Top 10 Most Harmful Dog Breed Standards by Kennel Club
Dog breed standards—the official “blueprints” for how purebred dogs should look—have helped preserve dog breeds for generations. Kennel clubs like the AKC and UKC do important work promoting responsible breeding and dog shows. But in some cases, the push for a very specific appearance has accidentally led to serious health problems. Flat-faced Pugs struggling to breathe, Dachshunds with back issues, and Bulldogs needing C-sections just to give birth—these aren’t just random problems. They’re often the direct result of breed standards that prioritize looks over function. The good news? Many experts and even some kennel clubs are now rethinking these rules to keep dogs healthier while still preserving what makes each breed special.
1. English Bulldog
Kennel Clubs: AKC, KC (UK), FCI
AKC Standard: “Bulldog Breed Standard”
FCI Standard: No. 149 (Group 2)
Harmful Traits in Standards:
- AKC: “The skull should be very large… the face extremely short, muzzle very broad, blunt and inclined upwards.”
- FCI: “Muzzle extremely short, broad, turned upwards.”
Health Impacts:
- 100% require C-sections (Packer et al. 2015)
- 90% suffer BOAS (O’Neill et al. 2019)
- Avg. lifespan: 6-8 years (RVC 2021)
Reform Demands:
- WSAVA: “Require muzzle length ≥1/3 of skull length” (2022 Brachycephalic Guidelines)
2. Pug
Kennel Clubs: AKC, KC, FCI
AKC Standard: “Pug Breed Standard”
FCI Standard: No. 253 (Group 9)
Harmful Traits:
- AKC: “Muzzle short, blunt… tail curled as tightly as possible over hip.”
- FCI: “Tail tightly curled over hip. Double curl preferred.”
Health Impacts:
- 65% spinal deformities (Brown et al. 2017)
- 50% corneal ulcers (O’Neill et al. 2022)
Reform Demands:
- FECAVA: “Ban tail curls and require nostril width ≥3mm” (2023)
3. German Shepherd (Show Line)
Kennel Clubs: AKC, KC
AKC Standard: “German Shepherd Dog Breed Standard”
Harmful Traits:
- AKC: “Topline slopes downward from withers to croup… hindquarters strongly angulated.”
Health Impacts:
- 80% hip dysplasia (Marschall & Distl 2007)
- 40% degenerative myelopathy (Awano et al. 2009)
Reform Demands:
- GSD Health Foundation: “Adopt working-line topline standards” (2023)
4. Dachshund
Kennel Clubs: AKC, FCI, KC
AKC Standard: “Dachshund Breed Standard”
FCI Standard: No. 148 (Group 4)
Harmful Traits:
- FCI: “Distance from ground to chest less than 1/3 of height at withers.”
Health Impacts:
- 25% IVDD risk (Bergknut et al. 2012)
Reform Demands:
- IVDD Consortium: “Minimum leg length = 1/3 body height” (2021)
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Kennel Clubs: AKC, FCI, KC
AKC Standard: “Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed Standard”
FCI Standard: No. 136 (Group 9)
Harmful Traits:
- AKC: “Skull slightly rounded… full, lustrous coat.”
Health Impacts:
- 70% syringomyelia (Rusbridge et al. 2006)
Reform Demands:
- CKCS Club: “Mandatory MRI screening for breeding” (2022)
6. French Bulldog
Kennel Clubs: AKC, KC
AKC Standard: “French Bulldog Breed Standard”
Harmful Traits:
- AKC: “Head large and square… nose extremely short.”
Health Impacts:
- 60% require airway surgery (Liu et al. 2017)
Reform Demands:
- French Bulldog Health Council: “Nostril width ≥3mm” (2023)
7. Bloodhound
Kennel Clubs: AKC, KC
AKC Standard: “Bloodhound Breed Standard”
Harmful Traits:
- AKC: “Eyelids diamond-shaped… excessive dewlap.”
Health Impacts:
- 100% eyelid surgery risk (Gelatt & MacKay 2005)
Reform Demands:
- ACVO: “Limit eyelid droop to 2mm” (2020)
8. Neapolitan Mastiff
Kennel Clubs: AKC, FCI
FCI Standard: No. 197 (Group 2)
Harmful Traits:
- FCI: “Abundant, loose skin forming wrinkles.”
Health Impacts:
- 90% skin infections (Hill et al. 2015)
Reform Demands:
- Italian Mastiff Club: “Max 3 facial folds” (2022)
9. Scottish Terrier
Kennel Clubs: AKC, KC
AKC Standard: “Scottish Terrier Breed Standard”
Harmful Traits:
- AKC: “Body short-coupled… legs very heavy.”
Health Impacts:
- 40% IVDD rate (Brisson et al. 2004)
Reform Demands:
- STCA Health Committee: “Leg length ≥1/3 body length” (2021)
10. Shar-Pei
Kennel Clubs: AKC, FCI, KC
AKC Standard: “Chinese Shar-Pei Breed Standard”
Harmful Traits:
- AKC: “Excessive wrinkles in puppies.”
Health Impacts:
- 80% skin infections (Olsson et al. 2011)
Reform Demands:
- CSPCA: “Wrinkles must recede by adulthood” (2023)
FAQ’s – Canine Health vs. Aesthetics
Which dog breeds have the most health problems due to breed standards?
Short-nosed breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs) often struggle to breathe, while Dachshunds frequently get back problems, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to painful brain conditions.
Is there a healthier version of the English Bulldog?
Yes! The Continental Bulldog looks similar but has a longer nose, fewer breathing issues, and can even give birth naturally (unlike regular Bulldogs, which need C-sections).
Are kennel clubs doing anything to fix this?
Slowly, yes! Some are starting to require:
Longer muzzles for flat-faced dogs
Less extreme body shapes (like taller backs for Dachshunds)
Health testing before breeding
It’s not perfect yet, but it’s progress!
When Breed Standards Cause Suffering-Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, nobody wants their favorite dog breeds to disappear—we just want them to be healthier. Kennel clubs have done a lot of good over the years, but it’s time to update some of those old standards to match what we now know about dog health. The best part? We don’t have to choose between “cute” and “healthy.” Breeds like the Continental Bulldog (a Bulldog with a longer snout and fewer breathing problems) prove that we can have both. By supporting responsible breeders who prioritize health and pushing for smarter breed standards, we can make sure future generations of dogs live longer, happier lives—without losing what makes them so lovable in the first place!
