The RSPCA is warning pet owners against the purchase of brachycephalic breeds, such as Pugs and French Bulldogs, due to significant health risks. A new report indicates that abandonment rates for these flat-faced dogs are rising as owners struggle to manage the high cost of medical care.
The 3,800% spike in French Bulldog abandonments
The RSPCA's recent report, The Shape of Suffering,highlights a massive surge in the number of French Bulldogs entering animal welfare care. While the charity only took in six Frenchies in 2016, that number escalated to 234 by last year, representing a 3,800 percent increase over the last decade.
This trend shows that the number of French Bulldogs in care last year nearly doubles the total number of these dogs the charity processed between 2016 and 2019 combined. This rapid increase suggests that the demand for the breed is creating a secondary crisis of surplus animals that owners can no longer support.
A £2,500 surgery to fix breathing issues
Many flat-faced dogs suffer from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), a condition caused by undersized noses and narrow nostrils. Dr. Rowena Packer, a dog welfare specialist at the Royal Veterinary College, explains that decades of selective breeding for "cute" features have pushed canine anatomy beyond functional limits .
Addressing these respiratory struggles often requires significant financial investment that many families cannot sustain.. The RSPCA reports that surgery to widen a dog's airways can cost approximately £2,500 at private veterinary clinics. Furthermore, the report finds that over half of pet owners worry about affording vet bills, and nearly a quarter of owners skip annual checkups to save money.
The 1,450% rise in English Bulldog surrenders
The welfare crisis extends to several other brachycephalic breeds that are seeing similar patterns of abandonment. The RSPCA report indicates that English Bulldogs have seen a 1,450 percent increase in abandonments over the past decade, while Pug numbers in their care have risen by 192 percent since 2016.
These animals often face a cocktail of chronic health problems, including eye ulcers, skin diseases, and spinal disorders.. Ashleigh Brown, the RSPCA's Scientific and Policy Manager, warns that these dogs are "essentially being bred to suffer" because of their extreme physical traits. The charity documented the case of Bruno, a Chow Chow who was euthanized in 2024 after multiple surgeries failed to alleviate his extreme breeding complications.
The role of celebrity influence in "extreme conformation"
Despite the documented health risks and short life expectancies, French Bulldogs remain among the most popular breeds in the UK. The RSPCA attributes this sustained popularity to the influence of celebrities and social media influencers who endorse the breed without highlighting the physical toll on the animals.
This trend leaves several critical questions regarding the future of responsible pet ownership. It remains unclear if there will be legislative action to restrict the breeding of dogs with extreme conformation, or if the responsibility will remain solely with the consumer. Additionally, the report does not clarify if there are plans to address the financial gap that prevents owners from accessing essential, high-cost veterinary procedures.
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