Thread by @realscientists

Dogs with flat faces (like pugs, bulldogs, etc) have been selectively bred over a relatively short time frame to have extreme features. This has resulted in much less space to try and contain the same anatomy as a dog with a regular muzzle length [image: CRUFFA @JemimaHarrison]

The result of breeding dogs/cats/rabbits with extremely flat faces is that they can experience significant breathing, dental, eye & skin issues. The anatomy just doesn’t fit in reduced skull/muzzle. Breathlessness is a serious #animalwelfare issue, well documented & understood

See tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.108… @MasseyUni also journals.plos.org/plosone/articl… @DogsbodyRVC @RoyalVetCollege - many others. A large issue is that although we understand the problem & solution (breed selectively for longer muzzles) the problem persists #animalwelfare #science #brachcephaly

So I’m curious to ask you... where do you think the responsibility for this continuing lies?

We could extend this further (polls have limited options on Twitter!) to also include a different area:

Many veterinary associations have put out statements/resources about the health and welfare issues experienced by brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs. E.g. ava.com.au/love-is-blind/ (AUS) bva.co.uk/take-action/ou… (UK) hsvma.org/policy_stateme… (US) #animalwelfare #dogs