Why are dog breeders creating problems with certain breeds?

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Because I have a keen interest in most animals, a news item a few nights ago caught my attention. Veterinarians are warning dog-owners about the dangers certain breeds are facing. Because breeders insist on breeding for certain characteristics, serious health problems are now becoming increasingly evident. Brachycephalic dogs which have 'squashed' faces and massive skin folds such as pugs and bulldogs, are increasingly prone to breathing difficulties, digestive disorders, and skin and eye conditions. The short, wide heads of these breeds make normal birthing almost impossible. Up to 70% need caesarean operations when giving birth because the pups' heads are too large to pass through the birth canal yet the show standard for British bulldogs states that the head should be 'as large as possible'. More and more dogs are being bred with tiny nostrils, a very long soft palate and consistent upper airway obstructions. As the dogs' faces become more and more squished, chronic skin infections occur in the skin folds and around the eyes. Veterinarians are saying that the breed standards need to change. It is surely more important that dogs can breathe easily than that they have a big head. Surely dog breeders love their dogs. How they can continue to breed dogs which have an average four year lower life expectancy is beyond me. How do you feel about humans playing God with the various livestock breeds? The photo is of my friend's Maltese/Shih Tzu cross and dachshund dogs desperate to lock horns with a skink (goanna).