People are being warned about the risks associated with 'flat-faced' dog breeds.
It comes after a recent seizure by a local authority of 17 dogs from an illegal puppy farm.
Dogs Trust Ireland says the French Bulldogs, Pugs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are just some of the brachycephalic breeds which have risen in popularity in recent years.
It is warning that French Bulldogs are susceptible to multiple conditions due to the way they've been bred - which can result in severe breathing difficulties.
A French Bulldog with her litter, who were among 17 puppy farm victims taken in by Dogs Trust Ireland. Picture by: Fran VealeThe charity was asked to assist by taking in the dogs.
On examination, it was discovered one of them needed surgery to widen her nostrils to allow her to breathe more comfortably.
Another, called Prudy, had been excessively bred from.
Scar tissue showed evidence that she had undergone Caesarean sections, which is another risk associated with breeding French Bulldogs.
The charity said it also had to cover the cost for neutering 12 of the 17 dogs.
A French Bulldog with her litter, who were among 17 puppy farm victims taken in by Dogs Trust Ireland. Picture by: Fran VealeNiamh Curran-Kelly is veterinary and welfare manager at Dogs Trust Ireland.
She said: "Due to their large heads and broad chests, it can be common for these puppies not to fit through the birth canal and the mum has to undergo a C-section to deliver them.
"In addition, these breeds are often afflicted with a condition called Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome or BOAS as its more commonly known.
"To put this in context, it can be akin to hiking up a mountain while trying to breathe through a straw.
"Brachycephalic breeds can endure all sorts of medical issues over the course of their life, resulting in a poorer quality of life for the dog, and high veterinary bills for their owner."
She added: "We understand that people buying these breeds may be totally unaware of their potential suffering - so we are pleading with anybody considering a flat faced dog to please speak to their local vet first."
