‘Bulging skulls and protruding eyes’: Ten features dog owners should avoid

Welfare experts say people need to choose pets with natural body shapes so their health doesn't suffer

Would-be dog owners should avoid bulging skulls, protruding eyes and shortened twisted legs and instead opt for a naturally healthy body shape, an international team of experts has urged.

The health and welfare implications of extreme canine body forms has become a pressing issue, with experts repeatedly warning of the myriad problems faced by breeds with flat faces - from breathing challenges to difficulties exercising and giving birth.

Flat-faces

Large and protruding eyes

Shortened, twisted legs

Facial or body skin folds

Lack of tail

A clearly overshot or undershot jaw

A disproportionately broad head and shoulders

Eyelids turned in or out

A bulging or domed skull

A sloped back with an excessively low rear end and excessively flexed hind legs