10 years.

Numbers of the dogs are likely to be much higher due to unregistered animals and illegal imports.

Using them in adverts is driving their appeal, according to the Brachyworking cephalic Working Group, which consists of groups including the British Veterinary Association, the RSPCA and Kennel Club.

But breeding for looks has led to “horrible” health problems in many dogs, including breathing difficulties, skin infections, eye disease, the inability to give birth naturally and spinal and nervous problems.

In an open letter the group called on firms to stop using pugs and bulldogs, including cartoon and computer generated animals, to reduce their popularity and curb breeding of dogs without regard for their wellbeing.

Dr Dan O’Neill, chairman of the Brachycephalic Working Group, said: “There is a real concern that the use of bulldogs, French bulldogs, and pugs in adverts is fuelling the popularity of these breeds, and is widening the market for those who simply wish to make money from these dogs with little or no regard for their health and wellbeing.”

“There is concern about the use of bulldogs and pugs in adverts”

BAD BLOOD: Irresponsible breeding means flat-faced dogs can struggle to breathe or give birth naturally