French bulldogs are popular on Instagram – but their ‘cute’ look comes at a cost
With 39 million posts, French bulldogs are the most ‘Instagrammable’ dog breed in the world – but behind the cute photos is a sinister health issue.
The RSPCA is raising awareness of the serious health complications faced by flat-faced ‘brachycephalic’ dogs – such as French bulldogs, pugs and English bulldogs – as part of its Born To Suffer campaign.
As a result of their ‘flat’ faces, these breeds may find breathing difficult – and sometimes complex and expensive surgery is the only way to help them breathe properly.
Sadly, despite the health issues – and associated extra costs to owners as a result – ownership of French bulldogs and pugs has increased* since 2020.
As part of its campaign Born To Suffer, The charity is urging people to pledge online to say no to extreme breeding, and yes to health and wellbeing.
Shelley Phillips, RSPCA senior campaign manager, said: “Instagram has been flooded with cute photos of French bulldogs – but sadly every post, like and share risks fuelling demand for dogs who are born to suffer.”
“The cute photo doesn’t show the noises a French bulldog, pug or English bulldog makes when they are struggling to breathe. Over the years, these breeds have gotten more popular because of Instagram, and the demand for them has increased – which means more are being bred.”
“We want people to be aware that the cute Instagram photo isn’t actually cute at all, and behind the picture is a dog which could be suffering.”
One dog awaiting surgery to help her breathe properly is a pug named Chilli, who is currently in RSPCA care.
Sadly due to her breed, Chili, pictured above, has trouble breathing and has a respiratory disease which will both require potential surgery – at a cost of £3,000. She has also been diagnosed with bilateral luxating patella which makes walking and any other exercise extremely difficult.
As a result, she is unable to walk for very long and also struggles with hot weather.
Zoe Barrett, from the RSPCA’s Suffolk Central Branch, where Chilli is being looked after, said: “Chilli is a young, fun pug, who deserves to have a life free from health issues and we really want to help deliver that for her and her future owners.”
“She will need an operation once she is settled in her new home for bilateral luxating patella, and potential surgery for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) which is a complex respiratory disease related to the flat face and skull shape of brachycephalic dogs, such as British bulldogs, French bulldogs and pugs.”
“Dogs with BOAS can suffer from breathing problems and can have trouble coping with heat and exercise. Currently Chilli is unable to walk for long and she struggles with her breathing, which can be distressing for her and her new owners.”
“Having this operation will mean that Chilli will be able to begin to live a life free of health issues, with a wonderful new family – something she thoroughly deserves.”
