On July 8, 2025, PETA brought a lawsuit against the American Kennel Club (AKC), accusing it of endorsing breed standards that compromise the health of dogs—especially beloved French bulldogs—by prioritizing appearance over well-being. This legal battle reflects a growing awareness that our affection for these small companions must not eclipse the ethical responsibility we hold toward them.
What PETA Alleges: Health Concealed Behind Cute Faces
PETA’s lawsuit argues that the breed standards for five popular breeds—French bulldogs, bulldogs, pugs, dachshunds, and Chinese shar-peis—mandate features that are not just aesthetic but medically compromising. It seeks to force the AKC to review its breed standards and focus more on health as a priority over looks.
According to PETA, for French bulldogs and pugs, shortened snouts (brachycephaly) lead to breathing difficulties, overheating, and chronic distress due to obstructed airways. Dachshunds, with their elongated backs and short legs, are predisposed to spinal issues. Shar-peis suffer skin, eye, and ear ailments due to excessive skin folds and ear structure
The animal welfare organization says these practices “provide blueprints for the breeding of deformed, unhealthy dogs”—a heartbreaking contradiction to the role of dogs as cherished companions
AKC’s Response: Tradition, Research, and Responsibility
The AKC, founded in 1884 in New York, defends its standards as grounded in decades of expert collaboration and scientific study. The organization is a registry for purebred dogs and plays a significant role in setting and promoting breed standards.
They assert that over $40 million has been invested in canine health research to ensure standards support both form and function
Moreover, the AKC stresses that when properly bred by responsible breeders, these purebreds lead healthy, fulfilling lives. The AKC insists that PETA’s lawsuit mischaracterizes breed standards and undermines genuine strides in dog health and welfare.
A Global Awakening: How Other Nations Are Reacting
This lawsuit unfolds amid growing global pressure on breeding norms. In the UK, veterinary leagues have raised alarms over flat-faced breeds’ health, and in the Netherlands, breeding such dogs is outright banned. Norway’s Supreme Court has also taken a stand—though selectively—prohibiting breeding of some purebreds for their inherent health issues
These international precedents underscore a global trend: when breed aesthetics compromise health, public policy and courts are responding.
Ethics or Aesthetics: Where Should We Draw the Line?
At the core lies a profound question: should looks override health? Brachycephalic breeds, adored for their expressive eyes and compact faces, are statistically far more prone to severe health issues: 42× more likely to have stenotic nares, 30× to get airway syndrome, along with skin fold infections and birthing challenges
These statistics expose the hidden cost of a trend—what appears irresistibly cute has a steep price for thousands of dogs.
A 2024 MDPI study highlights that fashionable breed traits—size, coat, face shape—often overshadow temperament and longevity, breeding conditions worsen, and lead to long-term suffering. The human-animal bond is at risk if aesthetics continue to outweigh life quality.
What’s at Stake: The Future of Dog Breeding
This lawsuit could be a turning point. A ruling in PETA’s favor might force the AKC to rethink standards—requiring more balanced traits that prioritize health over superficial appeal. For breeders and prospective dog owners, this moment invites reflection: should our companions suffer for the sake of our aesthetic preferences?
The PETA vs. AKC case is more than a court fight, it’s a moral reckoning. Can we love dogs without condemning them to ailments we unknowingly encourage? The path forward demands empathy, critical thinking, and accountability. If we cherish dogs as family, we must ensure their health, dignity, and lifespan lead the story—not fashion.
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
