For years, flat-faced dogs have been some of the most recognizable and loved companions in the world. From the expressive face of the Pug to the unmistakable ears of the French Bulldog, these beloved dog breeds have found their way into millions of homes and hearts.
But the popularity of the flat-faced dog appears to be changing in many parts of the world. Recent registration figures suggest that ownership of breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs and Bulldogs is declining across several countries, including the UK, Australia, New Zealand and parts of Europe. Yet in the United States, demand remains remarkably strong.
In this article, we take a look at why the number of flat-faced dogs is declining globally, except in the US.
Flat-faced dogs, or brachycephalic breeds, have shorter-than-average skulls and muzzles, giving them the distinctive facial features. The group includes popular breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, English Bulldog, and Shih Tzus. There is a reason these breeds have captured so many people's attention. Flat-faced dogs are often affectionate, entertaining, and deeply people-focused. Their expressive faces, big personalities, and often playful, loving nature can make them very appealing companions!
And for many owners, their dog is not simply a pet but a much-loved member of the family. However, despite their enduring appeal, flat-faced dogs are falling in popularity in several countries, with registration figures suggesting that fewer people are choosing these breeds than in previous years.
In the UK, for example, recent figures show a particularly noticeable reduction in flat-faced-dog registrations for the Royal Kennel Club. These numbers don't mean that people have stopped loving these dogs, far from it. Anyone who has shared their home with a Frenchie, Pug or Bulldog knows how deeply these dogs can become part of a family.
The trend is not limited to the UK, either. In Australia, traditional flat-faced breeds such as French Bulldogs and Pugs have faced growing competition from other breeds, while New Zealand has also seen changing preferences among dog owners.
Across these markets, the shift suggests that some prospective owners may be thinking more carefully about breed health, longevity and the responsibilities associated with owning a flat-faced dog before bringing a puppy home alongside the companionship and character these much-loved dogs offer.
According to the American Kennel Club's 2025 registration statistics, the French Bulldog remains the most popular dog breed in the United States and the Bulldog is also still firmly within America's top 10 breeds, ranking tenth in the 2025 AKC statistics. So while registrations are falling sharply in some countries, the French Bulldog continues to have a significant level of popularity in the US.
The statistics highlight how complicated dog ownership trends can be. Breed popularity is shaped by many factors, including lifestyle, culture, social media, access to breeders, housing, personal preferences, and the qualities people are looking for in a companion.
The growing discussion around flat-faced dogs is not about understanding what selective breeding for particular physical characteristics can mean for a dog's everyday life. Brachycephalic dogs can be more susceptible to health problems affecting breathing, eyes, skin, and heat regulation.
For breeders of these dogs, they need to be aware of potential health issues associated including allergies, corneal ulcers, skin-fold infections and brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. And this is where responsible ownership and responsible breeding become so important.
For prospective owners, researching the breed before choosing a puppy can help set realistic expectations. For breeders, health-focused selection can play an important role in producing puppies with better health prospects for comfortable, active lives.
Changing demand can be challenging for breeders who have spent years working with these breeds. But declining registrations in some countries may also encourage an important shift in what puppy buyers value. Increasingly, conversations around responsible breeding focus not simply on appearance, but on health and wellbeing.
For breeders, that can mean prioritizing puppies that can breathe comfortably, exercise appropriately, and cope safely with everyday conditions. It also means being open with prospective owners.
A good breeder shouldn't be afraid to discuss potential breed-related health concerns. In fact, those conversations can help build trust between breeders and families. And for puppy buyers, a breeder who welcomes questions about health, testing, veterinary care, and breeding decisions can provide valuable reassurance.
If you're considering welcoming a flat-faced dog into your family, the answer isn't simply to follow a trend, whether that trend is rising or falling. Instead, think about the individual dog's needs and whether they fit your lifestyle and reach out to responsible and ethical breeders when looking for a new puppy.
Ask the breeder plenty of questions about the puppy's parents and their health and find out what health screening has been undertaken. Consider how the puppy copes with exercise and warmer weather. And make sure you're prepared for the possibility of breed-associated veterinary care.
The decline in flat-faced-dog ownership across several countries is an important development, but in the US, French Bulldogs still remain popular, demonstrating that the affection people have for these breeds remains strong. Flat-faced dogs are still popular, they are generally affectionate, playful, loving dog breeds with expressive faces that are loved by their owners.
It's also important that breeders and owners ask more questions around the health of these breeds, so that every puppy gets the best possible start. If you are looking for a flat-faced-dog then seek a responsible and ethical breeder, don’t be afraid to discuss potential breed-related health concerns when talking to a breeder, and ensure that you have done your research.
Whether a dog has a long muzzle, a short muzzle, enormous ears or a wonderfully wrinkled face, every puppy deserves the same thing: a healthy beginning, a loving home and the chance to live a happy, comfortable life.
19 October, 2026