British canine authorities call for curbing flat-faced French bulldogs

The popular face of the French Bulldog is completely wrong, according to dog show judges.

The Kennel Club, a UK-based dog welfare training group (and not to be confused with the American Kennel Club) announced on Wednesday that the breed known for its flat muzzle, pinched nostrils and eyes highlights will no longer serve as an acceptable copy of the French Bulldog.

The French Bulldog is currently ranked the second most common type of purebred puppy in the United States as well as the United Kingdom, and is a favorite among celebrities. Lady Gaga, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, David and Victoria Beckham, Dwayne Johnson, Reese Witherspoon, Cara Delevigne and Hugh Jackman, to name a few, have all opened their homes and hearts to furry animals. It’s no wonder then that the Frenchie is known for their energetic, affectionate and adaptable nature.

But breed standards writers in the UK have decided that those bred with brachycephalic facial features, characterized by a broad, short skull with a flattened nose and folded skin, are not the ideal type.

“Certain health issues in French Bulldogs have been affected by their huge increase in popularity, and we continue to be extremely concerned about the exaggerations that are perceived to create a ‘cute’ look,” said Bill Lambert, health expert. and well-being of the Kennel Club. British media statement Wednesday.

Lambert explained that the guidelines for dog breeds are reviewed and updated “regularly” by “breed-specific health data” and that any dog ​​exhibiting serious “physical exaggerations should be avoided”, for the sake of welfare. of the animal, which should be the prerogative of breeders. top priority, ”he reiterated.

According to the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA), “flat-faced” dogs such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, and other types of Bulldogs, can suffer from obstructive airway syndrome and other respiratory disorders, inhibiting their ability to breathe normally, and could lead to a number of other health problems, including obesity – due to lack of exercise and difficulty breathing – poor thermoregulation leading to overheating, vomiting and regurgitation frequent and shortened lifespan.

The HSVMA estimates that half of all French Bulldogs have clinical signs of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome.

Recognizing that most French Bulldog owners are not affected by the breed standards set by their club or other governing bodies, Lambert said: “We hope these changes send a strong message about the importance of s’ ensure that the puppy you buy does not have exaggerated characteristics “- suggesting that future pet parents be discouraged from engaging with breeders and sellers who tout these characteristics in their animals.

Lambert also said the Kennel Club is in contact with the University of Cambridge, where brachycephalic dog researchers are being conducted. “We hope this… will help improve and protect the health of the breed,” he concluded.

The Post asked for comment from US-based French Bulldog breeding officials, the French Bulldog Club of America, approved by the American Kennel Club.

Their alarm comes as interest in the breed has recently increased, especially as COVID-19 lockdown measures last year prompted more people than ever to adopt and purchase dogs. The pandemic pet boom has since sparked widespread scams and countless pet thefts, especially for the beloved French Bulldog. Indeed, the popularity of the purebred puppy has started a lucrative black market business, earning fraudulent sellers potentially $ 1,500 and $ 5,000 per dog, according to the American Kennel Club.

Earlier this year, two of Lady Gaga’s own Frenchies, Gustav and Koji, were robbed in a violent break-in that left her dog walker with a bullet in the chest. Fortunately, the Guardian survived, as did the dogs that were returned to the pop star a few days later.