A row has erupted at the world’s biggest dog show after the prize for the best canine in the utility group went to a French bulldog that some have argued has no discernible nostrils.

Concern over hugely popular squashed-face breeds such as pugs and French bulldogs has grown in recent years, not least because they are prone to short lives and myriad health problems.

One of the main worries with such brachycephalic breeds is that their flat faces mean they are susceptible to respiratory problems. Experts say noisy breathing, snoring and fainting after exercise are all signs that a dog is struggling for air. Some even require surgery to open their nostrils or remove soft tissue to help them breathe.

Now concerns have been raised that Crufts has gone to the dogs after a French bulldog called Elton scooped top gongs at the show.

Among those to express their unease was Jemima Harrison, an award-winning producer and director of science-led documentaries and a campaigner for health and welfare reform in dog breeding.

“This French bulldog – with no discernible nostrils and an almost concave face – won not just best of breed at Crufts today but also the Utility Group,” she wrote on X. “A terrible day for the breed. Am gutted.”

Dr Sean McCormack, a vet and presenter, also noted that Elton had severely pinched nostrils.

“Nothing like the revised breed standard that asked for more muzzle, more nose, to alleviate the health problems associated with being such a flat-faced breed,” he said in a TikTok video.

The breed standard for the French bulldog, released in 2021, states that such dogs should have a “well defined muzzle that can clearly be viewed in profile” and nostrils that should be “visibly” open.

Crufts, which is organised by the Kennel Club, has said that the three-year old French bulldog from Birmingham does not have respiratory problems.

“The health and welfare of dogs at the show is our priority, and the winning French bulldog, Elton, has passed all relevant vet health assessments that it has undertaken within and outside the show ring,” said Charlotte McNamara, the Kennel Club’s head of health.

“He has a grade 0 score on the Kennel Club/University of Cambridge breathing assessment that was done prior to the show, and which – from Crufts 2025 – will be mandatory for all French bulldogs, pugs and bulldogs before they compete, meaning he is clinically unaffected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS),” she said.

“Elton has also passed the show vet check which are given to all dogs before group judging, and to some breed winners, to ensure there are no visible signs of health concerns on the day of competition.”

He will now go through to compete for the best in show title on Sunday.

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The introduction of mandatory breathing assessments to Crufts has been welcomed by some as encouraging responsible breeding – those that receive the highest grade of 3, or who are not tested, are barred from the ring – but a number of animal charities, including the RSPCA and Blue Cross, have called on the Kennel Club, to ban brachycephalic breeds from Crufts altogether.

Dr Samantha Gaines, an RSPCA dog welfare expert, said extreme traits should not be celebrated or normalised.

“We are hugely disappointed that a French bulldog with an extremely short muzzle and pinched nostrils has been awarded best in breed at Crufts on Thursday.

“The breed standard states these dogs should have a well-defined muzzle and wide open nostrils, so awarding best of breed and group as well as allowing this dog to compete for best in show sends completely the wrong message,” she said.

“We must prioritise health over looks and we’re urging people to join our Born to Suffer campaign, pledging online to say no to extreme breeding, and yes to health and wellbeing.

“The public need to know the serious health issues faced by flat-faced dogs – which go beyond breathing difficulties and include skin, dental, spinal, brain and eye problems – and to encourage people not to fuel the demand by buying one.”