Breeding of Brachycephalic Dogs: Will EU Countries Follow the Path of the Netherlands and Denmark?
Breeding dogs with shortened muzzles (brachycephalic breeds) is one of the most pressing issues in European cynology. These breeds are popular, but they are also the most prone to congenital problems with breathing, eyes, and the musculoskeletal system. To change the situation, some countries have already introduced strict rules that effectively set the direction for future reforms across the European Union.
The Netherlands: “traffic light system” and morphological control
Legal framework
Since 2019, the Netherlands has implemented a system based on Article 3.4 of the Besluit houders van dieren (“Animal Keepers Decree”). The law explicitly prohibits breeding if offspring risk inheriting diseases or extreme conformational traits.
Control mechanism
A “traffic light system” has been introduced:
Red zone — muzzle shorter than 1/3 of the skull (CFR < 0.33). Breeding prohibited.
Orange zone — borderline measurements (CFR 0.33–0.5). Breeding possible only if no other pathologies are present.
Green zone — muzzle ≥ 0.5 of skull length and no signs of disease. Breeding allowed.
Orange zone — borderline measurements (CFR 0.33–0.5). Breeding possible only if no other pathologies are present.
Green zone — muzzle ≥ 0.5 of skull length and no signs of disease. Breeding allowed.
Breeds under strict control
Raad van Beheer (the Dutch Kennel Club) applies mandatory checks to 12 breeds: Pug, French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Boston Terrier, Affenpinscher, and the three Griffon breeds.
Health criteria
Veterinarians assess six indicators: muzzle length, nostril condition, breathing, nasal fold, eyelid closure, and scleral exposure. Severe abnormalities (such as stenotic nares or scarring after airway surgery) automatically exclude a dog from breeding.
Control bodies
- Veterinarians record examinations through the digital PETscan system.
- Raad van Beheer issues pedigrees only with veterinary clearance.
- NVWA (Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) and LID (Animal Protection Inspectorate) oversee compliance and impose fines (approx. €1500).
Denmark: medical approach and mandatory tests
Legal framework
On 1 July 2025, Denmark introduced amendments to the Animal Welfare Act (Dyrevelfærdsloven), making medical examinations a mandatory part of breeding.
Breeds under control
For brachycephalic breeds, the BOAS test (Respiratory Function Grading, Cambridge University method) is mandatory. It applies to three breeds: Pug, French Bulldog, and English Bulldog.
In addition, mandatory testing covers:
- Dachshunds (IVDD),
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (heart and syringomyelia),
- Large breeds (HD/AD).
Criteria for breeding approval
The BOAS test grades breathing difficulties from 0 to 3. Only dogs with grades 0–1, and occasionally 2 without clinical symptoms, may be bred. Certificates are valid for 2 years.
General restrictions
- Minimum breeding age: 18 months (small breeds) or 24 months (large breeds).
- Maximum 3 litters in 2 years and 5 in a lifetime.
- After two caesarean sections, further breeding is prohibited.
- Inbreeding is banned.
Control bodies
- Certified veterinarians enter test results into the Hundeweb database.
- Fødevarestyrelsen (Danish Veterinary and Food Administration) monitors compliance and enforces sanctions.
- Police may intervene in case of violations.
Comparison of models
- The Netherlands focus on morphological criteria (muzzle length, eye shape, breathing at rest). Control relies on the traffic light system and refusal to issue pedigrees.
- Denmark emphasizes mandatory medical testing, especially BOAS grading, and imposes numerical restrictions on breeding.
Perspective for Europe
On 19 June 2025, the European Parliament adopted the draft of the first EU-wide regulation on the welfare of cats and dogs. It includes:
- a ban on breeding and showing animals with extreme traits (e.g. excessively short muzzles),
- mandatory microchipping and registration,
- the option for member states to impose additional tests and stricter controls.
This means that the experience of the Netherlands and Denmark is likely to become a model for the entire EU. In the future, brachycephalic breeds across Europe may only be bred if their good health is officially confirmed.
2025-08-19 17:04
Laws, rules