Decline in UK Registrations of Flat-Faced Dog Breeds Signals Impact of Welfare Campaigns

In Q1 2026 the Royal Kennel Club recorded 1,400 French bulldog registrations, a 37% drop from the same period in 2025. Bulldog registrations fell 34% and pugs 43% to 126. This is the steepest decline reported by the RKC.

The Guardian

Popularity of flat-faced breeds rose, peaking in 2021 for French bulldogs (54,074 registrations) and in 2016 for pugs (10,408 registrations). Veterinary groups warned of health problems linked to brachycephalic shape, covering skin disorders, eye ulcers, birthing difficulties, spinal abnormalities and respiratory distress. Campaigns such as the BVA’s #BreedToBreathe and Brachycephalic Working Group were launched to raise awareness.

The Guardian

French bulldog registrations fell from 7,750 in 2025 to 1,400 in Q1 2026. Bulldog numbers dropped about one-third, while pugs declined from 834 in 2025 to 126 in the same quarter. Long-term pug data show a reduction from 10,408 registrations in 2016 to 834 in 2025, underscoring a decade-long decrease.

The Guardian

Prof Dan O’Neill of the Royal Veterinary College said registration drop signals shifting public attitudes after a decade of evidence-based campaigning. Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux, senior vice-president, British Veterinary Association, called the figures an encouraging sign that campaigns such as #BreedToBreathe are influencing demand. Both urged owners to prioritize health over appearance and noted unregistered flat-faced dogs remain a concern.

The Guardian

Despite the registration decline, the BVA highlighted a population of flat-faced dogs not recorded by the RKC, including imports and domestic breeding. Critics argue that focusing only on registration data may understate irresponsible breeding and that welfare improvements need broader regulation.

The Guardian

• “The British public are known as animal lovers and the new RKC breed data support this view,” — Prof Dan O’Neill, Royal Veterinary College

The Guardian

• “We saw a huge explosion in the popularity of flat-faced dogs at the start of the last decade, fuelled largely by social media and celebrity influencers.” — Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux, British Veterinary Association

The Guardian

• “Of course, we know that there’s a large population of flat-faced dogs who aren’t Royal Kennel Club registered who’re being bred and bought across the UK, or being imported from abroad, so there’s still work to be done to tackle irresponsible breeding and to improve the overall welfare of these breeds. Our advice to anyone looking to get a puppy continues to be to prioritise health over looks.” — Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux, British Veterinary Association

The Guardian

The RKC data capture only registered dogs; no official estimates exist for unregistered or imported flat-faced dogs. Consequently, the registration decline may not fully reflect overall ownership trends.

The Guardian

The BVA and Brachycephalic Working Group plan to extend #BreedToBreathe messaging and work with breeders on health standards. Monitoring registration trends will continue as a metric of public response to welfare initiatives.

The Guardian