The world’s largest dog show has banned flat-faced designer pugs that can’t breathe from competing.
Crufts, run by the Kennel Club, will now force three breeds to undergo a respiratory function grading (RFG) assessment – with any animal graded a two or three excluded.
The new rules have caused fury among some dog owners who claim it targets pugs and other flat-faced dogs while overlooking health conditions common in many other breeds.
Guidance issued by the Kennel Club reads: ‘The Kennel Club has announced an update to the respiratory function grading scheme entry criteria for Crufts 2026, as part of its commitment to monitoring and improving brachycephalic dog health.
‘From 2026 onwards, all bulldogs, French bulldogs, and pugs with a grade two or grade three RFG Scheme assessment will not be eligible to attend Crufts. Previously this exclusion applied only to grade three dogs.’
The assessment, developed with the University of Cambridge, will examine the breeds for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) – a respiratory disorder linked to flat faces.
Dogs will be looked at before and after the exercise then graded from zero, meaning no signs of the condition, to three, the most severe.
A submission of assessments will be a condition of entry, with Crufts scheduled to take place from from March 5 to 8 at the NEC in Birmingham.
The world’s largest dog show has banned flat-faced designer pugs that can’t breathe from competing (file image)
Sue Smith, a pug owner, called the move ‘unfair’, claiming it was ‘just because of the way they look’ (file image)
Angela Taylor, from Staffordshire, who owns for Pugs, argued the breed was no more prone to health issues than others.
She told The Telegraph: ‘There are many breeds of dogs that are. West Highland white terriers usually get skin conditions, Cavalier King Charles spaniels are prone to heart conditions and breathing health issues.
‘Labradors with hip and elbow dysplasia, Great Danes and bone cancer, dachshunds with spinal issues and border collies with behaviour issues. The list can go on and on with different breeds having their own common health issues.’
Ms Taylor went on to list several other dog breeds with ‘their own common health issues’.
These included labradors with hip and elbow dysplasia, Great Danes with bone cancer, dachshunds with spinal issues and border collies with ‘behaviour issues’.
Suggesting the singling out of pugs and French bulldogs would set a dangerous precedent, she pointed out all dogs attending shows are required to be fit and healthy but added ‘if you’re going to ban certain breeds, then where does it stop?’
Sue Smith, another pug owner, called the move ‘unfair’, claiming it was ‘just because of the way they look’.
The new rules follow the revelation that breeds with flat faces, bulging eyes and wrinkly skin will disappear over the next 10 years under plans to eradicate extreme traits in dogs.
A health assessment launched this week scored dogs across 10 physical traits, with only those ranking eight or above permitted for licenced breeding under the voluntary scheme.
The Kennel Club has been approached for comment.
