Since 2014, it has been forbidden to continue breeding some 20 short-snouted breeds in the Netherlands, as defined under a traffic light system of head measurement using red, orange and green classifications.

Classifications

• Red applies to dogs with a snout length shorter than a third of the skull, such as the pug, and English and French bulldogs. Breeding with these dogs is prohibited immediately.
• Orange applies to dogs with a muzzle length of a third to half the skull. With this, breeding is only allowed if they meet other criteria that are set for breeding.
• Green applies to dogs that have a snout at least half the size of the skull. You can breed with this.

However, the laws have never been enforced – until now.