The BVA has been outspoken about the health of bulldogs, pugs, and other short-faced, or brachycephalic, dogs for several years now. Shortened muzzles raise the risk of breathing problems and other conditions, while some breeds are also prone to spinal and neurological issues. Just this week, a new study found that brachycephalic breeds were seven times more likely to develop “cherry eyes,” a rare condition that leaves dogs with a protruding red mass in the corner of their eyes that can increase the odds of eye infections and other problems; for some dogs, this risk was 34 times higher.

These newer dogs are likely to have added challenges due to their hairless skin, Shotton noted. They’ll be more vulnerable to sunburns, less able to regulate their body temperature, and more prone to acne breakouts and skin infections without proper care.