PETA files suit against American Kennel Club, demanding end to 'deformed' breeding
- - - PETA files suit against American Kennel Club, demanding end to 'deformed' breeding
David K. LiJuly 10, 2025 at 3:18 AM
French bulldogs compete at the 2024 Westminster Dog Show in New York City. (Julia Nikhinson / AP)
PETA filed a state lawsuit on Tuesday against the American Kennel Club, in hopes of forcing the influential group to ditch breeding standards that allegedly lead to "deformed, unhealthy" canines.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) specifically targeted some of the most popular breeds of man's best friend — bulldogs, French bulldogs, pugs, dachshunds and the Chinese shar-pei.
Plaintiffs asked the Manhattan Supreme Court to stop AKC from backing these standards which allegedly "cause deformities, great suffering and premature death" to these animals.
AKC said it did not "create breed standards," but instead works to ensure these classifications "are clear, consistent, and continue to reflect the breed’s health, function, and type."
"The AKC has been — and remains — firmly committed to the health, well-being, and proper treatment of all dogs," according to an AKC statement.
"We categorically reject PETA’s mischaracterizations of specific breed standards and their assertion that these standards create unhealthy dogs."
The targeted breeds include unique features such as short, upturned or flat noses seen on the faces of bulldogs, French bulldogs and pugs.
The short-legged elongated bodies of dachshunds and unique skin folds of the Chinese shar-pei may bring smiles and approving nods in homes, dog walk parks, animal shelters and pet stores across America, but PETA advocates claim these human smiles come at a terrible cost to these dogs.
The Frenchie is AKC's most popular breed, with short noses and other facial and mouth "distortions" and "deformities" that "give rise to a chronic, debilitating, respiratory syndrome," according to the lawsuit.
PETA says the bulldog's large skull and "short-faced head" are "distortions of the normal structures of the face, mouth and airway" which "all contribute to the the obstruction of airflow and severaly impede breathing."
The dachshund's low-to-the-ground body and tiny legs are the "animal equivalent of a poorly designed bridge" which cause back aches and "significant needless pain and suffering," according to PETA.
The lawsuit states in addition to their pressed faces, pugs have prominent eyes with "unnaturally shallow eye sockets" which "interfere with their ability to blink and spread tears across their eyes," leading to "extremely painful conditions."
The Chinese shar-pei is known for its unique skin folds which are "highly prone to infection and inflammation," leading to "lifelong discomfort, irritation, infection and pain," according to PETA.
The AKC counters that the "health and welfare of dogs are paramount and at the core of our mission."
"AKC advocates that all dogs be bred to produce healthy, well-adjusted companions. AKC remains proud of its legacy and resolute in its mission to protect the health, heritage, and well-being of purebred dogs — now and into the future."
Source: AOL General News
