5 Horror Stories From People With AKC-Registered Dogs
Some dogs spend their entire lives gasping for breath. Why? Because of “breed standards” imposed by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the nation’s largest “purebred” dog registry. The AKC’s official standards encourage the deliberate breeding of French bulldogs, pugs, and other flat-faced dogs whose distorted features make breathing nearly impossible, among other health issues.
That’s why PETA is suing the AKC. Just after the news broke, our lawsuit exploded in the media, earning coverage in The New York Times and sparking conversations on Facebook, Instagram, and beyond. Now, PETA supporters, dog guardians, and even a veterinarian are speaking out. Take a look at some of the comments and learn how you can take action to help dogs who can’t breathe due to the AKC’s “standards.”
Dog Guardians Shared Stories of Their Companions’ Suffering
In the wake of the lawsuit, the comments poured in across platforms. Many thanked PETA for taking a stand, including acclaimed photographer Robert Sturman, and shared their disgust with the American Kennel Club.
Other commenters shared heartbreaking personal stories of their dogs who were bred to meet the AKC’s appearance-driven standards. Some have lost beloved companions to health problems caused by deformities that the AKC rewards in dog show rings, and one poster shared that their AKC-bred Frenchie suffers from an onslaught of health issues resulting in extremely high medical bills:
“Can confirm that my Frenchie is a genetic dumpster fire who deserved a better body than the one he was forced into by his breeder, the Frenchie breed club, and the AKC. He has cost $87,000 in vet bills for multiple airway surgeries, spinal issues, allergies, eye problems and so on. But hey, he was the right color and bred to standard.”
A veterinarian’s comment echoed the poster’s concerns and disdain for the American Kennel Club’s breed standards: “I’ve seen countless dogs suffer and die young because of AKC breed standards. Thank you, PETA, for speaking out.”
These remarks are all too familiar. PETA previously shared the story of one devoted French bulldog guardian who flew her dog to Germany to help provide him some relief. Arnie was bred by an American Kennel Club “Breeder of Merit,” a title given to breeders the club believes have gone “above and beyond on health issues, temperament, and genetic screening.” But his struggle to breathe makes it clear his health was never a priority.
How You Can Help Dogs
The best way to help dogs is never to support the breeding industry. Buying a dog from a pet store, breeder, or anywhere else means an animal in a shelter loses a potential family. If you have the time, money, patience, and love to care for an animal for life (which could be more than 15 years), please adopt one from a shelter.
