Unleashed - Episode 86 Struggling for Every Breath: The Crisis Facing Flat-Faced Dogs

About this episode

This episode discusses the health crisis facing flat-faced dog breeds due to extreme breeding practices.

In this eye-opening episode of Unleashed with Cheryl Kaye, we examine how breeding dogs for extreme physical appearances has crossed a dangerous line—leaving many beloved breeds struggling simply to breathe. Joined by PETA’s Jakob Shaw, manager of strategic initiatives, the conversation exposes the hidden suffering behind flat-faced “designer” dogs like French and English bulldogs, pugs, and Boston terriers. Shaw explains why panting, snorting, and wheezing are not “cute,” but signs of serious distress caused by distorted airways, chronic pain, heat intolerance, and dramatically shortened lifespans. Together, they explore why aesthetic preferences continue to trump animal welfare, what health risks breathing-impaired dogs face daily, and how guardians of these dogs can reduce suffering. The episode also highlights the broader solution—ending the breeding and sale of these dogs and embracing adoption—to ensure a healthier, more humane future for dogs of every shape and size. EPISODE NOTES: Struggling for Every Breath: The Crisis Facing Flat-Faced Dogs Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/unleashed-pet-life-radio-original--6669265/support .

People in this episode

Host: Cheryl Kaye

Guest: Jakob Shaw

Topics covered

• flat-faced dogs
• breeding
• animal welfare
• health risks
• adoption

Keywords

• French bulldogs
• English bulldogs
• pugs
• Boston terriers
• animal rights

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Unleashed, Struggling for Every Breath, Struggling for Every Breath: The Crisis Facing Flat-Faced Dogs

More episodes of Unleashed - Pet Life Radio Original

• Unleashed - Episode 87 Adopted, Trained, Loved… Returned: The Truth About Taking a Dog Back · January 8, 2026 · 29 min
• Unleashed - Episode 85 Vaccines, Myths & Must-Knows: Dr. Dawn Filos Sets the Record Straight · November 10, 2025 · 38 min
• Unleashed - Episode 84 Detour Ahead: The Dark Side of Roadside Zoos · August 2, 2025 · 17 min
• Unleashed - Episode 83 Why Can’t My Brother Be More Like My Cat? · May 2, 2025 · 26 min
• Unleashed - Episode 82 Dog Park Drama: What Garret Wing Wants You to Know · April 21, 2025 · 34 min
• Unleashed - Episode 81 The Doctor Is In: Separation Anxiety & Sneaky Food Allergies: What Every Pet Parent Should Know! · February 19, 2025 · 33 min