For decades, brachycephalic breeds or short-nose dogs have been believed to be cuter than pets with natural longer noses. This is why the demand for dogs with “smashed-in” noses has skyrocketed. The selective breeding of this characteristic has created a serious health issue and congenital breathing problems is now on the rise.

In our ideal world, future pet owners would opt to adopt instead of shopping at pet stores or from backyard breeders. Unfortunately, the reality is that a large percent of dog owners do not rescue from shelters. Maria Lundvall, DVM and manager at the Swedish Association of Professional Veterinary Clinics says the organizations wants to inform people of the health problems these popular breeds bring and teach them how to identify healthy short-nose pups.

Before adding a brachycephalic breed to your family, the Swedish Association of Professional Veterinary Clinics suggest you follow these four recommendations to ensure the newest four-legged member of your family is a healthy one.

1. Ask your veterinarian for advice before the purchase.
2. Make sure too meet the puppy’s adult close relatives; parents and if possible siblings.
3. Listen to the breathing. Dogs should breathe silently.
4. Look at the nostrils. If they look like thin lines the puppy will most likely suffer from breathing problems.

However, if all pet owners made the choice to rescue shelter animals instead of buying from pet stores and breeders, the health issues derived from extreme breeding and puppy mills would not exists.