Breeding wrinkled dogs leads to rise in operations

The Royal Veterinary College worries that many buyers are unaware that the flat-faced dogs can suffer serious breathing problems after being bred to look “more attractive”.

Operations to reduce the distinctive folds, which threaten their airways and sight, have surged five-fold over the past four years, the central London college said.

Demand for the dogs has dramatically increased as a result of high-profile celebrities favouring the breeds, including Made In Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh, singer Miley Cyrus and footballer David Beckham.