Breeding for good health should be the focus for dog breeders producing puppies for sale. Yet dogs with innate poor health continue to be popular. As a vet in clinical practice, I see the daily reality of extreme conformation, with some dogs having physical traits so exaggerated they upset a dog’s ability to live a normal life. When a body shape prevents easy breathing or natural movement, it isn’t just an aesthetic choice; it is a welfare issue. And it’s wrong for us to turn the other way when this is happening.
This week’s podcast covers this topic in more detail, if you wish to listen to more on this.
Recent data from the RVC VetCompass programme, Dogs Trust, and the Royal Kennel Club reveals a sobering statistic: over 25% of UK dogs are suspected to be living with at least one form of extreme conformation.
The Scale of the Issue that can be solved by careful breeding
By analyzing millions of clinical records, research from Vet Compass has shown that a quarter of the UK canine population has been bred for traits that compromise their innate health. It’s very likely that similar statistics apply to the Irish dog population.
The primary culprits include:
- Brachycephaly: Flat faces and shortened muzzles that obstruct airways.
- Chondrodystrophy: Excessively shortened legs out of proportion with the body.
- Shortened/Absent Tails: Limiting spinal integrity and communication.
The 2024 Dogs Trust study showed that 20% of UK dogs now belong to flat-faced breeds, while 10% of all RKC registrations are for breeds on the “Category 3” watch list due to severe health concerns. It’s very likely that Ireland is heading in a similar direction.
We can either just accept these facts, or steps can be taken to improve the health of future generations of dogs. The consensus, certainly in the veterinary community, is that we should do what we can to produce healthier, happier dogs in the coming decades.
A Path Toward Moderation through good breeding
Many affected breeds do not require a radical overhaul—they simply need a shift toward moderation. Just as humans have chosen dogs with extreme physical characteristics, so we can now select dogs with more moderate features, which will lead to better health for future generations.
By selecting for slightly longer muzzles, functional leg lengths, and healthy tails, we can preserve the breeds we love while restoring their quality of life. Tools like the Innate Health Assessment (IHA) have been designed to help.
For the sake of the dogs of the future, it’s important that both breeders and future owners move away from extremes and move instead towards a healthier, more functional future for all dogs.
Listen to my podcast on this topic below.
Please note that I am unable to answer veterinary questions in comments. If you have questions or concerns about your pet's health it is always better to contact your vet.