The impact of genetic disorders and the breeding of dogs with excessive traits on the health and welfare of dogs has increasingly come into the spotlight over recent years. Companion animal veterinarians are regularly faced with health and welfare problems in their patients that are breed related and have a strong genetic background. As advocates of animal health and welfare, veterinarians have a duty to speak up. They should help raise awareness and make sure breed-related health and welfare problems are not normalised and considered or seen as being ‘typical for the breed’. The veterinary profession recognises its responsibilities and urgently calls for all stakeholders to join forces towards a future with healthier and happier dogs