Which Dogs Are the Unhealthiest? Many Are Breathing-Impaired Breeds

Posted by Calvin on October 28, 2024

VICTORY: In October 2024, Ojai, California, became the first U.S. city to ban the breeding of breathing-impaired breeds (BIB) like French bulldogs, English bulldogs, and pugs. 👏 Since genetic diseases are super-common among these breeds, experts say they’ll prob become so unhealthy that they won’t exist for much longer. Here’s the thing—they never should have been bred into existence in the first place.

How Do Breathing-Impaired Breeds Suffer?

Breathing-impaired breeds have been bred to have snouts that are shortened and pushed so far back against their skulls that they can’t breathe properly. This causes these dogs to suffer from symptoms like snorting, coughing, gagging, vomiting, tiring easily, collapsing, and fainting. Because BIBs struggle just to breathe, the things that dogs love—like going for a walk, running, and playing—are impossible for many of them. 😢

Even with medical intervention, one in every five bulldog puppies will die within their first week of life. 😨 Those who survive will face a lifetime of medical issues. A ton of BIBs get at least one surgery related to having a flat face. These surgeries are extremely painful and traumatic—and BIBs are also at a higher risk of dying from complications during and after surgery than other breeds. And why is all this happening? Bc humans are obsessed with breeding dogs based on an appearance that they think is “cute.”

Why Do BIBs Exist?

Even though their health issues are well known, breeders and pet stores keep selling BIBs for thousands of dollars. 😡 Most pet stores that sell puppies get them from puppy mills, which are mass-breeding facilities where dogs are forced to live in miserable conditions. Stores know not to offer a “lifetime warranty” on BIBs since it’s a matter of “when” these dogs are gonna have serious health problems, not “if.”

Breeders and pet stores aren’t the only opps out there making dogs’ existences a living hell. The American Kennel Club issues “breed standards,” which say that bulldogs, pugs, and other breeds must have extremely shortened noses and flat faces. Dog shows, TV shows, ads, and movies that feature BIBs—as well as the celebs and influencers who buy them—also drive up the demand for these unhealthy dogs.

How Can You Help?

If you agree that breeding dogs to have breathing issues is beyond cruel, you aren’t alone. Norway restricts breeding BIBs like English bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles spaniels, and the Netherlands—which has also banned the breeding of certain BIBs—might even ban their use in ads. This is great progress, but besides hyping more of these laws, what can you do to help prevent dogs from being bred to suffer?

It’s simple: Breeders keep breeding these dogs because people keep buying them. The best thing you can do is pledge NEVER to buy a BIB or any other animal. If you have the time, money, and energy to love and care for an animal for their entire life, adopt one from a shelter. That way, an animal will get the permanent loving home they’ve been waiting for without another animal being bred to take their place. 🐶❤️

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If we all made the responsible choice to adopt animals instead of buying them, we could prevent countless BIBs and other animals from suffering or struggling to survive on the streets. Spread this crucial info to earn 15 peta2 points in our Rewards Program.