I believe that it is morally wrong to breed animals that are likely to suffer health problems.
This includes deliberately breeding for dangerous physical traits (such as flat faces) as well as hereditary diseases like hip dysplasia etc (which are not deliberately bred in, just not being berd out because breeders can't be bothered to do the tests!)
I fully appreciate the benefits of having certain breeds of dog - it can help people in getting the type most suitable for them and their circumstances etc.
However - it should be possible to retain these characteristics without harming dogs in the process - but only if the breeders put health and temperament before appearence.
Take the shih tzu. If they simply bred it to not have such a flat face they could eradicate all the related health problems. It would still be a shih tzu. Still have the same generall apprearence, same personality, level of care etc.
Like the ridgebacks without ridges being culled. The ridged dogs are those prone to hereditary disease (whether they suffer from it or just carry it). The ridgeless dogs are the healthy ones.
A ridgeless ridgeback is THE SAME DOG only the healthy version! It will grow to the same size, have the same personality traits, the same working ability, the same needs etc. It doesn't suddenly stop being a ridgeback.
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Yah, "pancake faces"(as I like to call them) can have unique deadly things happen to them that can be directly caused by an irresponsible handler, like collars. Brachycephlayic (sp?) breeds cannot wear collars because if the right amount and velocity of pressure is applied, then their trachea can collapse. Eeeks.
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I do want to point out here that health problems are not only caused by incorrect handling! Many of these breeds can't go for a run (ever!) or even a short walk in warm weather, they may pass out if they get excited etc - because they can not breathe properly.... The fault lies in the stupid face, regardless of how they are handled.
I certainly believe the cause of the problem is breeding for appearence over "working ability". Obviously most dogs do not work now - they just need to be a pet. But in my opinion, every dog should be able to see, hear, walk, run, and breathe normally, and live a full and healthy life.