If you are hearing the phrase “brachycephalic” for the first time, you may think from its technical name that it denotes some kind of canine disorder that you should avoid at all costs. In reality, though, this term refers to a group of some of the most common and well-liked dog breeds in existence today. In this article, you will find all the information that you need to know about these beautiful dogs.

What are Brachycephalic Dogs?

The term “brachycephalic” is derived from two Greek root words for “short” and “head.”

Appropriately, Brachycephalic dogs are the dogs that have extremely short snouts, which makes them appear flat-faced and distinguishes them from some breeds that simply have shorter snouts. While normally this term is used to group a number of flat-faced dog breeds, the term can also refer to mixed breed dogs who inherited this trait from their brachycephalic forefathers.

A List of Brachycephalic Dog Breeds

A list of different types of brachycephalic dogs is given below:

• Affenpinscher
• Boxer
• Bulldog
• Brussels Griffon
• Bullmastiff
• Boston Terriers
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Cane Corso
• Chow Chow
• Dogue de Bordeaux
• English Toy Spaniel
• French Bulldog
• Japanese Chin
• Lhasa Apso
• Pekingese
• Pug
• Shih Tzu

The wrinkled muzzles and smooshy faces of these breeds have made them increasingly popular in recent years. The AKC (American Kennel Club) declared two brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs and Bulldogs) among its top ten most popular breeds in 2017, and eight brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers, Mastiffs, and Pugs) among its top 31 most popular breeds.

Special Health Concerns for Brachycephalic Dogs

Because of the distinctive shape of their face and Skull, Brachycephalic dogs are more prone to certain medical issues than other dogs. Below is a brief description of common health concerns associated with these dogs.

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

The unique shape of a brachycephalic dog’s nose and head put them at risk for a condition known as brachycephalic airway syndrome. Brachycephalic airway syndrome is caused by the unique upper respiratory abnormalities that are common among brachycephalic dogs. It can cause difficulty breathing, snoring, choking, vomiting, gagging, and intolerance to heat and physical exercise.

This condition can be caused by one of four distinct upper airway abnormalities, and a brachycephalic dog may have one or more of these abnormalities. It is the most common health issue faced by brachycephalic dogs. Although it’s worthy of mention that not all brachycephalic dogs will present with this problem, still it is the most common health issue faced by brachycephalic dogs.

Because these conditions worsen over time and can cause irreversible damage, it’s crucial to closely monitor and collaborate with your veterinarian to decide if and when surgery is required.

Elongated Soft Palate

Almost all brachycephalic dogs have an extra-long soft palate (the soft tissue on the roof of the mouth) that covers the trachea more than it should for optimal health. Many dogs will only experience snoring and difficulty panting in hot weather, but others may require surgery to shorten the palate.

Stenotic Nares

Narrowed or collapsed nostrils are another common issue that makes it difficult for dogs to breathe through their noses. This typically results in a lot of mouth breathing, making exercise difficult. Although puppies can sometimes grow out of this problem, sometimes a surgical procedure to open up the nostrils may be required.

Tracheal Stenosis

The trachea, or windpipe, is dangerously narrow in some dogs. This narrowing makes panting difficult and the use of anesthesia extremely risky.

Everted Laryngeal Saccules

Difficulty breathing, which is common in brachycephalic dogs, can cause saccules (pouches) in the larynx to swell and even flip inside out (hence the term “everted”). This further obstructs the airway, so in such cases, surgical removal of the saccules will be necessary. In severe cases, oxygen therapy may be required until surgery is done.

Heart Problems

Continuous labored breathing (due to shortened and narrowed airways), implies that these dogs are constantly battling a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream. This strains the dog’s heart and makes them more vulnerable to secondary heart problems.

Heat Stroke

Because dogs cool themselves by panting, brachycephalic dogs struggle on warmer days because they cannot draw in enough air to cool their bodies. Common Heat stroke symptoms include vomiting, glazed eyes, and seizures.

Eye Issues

Eye issues are also very common in brachycephalic dogs. It’s common for their eyes to not fit properly into their sockets because their skulls are too flat. As a result, they are more likely to get eye injuries. Their eyelids will not close properly, causing irritation and dryness.

Dental Problems

Dental problems may occur in some brachycephalic dog breeds. They are more prone to dental problems because they have the same number of teeth as other breeds while their mouths are significantly smaller.

Special Care Tips for Brachycephalic Dogs

There are some safety measures you can take if you have a brachycephalic dog to minimize the risk of airway issues or exacerbating other health problems.

Exercise Endurance

When it comes to exercise for brachycephalic breeds, it’s important to remember that dogs with flatter faces tend to have difficulty self-regulating their body temperatures during and after exercise. You must be especially careful not to overexert these dogs, especially in hot or humid weather. Consult your dog’s breeder and vet to determine which activities are appropriate for your dog as an individual.

However, keep in mind that exercise is still necessary to maintain their fitness and health. Many brachycephalic breeds can excel in dog sports, and they are happy and successful competing in fast-paced activities like Agility and Fast CAT.

Use an Appropriate Leash Tool

Avoid walking brachycephalic dogs on a flat collar if possible, because added strain to the airways can be more significant in flat-faced dogs. Also avoid head haltis or gentle leaders, as they are simply not suitable for flat-faced dogs can can put stress on the face and eyes.

A harness is an okay option if your dog is already well-trained, but we recommend going with something like a buddy belt if you are set on a harness, because it will take all pressure off the trachea. Unfortunately, front-clip harnesses and many other designs often still do put pressure on the trachea, which you can read about in my article, Do Dog Collars Cause Collapsed Trachea?

We actually tend to recommend prong collars for these breeds as they do a great job of keeping contact away from the trachea, communicating pressure without choking the dog, and also serve as a great training tool on top of those safety measures.

For more on picking the right leash tool for you, check out my article, A Complete Guide to Leash Tools.

Protect them from Heat

Brachycephalic dogs will especially struggle with breathing while in hot and humid weather. Be mindful of the current climate, keep your dog cool during summer, and limit their exercise while their environment is particularly warm or muggy.

Watch Their Weight

Make sure that the body weight of your brachycephalic dogs is within the normal range for their size, as obesity can contribute to breathing difficulty by putting stress on the organs and increasing the amount of effort the dog will need to exert to perform the same activities of a leaner dog.

Know the Difference: Normal vs. Abnormal Snorting

As the owner of a flat-faced dog, it’s important to know what sounds are normal for your dog. If you notice any new snorting or labored breathing, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. Many of these conditions deteriorate with time.

Involve your Veterinarian

Although not all dogs will require surgery, it’s still important to keep in close touch with your veterinarian to determine which, if any, conditions may require surgery. While it’s no guarantee that a dog will develop any of the aforementioned conditions, many of them are ultimately only rectified surgically.

Spay or Neuter Your Dog

Because brachycephalic airway syndrome and other common health concerns are inherited, it is best to avoid breeding a brachycephalic dog that has undergone surgery (to ensure that their puppies do not inherit the same severe problems). Giving birth is also very difficult for female brachycephalic dogs and for some breeds surgical birth is even the standard, so it is best left to professional breeders.