Kennel Club's proactive steps for healthier brachycephalic breeds

Brachycephalic dog breeds like the French bulldog, English bulldog, pug and Pomeranian are among the UK's most loved dog breeds. However, these flat-faced breeds often suffer from serious health problems related to their exaggerated features, including breathing difficulties, heat intolerance, and complications during childbirth.

Given its authority in setting breed standards, the UK's Kennel Club holds significant responsibility to promote the welfare and health improvement of brachycephalic breeds. Let’s explore the key proactive measures the Kennel Club is taking in 2025 to tackle these challenges and educate both breeders and owners.

1. Raising public awareness on breed-specific health risks

The Kennel Club has intensified efforts to inform the public about the health risks facing brachycephalic breeds. It produces educational videos highlighting breathing difficulties and other symptoms owners should watch for. This approach discourages the use of flat-faced dogs in advertisements and media, aiming to reduce demand that drives problematic breeding trends.

2. Investing £170,000 in dedicated health research

In a landmark commitment, the Kennel Club has funded a charitable trust with £170,000 to support research focused on the complex breathing issues and other health complications affecting brachycephalic dogs. This research aims to provide breeders with evidence-based tools to produce healthier, more robust litters.

3. Launching the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS)

Developed jointly with the University of Cambridge, the RFGS objectively assesses brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) severity in dogs with a grading scale from 0 to 3. This scheme helps breeders and veterinarians identify animals with better respiratory health, steering breeding choices toward reducing airway problems.

4. Introducing health-based entry requirements at Crufts 2025

The Kennel Club is setting new health-focused entry criteria for popular brachycephalic breeds at Crufts 2025. These requirements aim to promote responsible breeding practices and highlight the importance of selecting dogs with healthier conformations. Crufts thus becomes a platform for showcasing progress and educating judges, breeders, and the public.

5. Establishing and leading the Brachycephalic Breeds Working Group

This panel includes breed clubs, veterinary associations, welfare organisations, and Kennel Club representatives working collaboratively. Their goals are to improve dog health, prevent the reward of exaggerated features in shows, and raise public awareness to reduce demand for unhealthy breed standards.

6. Publishing the Breed Watch Illustrated Guide

To further discourage harmful exaggerations, the Kennel Club has released a detailed illustrated guide for dog show judges and breeders. This resource helps identify dangerous physical features so these dogs are not rewarded or encouraged in breeding programmes.

7. Educating prospective puppy buyers

Many owners of brachycephalic dogs initially lack awareness of the associated health issues. The Kennel Club has developed numerous free resources aimed at prospective buyers, empowering them to make informed decisions before purchasing a flat-faced puppy.

8. Access to the Mate Select online tool

The Kennel Club offers Mate Select, a free online database that allows breeders to check the health test results and pedigree registration of potential mates. This promotes healthier breeding selections aimed at reducing inherited health problems.

Is the Kennel Club doing enough?

Despite these comprehensive initiatives, controversy remains. Many welfare advocates and vets argue that current efforts, while important, do not go far enough to alleviate the suffering caused by extreme breed conformations. The ongoing popularity of brachycephalic dogs driven by social media and celebrity culture continues to fuel demand for unhealthy traits.

Some critics call for a fundamental rethink of breed standards and breeding priorities to prioritise health and welfare over appearance. Ultimately, responsible prospective owners and breeders must educate themselves thoroughly before choosing or breeding brachycephalic dogs, fully appreciating the health implications involved.

In summary, the Kennel Club’s proactive multi-faceted strategies in 2025 reflect a genuine commitment to improving the health of flat-faced breeds, combining research funding, education, breed standard oversight, and health screening initiatives. However, the path to improved welfare requires ongoing collaboration across breeders, veterinarians, buyers, and welfare organisations to confront entrenched breeding challenges and promote healthy, happy dogs.