An animal rights group is taking legal action against one of the country’s most influential dog organizations. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has filed a lawsuit against the American Kennel Club, accusing the group of promoting breeding standards that it claims put dogs at serious risk.
PETA sues the American Kennel Club
PETA claims the AKC’s breed requirements leave some dogs “crippled, in almost constant pain, and in some cases, suffering an early death.” According to the organization, these standards prioritize appearance over health, driving up demand for popular breeds while ignoring the long-term consequences for the animals.
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Straight Arrow News reached out to the AKC regarding the lawsuit but didn’t receive a response at the time of publishing.
The lawsuit highlights five breeds PETA says are suffering the most under current guidelines. French bulldogs are one example. PETA argues they are bred for flat faces, oversized heads and extremely short noses, features that make it hard for them to breathe properly. In one cited video, a French bulldog named Arnie struggles to take a deep breath, run or play like a typical dog.
The French bulldog surged to the top of the American Kennel Club’s rankings since 2022, becoming the most popular dog breed in the United States. The AKC credits their rise in part to their small size and adaptability, making them well-suited for both city and rural living.
AKC says the health and well-being of dogs is central to its mission. According to its website, the AKC promotes the sport of purebred dogs and supports breeding for both type and function. The organization currently recognizes 201 breeds and uses its foundation to fund millions of dollars in research on canine health and disease.
PETA also points to Dachshunds, which the group says are required by AKC standards to be low to the ground with long bodies and short legs. PETA says these traits increase the risk of spinal issues, including disc disease, paralysis and joint problems.
The group highlights the Chinese Shar-Pei, known for its heavy wrinkles and small, flat-lying ears. According to PETA, these features can cause frequent skin and ear infections, eye problems from inward-turning eyelids, and a genetic condition called Shar-Pei autoinflammatory disease.
International bans, debate on breeding
PETA brings up Germany, where concerns in recent years were renewed over health-related breeding. In 2024, the Animal Welfare Act was introduced with a provision to end torture breeding, a term used to describe intentionally breeding animals with traits that cause suffering.
Breeders and others in the dog show world have pushed back against the proposed measure, arguing that it could jeopardize the future of popular breeds, such as Dachshunds. While Germany already has a law banning “torture breeding,” animal advocates say the language is too vague and rarely enforced against breeders or individuals.
The debate over dog breeding isn’t limited to the United States. While the U.S. has no nationwide ban on specific breeds, some countries have taken action. In 2022, Norway banned the breeding of British Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, citing animal welfare concerns tied to health problems caused by selective breeding. Later that year, Norway’s Court of Appeals overturned the ban on Bulldogs but upheld the ban on Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
