If you love them, let them breathe.

At Little Valley, we’ve seen many animals come through our doors, each with their own story. But Bertie, a sweet-natured Frenchie, has been through an ordeal no dog should endure.

Born from a long line of poorly bred brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs, Bertie has faced a lifetime of struggles simply because of the way he looks. His story is one we must share, not only for him but for all the dogs suffering the same fate.

Bertie’s nose is almost non-existent, squashed so severely that he can barely breathe. The folds in his face, once seen as a hallmark of the breed’s ‘cute’ appearance, make it nearly impossible for him to take in air properly. Any form of exercise leaves him gasping, with the constant danger that he could overheat or suffocate if he doesn’t regulate his breathing. His eyes, set too far apart due to his small skull, are another painful reminder of how harmful breeding practices have compromised his health.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Bertie was able to undergo a life-changing procedure called rhinoplasty, a surgery designed to open up his severely restricted airways. It cost over £1,000, and it’s hard to imagine how much more Bertie would have suffered without it. Now, Bertie can breathe more freely, run around, and enjoy the simple joys of being a dog. But his story is part of a much larger issue.

The Plight of Brachycephalic Dogs

Bertie is far from alone in his struggles. Breeds like French Bulldogs, Pugs, and English Bulldogs have become increasingly popular, often praised for their ‘adorable’ squashed faces. But these features are far from harmless; they come with a host of health complications that affect the quality—and length—of their lives.

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is one of the most common issues these dogs face. With their flattened snouts, they have restricted airways, making it difficult to breathe. This is often worsened by stenotic nares (narrow nostrils) and elongated soft palates, which further obstruct airflow. In severe cases like Bertie’s, exercise, even light, becomes dangerous. Imagine a short walk leaving you breathless—this is daily life for many brachycephalic dogs.

RSPCA’s “Let Them Breathe” campaign is fighting to end these harmful practices. We want to see a future where dogs like Bertie aren’t born into a life of suffering. It’s time to prioritise their health over appearance and take a stand against poor breeding.

You can support the campaign and learn more about how to help by visiting the RSPCA’s website. With your help, we can make sure that all dogs can enjoy the simple act of breathing without pain. Let’s stand together and give these dogs the life they deserve.

Left: How a well bred French Bulldog should look, compared with the poorly bred examples that we see today (on the right). 

Comparing a Healthy Nose to a Brachycephalic One

A healthy French Bulldog’s nose has open nostrils for easy breathing. In contrast, brachycephalic Bulldogs have pinched, flattened nasal passages, severely restricting airflow. This leads to laboured breathing, snorting, and even collapse from lack of oxygen.

The complications don’t stop there: Brachycephalic dogs face numerous other health issues:

Eye Problems: Their flat skulls expose their eyes to injury.

Heat Intolerance: Struggling to pant, they easily overheat.

Dental Issues: Overcrowded teeth cause pain and infections.

Gastrointestinal Issues: Laboured breathing often leads to digestive problems.

Snoring and Sleep Apnoea: Obstructed airways disrupt their sleep and health.

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