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Vets warn people against buying 'flat-faced' dogs Vets warn people against buying 'flat-faced' dogs
(about 7 hours later)
Vets are warning would-be dog owners to think twice before buying breeds with fashionably "flat-faced" features - because of concerns over their welfare.Vets are warning would-be dog owners to think twice before buying breeds with fashionably "flat-faced" features - because of concerns over their welfare.
Pugs, bulldogs, French bulldogs, shih-tzus and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have become sought-after in the UK, despite wide-ranging health problems.Pugs, bulldogs, French bulldogs, shih-tzus and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have become sought-after in the UK, despite wide-ranging health problems.
Their appeal is attributed to having "squashed" faces and wrinkled noses.Their appeal is attributed to having "squashed" faces and wrinkled noses.
The British Veterinary Association said the surge in popularity of these dogs has "increased animal suffering".The British Veterinary Association said the surge in popularity of these dogs has "increased animal suffering".
Sean Wensley, President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) said: "Prospective owners need to consider that these dogs can suffer from a range of health problems, from eye ulcers to severe breathing difficulties."Sean Wensley, President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) said: "Prospective owners need to consider that these dogs can suffer from a range of health problems, from eye ulcers to severe breathing difficulties."
"We strongly encourage people to choose a healthier breed or a crossbreed instead.""We strongly encourage people to choose a healthier breed or a crossbreed instead."
The warning has been echoed by the PDSA, the Royal Veterinary College, the RSPCA and the Kennel Club.The warning has been echoed by the PDSA, the Royal Veterinary College, the RSPCA and the Kennel Club.
Meanwhile, evidence suggests that an increasing number of the dogs - more correctly known as brachycephalic or short-muzzled dogs - are being abandoned by their owners.Meanwhile, evidence suggests that an increasing number of the dogs - more correctly known as brachycephalic or short-muzzled dogs - are being abandoned by their owners.
'Abandoned''Abandoned'
Six dog rescue companies told the BBC that the breeds were being given up in greater numbers.Six dog rescue companies told the BBC that the breeds were being given up in greater numbers.
Battersea Dogs Home and Bluecross Animal Rescue received a total of 314 "flat-faced" dogs in 2015, compared to 226 in 2014, an increase of 39%.Battersea Dogs Home and Bluecross Animal Rescue received a total of 314 "flat-faced" dogs in 2015, compared to 226 in 2014, an increase of 39%.
Both charities said they were carrying out more surgical procedures to clear the airways of the dogs they brought in - removing obstructive pieces of tissue and widening nostrils.Both charities said they were carrying out more surgical procedures to clear the airways of the dogs they brought in - removing obstructive pieces of tissue and widening nostrils.
Steve Gosling, a vet at Battersea Dogs Home, said one of their dogs, Winston the bulldog, was a typical example.Steve Gosling, a vet at Battersea Dogs Home, said one of their dogs, Winston the bulldog, was a typical example.
He said: "He's a lovely little chap, about eight years old. He was left with us by his owners and, like many dogs from this breed, he suffers from what we call Brachycephalic Obstructed Airways Syndrome."He said: "He's a lovely little chap, about eight years old. He was left with us by his owners and, like many dogs from this breed, he suffers from what we call Brachycephalic Obstructed Airways Syndrome."
"In other words, because he has a really short nose that we've bred into him, he has quite serious breathing difficulties.""In other words, because he has a really short nose that we've bred into him, he has quite serious breathing difficulties."
Mr Gosling said the charity operates on dogs like Winston "quite regularly" because shortness of breath can be a very distressing condition.Mr Gosling said the charity operates on dogs like Winston "quite regularly" because shortness of breath can be a very distressing condition.
He added: "And we don't want to re-home animals knowing that we can improve their quality of life."He added: "And we don't want to re-home animals knowing that we can improve their quality of life."
'Not normal''Not normal'
A recent survey by the Royal Veterinary College suggests many owners of brachycephalic dogs are not aware of the common underlying health problems.A recent survey by the Royal Veterinary College suggests many owners of brachycephalic dogs are not aware of the common underlying health problems.
"Most owners - and some vets - think airway noise, and consequently reduced activity, is normal" says Caroline Reay, Chief Vet at Bluecross Animal Hospital in Merton, "so the problems are rarely discussed.""Most owners - and some vets - think airway noise, and consequently reduced activity, is normal" says Caroline Reay, Chief Vet at Bluecross Animal Hospital in Merton, "so the problems are rarely discussed."
"And I think the number of operations we are carrying out is really only the tip of the iceberg"."And I think the number of operations we are carrying out is really only the tip of the iceberg".
The extremely broad head shape seen in in pugs and bulldogs is not a natural look. It developed as a result of intense, selective breeding.The extremely broad head shape seen in in pugs and bulldogs is not a natural look. It developed as a result of intense, selective breeding.
It has led the RSPCA to call for an urgent review of the breed standards, which are decided by the Kennel Club, and specify how every type of dog should look.It has led the RSPCA to call for an urgent review of the breed standards, which are decided by the Kennel Club, and specify how every type of dog should look.
Caroline Kisko, the Kennel Club secretary, said: "The breed standards were set many years ago. If you look back through history there are some dire things that went on, and undoubtedly we would accept all responsibility for that."Caroline Kisko, the Kennel Club secretary, said: "The breed standards were set many years ago. If you look back through history there are some dire things that went on, and undoubtedly we would accept all responsibility for that."
"But I would say that in the here-and-now, after all of the changes to the standards that were made in 2009, we would expect dogs to be far healthier if they are winning prizes at dogs shows.""But I would say that in the here-and-now, after all of the changes to the standards that were made in 2009, we would expect dogs to be far healthier if they are winning prizes at dogs shows."
'No concern''No concern'
Mrs Kisko said the problems with brachycephalic dogs were being perpetuated in the main by disreputable puppy farms.Mrs Kisko said the problems with brachycephalic dogs were being perpetuated in the main by disreputable puppy farms.
She said: "If we continue to allow dogs to be brought in from central and eastern Europe where there is no concern for how these dogs are bred, it is inevitable that pet owners will end up with dogs they can't deal with."She said: "If we continue to allow dogs to be brought in from central and eastern Europe where there is no concern for how these dogs are bred, it is inevitable that pet owners will end up with dogs they can't deal with."
"These are breeds which aren't hugely suited to pet homes. If you want a pet that will run around and chase a ball and so on, don't go out and buy any short-faced breed based on what celebrities are walking around with under their arm.""These are breeds which aren't hugely suited to pet homes. If you want a pet that will run around and chase a ball and so on, don't go out and buy any short-faced breed based on what celebrities are walking around with under their arm."
This summer the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) opened the UK's first specialist clinic to address problems in flat-faced dogs.This summer the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) opened the UK's first specialist clinic to address problems in flat-faced dogs.
Dr Dan O'Neil from the RVC said: "It is a very important area for animal welfare. Brachycephalic dogs seem to have substantial upper respiratory health problems."Dr Dan O'Neil from the RVC said: "It is a very important area for animal welfare. Brachycephalic dogs seem to have substantial upper respiratory health problems."
More than 12,000 vets and vet nurses have signed an online petition calling for a working party to address the increasing health problems in brachycephalic dogs and cats.More than 12,000 vets and vet nurses have signed an online petition calling for a working party to address the increasing health problems in brachycephalic dogs and cats.
Do you own a "flat-faced" dog? What do you think of this research? What is it like to have a flat-faced dog as a pet?" Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories.
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