Designer Dog Breeds Should Fade Away, Embrace Adoption Instead

Breeders have long twisted the bodies of dogs like pugs, French bulldogs, and English bulldogs in the name of fashion. Because of those flat faces, bulging eyes, and deep wrinkles, these dogs suffer chronic infections, labored breathing, and mobility problems — and many must undergo surgery just to live comfortably.

Now a powerful effort is underway to stop this cruelty. Animal welfare scientists have created a tool called the Innate Health Assessment that measures ten harmful traits — from sagging eyelids to twisted legs. Dogs will be scored, and only those with strong health profiles will be allowed to breed under licensed rules. Over time the standard will tighten so that in ten years every licensed dog bred will meet the highest health mark.

This is not about banning breeds. It is about putting the health of living beings above trends. By changing the breeding rules, we aim to end the deformities that cause constant discomfort and pain. It is a clear step toward treating dogs as sentient individuals who deserve respect, not as fashion props.

Advocacy groups like PETA are rightly celebrating. They call out the practice of breeding dogs to have “cute” but damaging traits as cruelty. This initiative is a major push toward ending intentional suffering. Some critics argue responsible breeders will be hurt, but is vanity a good enough reason to let innocent dogs keep paying with their wellbeing?

Above all we must shift how we bring dogs into our lives. Shelter dogs are waiting — healthy, loving, and already born. Instead of fueling a cruel breeding industry, we can choose adoption.

Let us stand together: reject harmful breeding, Support adoption, and demand better treatment for all animals. Our love should heal, not harm.