Extreme breeding of ‘cute’ English bulldogs risks UK ban, say vets

Experts call for redefinition of breed to curb fixation on excessively short noses and wrinkled skin

English bulldogs must be bred with less extreme features to improve their health and to prevent breeding from being banned in the UK on welfare grounds, veterinarians have said.

A study by the Royal Veterinary College found that distinctive features of English bulldogs such as their flat faces, protruding lower jaws and folds of skin contribute to them being twice as likely as other breeds to have health problems and substantially shorter lives.