It started in January 2023 with a Facebook group: the “Recognised Brachycephalic Breeds Group.” This group was founded following an inventory among breeders and enthusiasts of brachycephalic dog breeds. The question was simple but important: who still wanted to breed brachycephalic dogs, and who was willing to purchase one? Was there still a group that had not given up the fight for responsibly bred, purebred brachycephalic dogs?

In April 2024, a next step was taken: the founding of Brachy’s Blijven Bestaan. This group aimed to provide a counter-narrative to the campaign by Dier&Recht, which used posters to advocate for the abolition of brachycephalic dog breeds. This campaign ultimately contributed to the breeding ban on brachycephalic dogs. Breeders had by then acknowledged that the BOAS test was a useful step towards healthier breeding practices, but unfortunately, policymakers did not yet see its added value.

This situation gave Brachy’s Blijven Bestaan the opportunity to spark discussion about the preservation of brachycephalic dog breeds. Soon, more volunteers joined and the group began to grow. An enthusiastic and driven community emerged, committed to the preservation and continued existence of purebred brachycephalic dogs in the Netherlands.

However, it became clear that the group’s name was not entirely fitting, partly due to the “professional bias” associated with it. It was time for a new name: Kortsnuiten Blijven Bestaan. This name has since become an inseparable part of the Dutch brachycephalic dog community.

In 2024, the group began actively engaging in educational outreach activities. Volunteers provided information at various events on how healthy brachycephalic dogs can be bred, should the breeding ban be lifted. For 2025, six events are already scheduled, which can be followed via the foundation’s website: www.kortsnuitenblijvenbestaan.com.

What started as a think tank has grown in just over a year into a foundation: Stichting Kortsnuiten Blijven Bestaan. We are incredibly proud of this development – and we owe it in part to the generous gifts and donations from our sponsors and donors. Without them, we would not have come this far.

One of the most important activities in which our followers and supporters have helped us is the petition. Thanks to your support, we have now collected so many signatures that we will be able to present it to the House of Representatives in The Hague in March. It would be great if we don’t have to do this alone, so keep an eye on our channels for more information on how you can help.

We, Stichting Kortsnuiten Blijven Bestaan, will not give up the fight. Our brachycephalic dogs mean so much to us that it is unthinkable for these breeds to disappear in the future. Giving up is not an option!