OvertheCounter
    Twitter LinkedIn
    • Email Newsletters
    • Magazine Subscriptions
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    Twitter LinkedIn
    CPD Log-In
    OvertheCounter
    • News
      • Dairy / Beef
      • Sheep
      • Pigs / Poultry
      • Equine
      • Companion
      • Retail
      • Training
    • Magazines
      1. May 2025
      2. March 2025
      3. January 2025
      4. November 2024
      5. September 2024
      6. July 2024
      Featured

      Over the Counter – May 2025

      By Simon KingMay 19, 2025
      Recent

      Over the Counter – May 2025

      May 19, 2025

      Over the Counter – March 2025

      March 19, 2025

      Over the Counter – January 2025

      January 13, 2025
    • CPD Training
      • AMTRA CPD Modules
        • Frontline Academy
        • Companion Animal CPD Modules
        • Equine CPD modules
        • Livestock CPD Modules
        • Poultry CPD Modules
        • Are you a Gold Standard SQP?
      • VETPOL CPD Modules
        • Companion Animal CPD Modules
        • Livestock CPD Modules
        • Poultry CPD Modules
      • Earning CPD points with overthecounter.news
      • CPD Log-In
      • Wormstock 2023
    • National SQP Awards
    OvertheCounter
    Companion

    Welfare crisis looms for flat-faced dog breeds commonly used in advertising

    mmBy Simon KingDecember 20, 2017No Comments2 Mins Read
    LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Email

    Organisations with an interest in dog welfare have penned an open letter asking companies to stop using ‘flat faced’ (brachycephalic) dogs to sell products.

    The Brachycephalic Working Group, made up of the veterinary profession, national animal welfare organisations, scientists, and dog breed clubs are calling for companies to stop using flat faced dog breeds, such as Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs, to endorse and sell products.

    Soaring demand for these breeds, fuelled by their prominence in advertising and marketing campaigns, is creating a health and welfare crisis. Experts believe demand for these dogs, which can suffer from health problems, must be reduced to protect them.

    The Brachycephalic Working Group is warning that certain brachycephalic breeds have seen huge rises in popularity in recent years, fuelled by their increased prominence in advertising.

    These dogs are often considered to look appealing, cute or comical, but breeding primarily for their looks has led to health problems associated with their body conformation in a substantial proportion of them. These problems include breathing difficulties caused by anatomical defects in the upper airways, recurring skin infections as a result of skin folds, eye disease, inability to give birth naturally or properly regulate body temperature, and spinal disease.

    According to registration figures released by the Kennel Club, the French Bulldog has seen a staggering 3,104 per cent increase over the last 10 years, the Pug a 193 per cent increase and the Bulldog a 96 per cent increase in the same time period.

    Dr Dan O’Neill, senior lecturer in companion animal epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College, and chairman of the Brachycephalic Working Group, said: “There is a real concern that the use of French Bulldogs, 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.

    “These breeds can suffer from some horrible long-term health conditions. Reducing and ultimately eliminating these health problems is a goal shared by all those who care about the health and welfare of dogs, but we are currently fighting a losing battle while these dogs continue to be used needlessly in thoughtless advertising.”

     

    Share. LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email
    Previous ArticleOwning a dog can set pet lovers back more than £25,000, says new research
    Next Article Risk of chocolate poisoning in dogs peaks at Christmas, warn experts
    mm
    Simon King

    Editor - Over The Counter. Simon has more than 20 years’ experience in B2B publishing. When not slumped over his PC, Simon is a keen follower of sport, supporting Manchester United, and is at his absolute happiest watching most sport in glorious UHD, with something cold to drink by his side.

    Read Similar Stories

    NOAH welcomes announcement on vet medicines in Northern Ireland

    Natures Menu launches full cat range with treats, wet and dry food options

    Pets at Home to launch member prices

    Most Read

    NOAH welcomes announcement on vet medicines in Northern Ireland

    June 20, 2025

    Natures Menu launches full cat range with treats, wet and dry food options

    June 19, 2025

    Pets at Home to launch member prices

    June 18, 2025

    Any animal medicine advertising or promotion should conform to the ‘code of practice’ of the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH).
    For full details contact the publisher or www.noah.co.uk.

    Lewis Business Media Ltd endeavours to make articles and statements as accurate as possible.

    © 2025 Lewis Business Media. All Rights Reserved.
    Lewis Business Media, Suite A, Arun House, Office Village, River Way, Uckfield, TN22 1SL

    Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions

    The OTC "tick" mechanism is the copyright of Lewis Business Media Ltd ©2025

    • Pet Business World
    • Pest

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    Powered by CookieYes Logo