Finnish Government Investigation and Report: Improving the implementation of animal welfare in animal breeding. Part 2: Preliminary analysis of problems and means of intervention in the breeding of dogs.

This comprehensive and insightful 89 page report examines the impact on dog health and welfare of breeding dogs with unnatural or exaggerated body shapes (conformations).
The Report focuses on the health and welfare impact of breeding dogs with short (brachycephalic) faces and it makes very concerning reading. Not only the effect on dogs' ability to breathe and thermo-regulate but other physical consequences of such a conformation such as spinal problems, skin problems and dentition problems. Importantly the Report also identifies the impact of brachycephaly on species-specific behaviour, including communication with other dogs, mating, giving birth naturally and normal canine hygiene.
This Report brings home the damage human being have done to dogs over time in order to satisfy some idea of the 'perfect specimen' or cute pet. It also calls for action by kennel clubs, breed organisations, individual breeders and those who desire to own
such a dog. With the current popularity of short faced dogs such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs the welfare impact and scale of suffering is huge.