A New Health Assessment for Flat Faced Dogs in the UK: What Owners Need to Know

Flat faced dogs have become some of the most recognisable breeds in the world. Pugs, French bulldogs and English bulldogs appear everywhere from social media to advertising campaigns, and many families adore them for their personalities, character and comic charm. At the same time, the rise in popularity has brought increasing concern about the health challenges that come with extreme facial structure.

In response, the UK has introduced a new voluntary evaluation called the Innate Health Assessment (IHA), which aims to give breeders and owners a structured way to measure and improve the overall health of brachycephalic breeds. This assessment focuses on ten clear health traits, from breathing ease to eye stability and skin function.

For owners, this new approach offers something valuable. It gives a way to understand a dog’s current health risks, ask more informed questions of breeders, and recognise which dogs are likely to live more comfortable and healthy lives. For breeders, it provides a practical tool to guide responsible breeding choices.

This article explores what the assessment covers, why it matters, and what challenges still exist for improving the welfare of flat faced dogs.

Why flat faced breeds need structured health assessment

Brachycephalic dogs have skulls that are shorter than typical canine proportions. While people often find this look endearing, the shape affects the way the skull, airway, eyes and skin develop. This does not mean every flat faced dog is unhealthy. Many live active and happy lives. However, the risk of certain problems is higher, and responsible breeding practices are essential to reduce those risks.

The new assessment aims to provide a practical framework that identifies traits that help these dogs live more comfortably. Instead of relying on visual preference, it sets clear health markers. These markers guide breeders to select dogs that breathe more freely, move more comfortably and have fewer skin and eye complications.

For owners, it allows early recognition of problems and helps them choose breeders who prioritise health over extreme appearance.

What is the Innate Health Assessment (IHA)

The assessment is designed as a structured examination carried out by trained assessors. It looks at ten specific health areas that tend to be affected in brachycephalic dogs. Each dog is evaluated and given a record of findings that can guide future health decisions and responsible breeding plans.

The ten traits assessed include:

1. Breathing ease

A key concern for many flat faced breeds is restricted airflow. The assessment looks at how easily a dog breathes at rest and during light movement. This is important because breathing difficulties are not always obvious to inexperienced owners. Some dogs have laboured breathing without showing clear distress.

2. Muzzle length

A slightly longer muzzle helps with airflow and temperature regulation. Dogs with extremely short muzzles often show signs of heat intolerance and breathing strain. This trait is measured visually and by proportion.

3. Nostril openness

Narrow or pinched nostrils reduce airflow and force dogs to breathe through their mouths. Wider nostril openings support healthier respiration.

4. Soft palate and airway structure

Although the assessment cannot see inside the airway without veterinary intervention, there are clear external signs that suggest whether the soft palate might be elongated or thickened. These findings can guide further veterinary checks.

5. Eye condition and placement

Protruding or shallow eye sockets increase the risk of injury, ulceration and dryness. The assessment checks pigmentation, eyelid function and signs of irritation.

6. Skin health and wrinkle depth

Skin folds can become damp and inflamed, often trapping yeast or bacteria. Dogs with deep folds need regular cleaning, but healthier breeding tends to favour moderate folds that are easier to maintain.

7. Body structure and movement

Some flat faced breeds can have shortened spines or abnormal limb structure. The assessment observes gait and balance to identify functional movement.

8. Temperature tolerance

Dogs that struggle with heat are more likely to develop respiratory crises. The assessment notes any signs of overheating during mild exertion.

9. Weight balance and condition

Excess weight puts further pressure on already compromised airways. Assessors score dogs for healthy body condition.

10. Overall health impression

This includes the dog’s energy level, alertness, coat condition and signs of discomfort. It offers a broader picture of wellbeing.

The aim is not to grade dogs harshly or exclude them. The purpose is to encourage awareness, healthier breeding selections and transparency.

Why the assessment is voluntary

At present the assessment is voluntary. It is available for owners and breeders who want to encourage healthier practices but it is not required by law. The intention is to build trust and encourage participation rather than create tension or resistance within the breeding community.

However, the voluntary nature brings challenges. Reports suggest that around 70 percent of English bulldog breeders operate outside major breed registries, which means they may not engage with the assessment. This creates a gap between responsible breeders who already prioritise health and those who focus more on producing high demand litters without structured health consideration.

For the assessment to make a significant impact, awareness and uptake need to grow across the entire breeding community, not only within the portion that already follows best practice.

Will this make a difference for owners

Yes, but it depends on how widely the assessment is adopted. The IHA gives owners a practical tool to judge whether a puppy has been bred with health in mind. It allows them to ask meaningful questions:

• Has the parent been assessed

• What were the results

• Did the breeder make decisions based on breathing, eye, and skin health

• Does this puppy show traits consistent with better structural health

For many owners, having this framework removes uncertainty. Instead of relying on appearance, popularity or social media trends, they can choose with confidence.

It also encourages early veterinary involvement. If a puppy receives an IHA evaluation, any concerns are flagged early. Owners can start treatment sooner or put a management plan in place.

Challenges that remain

Despite its strengths, there are obstacles to overcome:

1. Limited participation outside official registries

Breeders operating privately or without oversight may ignore the assessment entirely.

2. Public misunderstanding of brachycephalic health

Many owners assume snoring, wheezing or heat intolerance are cute or normal. They may not realise these are symptoms of discomfort.

3. Influence of demand

Flat faced dogs are often purchased for their looks. Until public preference shifts toward healthier features, some breeders will continue to prioritise exaggerated traits.

4. Cost and access

Some breeders may avoid the assessment because of perceived cost or inconvenience.

However, despite these challenges, the assessment is an important step toward improving the wellbeing of these breeds. Change often begins with awareness.

What owners can do now

Owners play a significant role in pushing for healthier standards. Here are practical steps:

Choose breeders who use the assessment

This sends a clear message that health matters more than extreme appearance.

Learn to recognise the signs of comfortable breathing

Quiet breathing, a relaxed face and steady temperature control are all healthy signs.

Avoid extreme features

Dogs with very flat faces, heavily protruding eyes or deep skin folds often experience more discomfort.

Prioritise fitness and healthy weight

Flat faced dogs can be active. They benefit from controlled exercise and good nutrition.

Seek veterinary advice early

If your dog snores loudly, coughs, gags during excitement or struggles in heat, ask your vet to review their airway health.

Support responsible campaigns

Sharing information helps shift public understanding away from extreme breed features.

A step in the right direction

The introduction of the Innate Health Assessment will not solve every challenge overnight, but it is a thoughtful step towards healthier, more comfortable lives for flat faced dogs. It recognises the need for measured, practical change rather than criticism or alarm.

By focusing on traits that contribute to wellbeing, it encourages breeders and owners to work together. It also gives dogs a chance to live with fewer obstacles, less discomfort, and greater ease in everyday life.

For many families, these breeds bring incredible joy. Giving them the healthiest start possible is part of giving them the life they deserve.