People who already own an English bulldog are being encouraged to monitor them carefully and to seek early advice if they become concerned about any symptoms.

Vets urge people to think before they buy an English bulldog. The breed is still “compromise by major health problems”.

A Royal Veterinary College research has revealed that dogs which are growing in popularity have poorer health than other breeds due to issues associated with extreme body shapes.

The RVC stated that many bulldogs’ “problematic” characteristics, such as having a flat face and deep skin folds, as well as their noisy breathing are being considered “normal” or desirable. This is in contrast to major welfare concerns.

The breed’s distinctive and exaggeratedly short muzzle and protruding lower- jaw have been associated with a variety of serious health issues.

These include eye problems, breathing difficulties and skin and hearing diseases.

People who already own an English bulldog are being encouraged to monitor them carefully and to seek early advice if they become concerned about any symptoms.

Dr Dan O’Neill, lead author of the paper and Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC said: “Every dog deserves to be born with equal and good innate health by having a natural ability to breathe freely, blink fully, exercise easily, have healthy flat skin, mate and give birth.

“For breeds such as English bulldogs where many dogs still have extreme conformations with poor innate health, the public have a huge role to play by demanding dogs with moderate and healthier conformations.

“Until then, prospective owners should stop and think before buying a flat-faced dog. ”

Dr Alison Skipper was co-author of the study and is a veterinary historian. She said that “This research strongly suggests that bulldogs are still suffering from many diseases related to their bodies shapes. Most have been recognized for over a century.”

“It confirms the need to follow the example of more responsible breeders who prioritise health in breeding decisions to improve the welfare of this popular and iconic breed in the future. “