The RSPCA has called for Crufts to stop the most popular 'flat-faced' breeds of French bulldogs, pugs and British bulldogs competing at the annual dog show - and new research by the charity shows that most people in the South West of England agree.

The animal charity's Save Our Breath campaign - launching today - highlights concerns that brachycephalic breeds such as French bulldogs, British bulldogs and pugs can suffer from terrible breathing issues and many dogs cannot live normal lives due to the irresponsible way they've been selectively bred.

As Crufts gets underway, new research by the RSPCA* has shown that, in the South West: 

• 67% believe breeds such as the British bulldog, French bulldog and pugs should not be allowed to compete at Crufts
• 74% support mandatory health testing for brachycephalic animals in order to compete at Crufts
• 84% think that Crufts has a responsibility to show only healthy dogs
• After being shown information about brachycephalic animals and Crufts, 60% agree Crufts is leading others into believing that brachycephalic animals are healthy.

The South West's 67% support for the British bulldog, French bulldog and pugs not competing at Crufts is the highest of any region in England and Wales, according to the RSPCA's new polling.

The warning comes as the Crufts dog show prepares to kick off in Birmingham this week, sparking concerns that the showing and celebration of such breeds will further popularise them and will lead people to buy one without knowing the true cost both to their dogs' lives and financially.

People across the South West can show their support for the campaign by signing an open letter to The Kennel Club on the RSPCA website.

RSPCA dog welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: "We've long held concerns about the main element of Crufts - a dog beauty pageant which judges entrants primarily on their appearance awarding those who most closely match the standard that describes their breed. 

"This sadly means numerous dogs have competed and been awarded prizes despite having visibly exaggerated features that are associated with serious health issues.

"It saddens us that each year, large numbers of flat-faced dogs such as French bulldogs and pugs qualify for the competition despite the selection for their extreme features posing risk of serious health and welfare issues.

"Last year, despite less exaggerated versions presented in other classes in the competition, we still saw a more exaggerated bulldog coming first place in the best of breed - so judges thought he was the 'best' example of his breed, but at what cost to his health?

"Every year Crufts awards these types of dogs with certificates for best of breed with the potential for one to be named best in show. While some changes have been made to the breed standards, it is far from sufficient and there remains an urgent need to protect these dogs.

"The Kennel Club has the power to inform real change, and has an incredible influence. They get to decide what a Crufts 'winner' looks like, and by taking a stand against brachycephaly - and ending the involvement of French bulldogs, British bulldogs and pugs from competitions until these breeds are returned to health - they can help protect future generations of these dogs."

Brachycephalic breeds face painful, debilitating and distressing health issues which frequently incur significant costs for owners.

The campaign is launched as research shows:

• Brachycephalic breeds have a significantly shorter lifespan than others 
• French bulldogs were the number one breed being advertised for sale in the UK in 2022
• The RSPCA has seen an increase of 37% in these breeds coming into our care**

Emma Slawinski, campaign director at the RSPCA, said: "Featuring brachycephalics at Crufts legitimises their exaggerated features and increases their popularity amongst the public.

"This year we are campaigning to have French bulldogs, pugs and bulldogs removed from the show as we do not believe their extreme physical features and associated health and welfare issues are a cause for celebration.

"We love all dogs, regardless of breeds, and we campaign on this because we want to save them from more suffering. With bulldogs as an example, we have campaigned throughout our history to save them from bull baiting and we work tirelessly to break up dog fighting rings.

"A hundred years ago, a British bulldog looked very different to how it does today - selection for extreme body shapes over the years have led to this breed having much flatter faces, shorter legs and a whole litany of illnesses due the extreme features which is deemed to be desirable. But studies*** show that as a result, the British bulldog is estimated to have a much shorter lifespan as a result.

"We completely understand why there is so much love out there for these breeds, but breeding for features which compromise their basic health and welfare is wrong.

"We need to change the general view that these dogs are 'cute' and that the symptoms of their health problems are 'funny', 'cute' or normal for the breed.

"If you are keen to have a French bulldog, British bulldog or a pug, please look at adopting from a rescue instead of buying, as buying from a breeder encourages more over-breeding."

Poll carried out by Savanta of 2,169 UK adults in February 2023, of which 177 were from the South West of England