When I was in high school, I volunteered at a veterinary clinic in the town where I lived. One day, a Shar Pei came in for a routine annual exam and the veterinarian brought her to the back to collect a blood sample. Once the sample was collected, the veterinarian paused and lifted a large fold of skin over the dog's shoulders. Bright red skin glistened with moisture as he looked silently for a few moments before lifting adjacent folds on the neck and face. His head hung low and a look of disappointment clung to his face. One fold after another, more of the same red skin, damp, sometimes with crusts, sometimes nearly bald in places. The veterinarian wiped one of the worst areas with a gauze swab and applied some ointment. The dog protested in discomfort. The veterinarian removed his gloves, washed his hands, and turned to take the dog back to the consultation room. I followed, eager to hear what he might say to the clients.
Once in the room, he closed the door quietly, and let the dog go back to its owners. He explained that the blood test results would be available the next afternoon. Then he told them that the skinfold dermatitis was a real problem that was causing the dog to suffer.
‘These dogs just take more care,’ he stated. ‘They require regular attention to keep the skin healthy.’ The clients replied that they had tried to bathe the skin as often as he had directed them previously, but no matter how often they did it, the skin never seemed to get any better so they just gave up. They had seen it all, numerous skin cultures, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antifungals, and even recommendations to surgically remove the excess skin, but they loved the wrinkles, it was like the dog in the television advertisement. I couldn't help but notice the empty look in the veterinarian's eyes. How did it get to this point that this breed so beloved for its folds of skin is suffering due to the trait that we bred into it?
Fast-forward more than 25 years and the popularity of breeds with exaggerated features has soared. Some breeds have reached superstar status on social media creating increased demand for large eyes, squashed faces, short limbs, and excessive skin wrinkling. Prices for puppies are skyrocketing, and more people are setting up shop breeding for characteristics driven by public demand.
Now, the veterinary community worldwide is taking a stand. Veterinary organisations in countries such as the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand are collaborating with researchers, kennel clubs, and welfare organisations to speak out against the promotion and production of breeds with exaggerated physical traits that are compromising the welfare of these animals. It is hoped that with greater public awareness, people will realise that no matter how attractive they might find the exaggerated facial features of a pug, for example, those same features are negatively affecting these animals' health and quality of life.
Breed standards have been addressed on numerous occasions throughout recent history and like other heated controversies, the evidence must come to light to prove just how much breed traits are compromising health and welfare. Over the years I've seen so many animals affected by cosmetic choices, I can't help but wonder how many animals could have been spared from a lifetime of suffering had we taken action sooner. Why has it taken this long? Who knows, but the fact is that it is happening now, finally. As advocates of animal health and welfare, we all can stand together knowing that by speaking out, we are preventing at least some future suffering.