Countries in Europe are starting to ban the breeding of flat-faced dogs, like pugs and french bulldogs — and a U.S. state could be next.
Places like Austria and Norway have put regulations around breeding flat-faced dogs, and the Netherlands even banned the ownership of some flat-faced dogs. While these efforts are all in Europe, a similar idea has been proposed in at least one state as well. A lawmaker in New Hampshire just submitted a new bill to ban the intentional breeding of flat-faced dogs.
Supporters of breeding bans argue that selectively breeding dogs for flat faces can worsen health problems over time by reinforcing the physical traits that cause them.
According to Natascha Hedegaard, a veterinary advisor for JoyFull Pet, flat-faced dogs
have more narrow nostrils and windpipes and excess soft tissue that blocks their airway, making it harder for them to breath. Some have brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, which obstructs their airways.
It wasn't always this way for these dogs.
Hedegaard said several breeds had more prominent noses, but overtime, breeders chose flatter and flatter faces because the look was appealing to prospective owners.
Ellen Read, a New Hampshire state representative, is planning on introducing a new bill around banning the intentional breeding of flat-faced dogs after she proposed this idea in 2024. She was met with heavy opposition at the time.
People pushing back on flat-faced dog ban
The American Kennel Club had strong criticism for the bill, calling it "one of the most egregious anti-breeding bills introduced in a state legislature over the past decade." It argued that there are ethical ways to breed.
Angela Ferrari, the president of Dog Owners of the Granite State, also said that legislation should be focused on breeding practices, rather than banning breeding based on appearance.
"Ethical breeders of brachycephalic breeds perform appropriate breed-specific health testing, including BOAS respiratory-function testing where applicable. They select dogs with open nostrils, sound airways and healthy structure, while prioritizing overall health, temperament and longevity," said Ferrari. "Poor breeding practices should be addressed directly, but ethical breeders who are actively working to preserve and improve the health of their breeds should be supported — not eliminated."
Read said this bill wouldn't ban the breeding of these dogs entirely, it would just put a stop to intentionally breeding two dogs with the same health deformity. Read said this language still allows breeders to return some flat-faced breeds to healthier standards by introducing dogs with better proportions and healthier snouts.
"The bill didn't outlaw any existing animals, nor would it have allowed the government to seize pets. It only addressed intentional breeding practices. Specifically, it sought to prevent breeding two animals that both suffer from the same harmful inherited condition," said Read.
While the bill was ultimately shot down, Read isn't done. Her recently submitted bill, which revised the language, still has the same goal: banning the intentional breeding of flat-faced dogs.
"I think it's inherently cruel to intentionally create animals that we know are likely to suffer. I have asthma myself, and the sensation of not being able to breathe is one of the worst experiences imaginable. To deliberately create animals that struggle to breathe because we think they look cute seems wrong to me," said Read.
The bill should receive an official number in January 2027 after the filing process is complete, then it will likely be referred to the House Environment and Agriculture Committee and receive a hearing sometime between January and early April.
Where does your state stand on flat-faced dogs?
New Hampshire isn't the only state where lawmakers are taking a closer look at breeding standards. After the first bill was proposed in 2024, Read said the city of Ojai, California, passed an ordinance and cited her bill as part of the inspiration. However, there aren't many more laws specifically targeting the breeding of flat-faced dogs.
David Rosengard, a managing attorney for the Animal Legal Defense Fund, said this would be hard to enact across the country for several reasons, one being that Europe has a stronger veterinary reporting system that paints a clearer picture of the health issues. However, if it does pass, Rosengard said it could create a ripple effect across the country.
"One of the things we see in animal protection law is that once one state passes a law, it becomes easier for other states to follow. First, it creates evidence. Other states can evaluate whether the law worked, what challenges arose, and how the law might be improved. Second, states tend not to like being left behind," said Rosengard.
Rosengard said states could also address this under existing animal protection laws, as some states have broad animal protection statutes that prohibit causing animals unnecessary suffering or unjustifiable pain. Rosengard said one could argue that breeding flat-faced dogs causes unnecessary suffering.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: After European crackdowns, N.H. lawmaker proposes flat-faced dog breeding ban
