The French bulldog has exploded in popularity in the United States and the United Kingdom in recent years, and for understandable reasons: It's a handy size, easy to groom, and people find its personality and looks adorable.

The breed has leapt from 11th in American Kennel Club registrations in 2013 to fourth in 2017. But the trend isn't good news to those you'd think might welcome it.

"In my opinion it's horrible, because those figures are not produced by responsible breeders," says Virginia Rowland, president of the French Bull Dog Club of America.

That's because, in their quest to make the "perfect" bulldog, many irresponsible breeders are ignoring the health issues that plague the breed—such as chronic eye, skin, digestive,