Dog breeds like pug and Pekingese may be adorable, but what is the cost of their cuteness? It may surprise pet owners to learn that the breeding of dogs with flat faces does not prioritize the animals’ comfort and health. Instead, breeders focus on the aesthetic qualities that people consider attractive. It's important to understand the unique care requirements of brachycephalic breeds and what conditions they can suffer from.
The term “brachycephalic” comes from the Greek words “brachy,” which means short, and “cephalic,”which means head. In addition to short heads, these breeds typically have small nostrils and a narrow throat.
These animals have a distinctive snub-nosed appearance that leaves them susceptible to serious health concerns, including:
- Breathing difficulties: Brachycephalic dogs often have breathing-related health issues. The most common is Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome , which results in abnormalities of the upper respiratory system.
- Eye problems: Due to their wide, shallow eye sockets and skin folds, brachycephalic breeds are prone to eye problems such as infections, dry eyes and ulcers. Their eyelids can also cause visual difficulties.
- Dental issues: These animals’ compact facial structure can lead to misalignment or overcrowding of their teeth, leaving them more prone to oral health troubles.
- Skin conditions: Many brachycephalic breeds suffer from painful skin issues due to deep wrinkles, particularly on their faces, which can harbor moisture and bacteria. Various forms of dermatitis and infection are common.
Jean Chung/For Humane World for Animals
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It's important to be aware that brachycephalic breeds can require extra care. While some like American bulldogs and bullmastiffs have moderate flat-faced features, the brachycephalic dog breeds listed below suffer from the most severe health complications.
Here are 10 common dogs that are brachycephalic:
1. French Bulldog
French bulldogs are the most popular breed in the U.S. — and demand for them continues to grow. Many people love their small size, flat, wrinkly faces and distinctive ears. Unfortunately, French bulldogs suffer from breathing issues, as evidenced by their loud snoring.
2. English Bulldog
English bulldogs are unmistakable with their “sourmug” faces. The reality is that their furrowed brow and the excess skin on their head can cause visual problems. They also have a pushed-in nose and undershot jaw with excess skin on both sides, which can lead to labored breathing, especially in hot or humid weather.
3. Pug
Pugs are small dogs with faces covered in wrinkles and large, expressive eyes. They also have a reputation for loud snoring because their features make it harder to breathe. The large number of facial and neck wrinkles require regular cleaning to prevent skin irritations. Their protruding eyes are also prone to injury and infections.
4. Boston Terrier
Boston terriers are a popular choice because they are typically leaner than Frenchies and have tuxedo jacket-like colors. Their flat faces and narrowed nostrils give them a stern appearance that many find adorable, but they are also prone to health conditions like Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome and skin and ear infections. Their large, prominent eyes put more pressure on their eye drainage system, potentially causing optic nerve damage.
5. Pekingese
Pekingese are an Asian breed identifiable by their sweeping coat, which resembles a lion's mane. Like most brachycephalic dog breeds, they have flat faces with lots of wrinkles. Their tiny noses result in loud breathing and make it difficult for them to breathe in humid conditions. They have large eyes surrounded by folds, which means these dogs are prone to dry eye and irritation, requiring daily cleaning and grooming to prevent serious problems.
6. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin has long silky fur and the typical brachycephalic features, like a short muzzle and protruding eyes. Many people view them as lapdogs and may assume incorrectly that they are low-maintenance. Like other brachycephalic breeds, Japanese Chins require daily grooming and are prone to health problems like breathing difficulties and eye irritation. Their small faces also make them susceptible to dental disease, requiring regular at-home dental care as well as routine professional dental cleanings.
7. Shih Tzu
The shih tzu is a popular dog breed known for a long, silky coat and clingy personality. They have flat faces, large eyes and small jaws. Due to genetic mutations, this breed has been shown to have a higher prevalence of eye problems, umbilical hernias and anal sac impaction. These dogs were bred as lap warmers for Chinese nobility. As a result, their tiny size makes it hard for them to move around much without getting out of breath, which negatively impacts their quality of life.
8. Boxer
The boxer is one of the most popular flat-faced dog breeds in America. They are known for their flat-faced appearance, with skin folds that give them a wide grin. The sobering reality is that their fleshy noses and large eyes make these animals prone to irritation from heat, humidity and allergies.
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These dogs were bred to be small and portable, but with their tiny size comes a wide range of health issues. They have a flat face, tiny nose and bulging eyes that make them prone to complications like cataracts and Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. Irresponsible breeding of Cavalier King Charles spaniels can lead to severe health problems like degenerative heart conditions and neurological illnesses.
10. Brussels Griffon
The Brussels griffon breed is known for its signature grumpy appearance, with a unique beard and moustache. The large protruding eyes and flat muzzle give this breed a frowny look that may appear cute, but these features also cause breathing issues and eye health risks.
Humane World for Animals is passionate about ending animal cruelty in all its forms, from harmful breeding techniques to protecting wild animals. Many pet owners are unaware of the severity of health problems that brachycephalic breeds suffer from. That's why we've created the Cost of Cuteness campaign that seeks to raise awareness among veterinarians, animal protection groups and breeders in the hope of undoing the damage of breeding for exaggerated aesthetics and improving the health of these precious animals.
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Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals