Extreme dog body traits experts say owners should avoid

Animal welfare and veterinary experts identify ten 'extreme conformations' — including flat faces, stubby legs and bulging eyes — that they report increase health risks in many popular breeds. The Royal Veterinary College and the All‑Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare helped develop an Innate Health Assessment checklist to flag these traits.

Animal welfare and veterinary experts have set out ten so‑called extreme body traits in dogs that they say are linked to increased health problems. The article reports that traits often described as "cute" can limit normal functions such as breathing, moving and eye protection. The Royal Veterinary College and the All‑Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare worked with scientists to create an Innate Health Assessment (IHA) checklist to help identify these traits. The article also notes that social media and celebrity pets have influenced demand for some of the affected breeds. Key points: - The article lists ten extreme conformations, naming examples such as stubby legs, flat faces (brachycephaly), bulging eyes and excessive skin folds. - The Innate Health Assessment (IHA) was developed with input from Royal Veterinary College experts and APGAW to help flag traits associated with higher health risks. - Experts report these traits are associated with problems including breathing difficulty, eye injury or infection, skin inflammation, spinal and mobility issues. - The article mentions several pedigree breeds that often show multiple extreme traits, including pugs, French bulldogs, dachshunds, Cavalier King Charles spaniels and others. Summary: The report frames these conformations as a welfare concern affecting a number of popular breeds and says an IHA checklist has been published to identify them. Undetermined at this time.