Pug registrations have seen the most significant decline.

Figures suggest campaigning efforts are starting to take effect. 

Dog welfare groups and vets have welcomed signs that the popularity of Brachycephalic dog breeds is waning.

It follows new data published released by the Royal Kennel Club (RKC), which shows registrations across three key bracychephalic breeds have declined significantly over the past 10 years.

Pug registrations have seen the most significant decline, plummeting from 10,408 in 2016 to 834 in 2025 — a decrease of 92 per cent. French bulldog registrations have fallen from 21,470 to 7,750 (64 per cent) while English bulldogs are down from 7,785 to 2,711 (65 per cent).  

Recent figures show that these drops have continued year-on-year, outpacing a general decline in overall RKC registrations. Total RKC registrations fell overall from 187,772 in 2024 to 158,901 in 2025 - a decrease of approximately 15 per cent. 

Professor Dan O’Neill, chair of the Brachycepahlic Working Group (BWG), welcomed the figures as a positive sign that sustained efforts to prioritise canine health and welfare are beginning to take effect.

“After a decade of BWG campaigning, it is heartening to see signs that the British public as a nation of animal lovers are recognising and taking action to ensure no dog suffers due to selective breeding for a flat-faced look.,” he said. “We urge the British public to continue to ‘Stop and think before buying a flat-faced dog’ whether RKC registered or not.”

The BWG has long campaigned for greater awareness of the health and welfare issues faced by Brachycephalic breeds, advocating for responsible breeding practices that prioritise a healthy functional body shape over appearance.

But while the figures suggest demand may be decreasing, research by Battersea shows that social media is rapidly changing how people expect dogs and cats to look, behave and be treated, 

Caroline Jenkins, head of campaigns at Battersea, said: "The registration data is a promising sign that the public demand for flat-faced dogs may be decreasing, however among younger owners our research shows that expectations of how animals should look, behave and be treated are changing with a ‘new normal’ emerging. Pets that have exaggerated features remain incredibly popular on social media and online sales platforms - yet our social media feeds rarely show the full picture.

“What many people don’t realise is that these ‘cute’ physical aesthetics can, and very often do, have a serious impact on an animal’s health and welfare, such as breathing problems or reduced mobility.  As a result, owners can face both significant financial costs and the emotional costs of seeing their pet suffer, in some cases, the heartbreaking decision to relinquish their pet to rescue centres like Battersea”.

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