Hypertype in Dogs: Dutch Breeder Sentenced

A French bulldog breeder was fined €3,000 for selecting breeding dogs with noses that were too short, resulting in puppies that suffered from severe breathing difficulties, even at rest. This marks a first in the fight against hypertype in brachycephalic breeds.   Following an inspection, the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture sanctioned a French Bulldog breeder, specifying that in addition to the €3,000 fine, it would impose a €1,500 fine each time an unsuitable breeding dog is used at this kennel. In total, the penalties could amount to €9,000. For the record, Dutch law prohibits any breeding practices that could harm animal health and animal welfare. In addition, a bill will be introduced next year in the Netherlands to ban the advertising and ownership of pets with characteristics and traits that cause health problems. This is a first, as it paves the way for enforcement against breeders who select pets for characteristics or hypertypes—such as a short muzzle or folded ears—that can cause discomfort, illness (such as obstructive respiratory syndrome), or even disability. Utrecht University has listed a number of criteria that must be met for breeding brachycephalic breeds, particularly to ensure normal respiratory capacity at rest through a minimum nose and nostril length. Similarly, the animals must be able to close their eyes completely. In dogs, the breeds in question are the Boxer, the Chow Chow, and all brachycephalic breeds. Among cats, the Scottish Fold—whose ears fold forward due to a genetic mutation—and the Bambino (a cross between the Sphynx and Munchkin breeds), which is hairless and has short legs, have been banned in the Netherlands since 2014.     https://vetitude.fr/bouledogue-francais-une-race-canine-brachycephale-sous-haute-surveillance-veterinaire-au-royaume-uni/ https://vetitude.fr/chien-races-brachycephales-pathologie-maltraitance/