LONDON, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- They are adored for their cute wrinkled and squashed faces, but many of Britain's most sought after breeds suffer from suffering and should be avoided, animal experts said Wednesday.
They cite increasingly popular breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, French bulldogs, shih-tzus and cavalier King Charles spaniels as dogs with potential health problems.
But the Kennel Club, organisers of Crufts, the world's leading dog show, Wednesday blamed unscrupulous breeders to effectively churning out puppies for profit.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA), the official body for animal doctors in Britain, said the surge in popularity of squash-faced dogs had "increased animal suffering".
BVA president Sean Wensley said: "Prospective owners need to consider that these dogs can suffer from a range of health problems, from eye ulcers to severe breathing difficulties. We strongly encourage people to choose a healthier breed or a crossbreed instead."
His warning was backed by leading animal welfare charities, the RSPCA and the PDSA as well as the Royal Veterinary College.
Evidence has also emerged that a growing number of brachycephalic dogs, more commonly known as short-muzzle dogs, are being abandoned by pet owners.
Caroline Kisko, secretary of the Kennel Club secretary, said: "Breeds such as the French Bulldog and Pug have seen a sudden increase in popularity in recent years, leading to a huge demand for them."
"This has provided a ready market for unscrupulous breeders to effectively churn out puppies for profit, outside of any regulation or umbrella of influence, with no regard for their health and welfare," Kisko said.
The Kennel Club has recently formed a working group made up of members of the veterinary community, researchers, other welfare organisations and breed experts which it hopes will support a collaborative approach towards improving the health of brachycephalic dogs.
