Flat-faced dogs, or brachycephalic dogs, suffer from brachycephalic airway syndrome. This syndrome is caused by their shortened skull bones, which result in their characteristic smushed-in facial features. While this brachycephalic syndrome makes them popular and endearing, they also come with certain health conditions which can lead to a variety of health issues for these dogs, including:
- Narrowed or small nostrils
- Elongated soft palate
- Laryngeal (voice box) collapse
- exercise limitations
- sensitivity to heat
- potential breathing issues.
Learn about these 19 flat-faced dog breeds and discover how to best care for their special health needs.
Tip
Dogs with flat faces (brachycephalic dogs) are prone to breathing-related issues, so they should be avoided from swimming unless close supervision is provided.
French Bulldog
The French bulldog, which topped the list of most popular dog breeds in the work according to the American Kennel Club, is adored by numerous people. This small, corkscrew-tailed dog is characterised by its large head, erect ears, and distinctive flat face. While they are known for being outgoing, playful, and adaptable, it’s important to note that they are prone to respiratory, spinal, and tail problems, which may necessitate medical attention and surgical intervention.
Breed Characteristics
Group: Non-sporting
Height: 11-13 inches
Weight: 19-28 pounds
Temperament: Playful, friendly
Coat And Color: smooth short coat that comes in brindle, fawn, white, or combinations of brindle and white or fawn and white
Life Span: 10-12 years
Pug
The pug, an ancient dog breed with Chinese origins, remains a beloved choice for many dog enthusiasts. These small, robust dogs boast a compact build, short coat, and endearing floppy ears. Their distinctive curly tails and adorable smushed faces contribute to their appeal. Still, their affectionate personality, playful nature, and relatively low-maintenance care requirements endear them to owners. However, like other brachycephalic breeds, pugs may require surgical intervention to improve their breathing.
Breed Characteristics
Group: Toy
Height: 10-13 inches
Weight: 14-18 pounds
Temperament: Affectionate and playful
Coat And Color: short, smooth coat that comes in fawn or black with a black mask
Life Span: 13-15 years
English Bulldog
The English bulldog is a robust and stocky breed, larger than the French bulldog. Despite its weight of up to 50 pounds, it is only 14-15 inches at the shoulder. Known for its distinctive flat face, this breed is widely favoured. However, due to its unique physical features, such as stenotic nares and elongated soft palates, it often experiences breathing difficulties. Additionally, English bulldogs are prone to skin issues and various eye disorders.
Breed Characteristics
Group: Non-sporting
Height: 14-15 inches
Weight: 40-50 pounds
Temperament: Friendly, gregarious
Coat And Color: Short coat that comes in red, white, fawn, or fallow (pale brown), or any combination of these colours
Life Span: 8-10 years
Shih Tzu
The shih tzu, originally from Tibet, is well-known for its distinctive top knot ponytails and luxurious, flowing coat. In addition to their charming flat faces and endearing underbites, shih tzus are sought after for their hypoallergenic qualities. While they require regular grooming and haircuts to maintain their coat, they will repay your care with love and lively companionship.
Breed Characteristics
Group: Toy
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 9-16 pounds
Temperament: Friendly and intelligent
Coat And Color: A long and straight coat that’s found in nearly any colour, but mostly in black, white, blue, gold and liver
Life Span: 10-16 years
Japanese Chin
The Japanese chin is a small breed with long, flowing hair, a charming smushed face, floppy ears, slender legs, and a gracefully curled tail. Despite their small size, they are playful and make perfect lap dogs. Unlike other flat-faced breeds, the Japanese chin is active and enjoys walking. While they may take some time to warm up to new people and pets, they are known to be affectionate and friendly companions once introductions are properly made.
Breed Characteristics
Group: Toy
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 4-9 pounds
Temperament: loyal and loving
Coat And Color: A long and straight coat that comes in black and white, lemon and white, sable and white, red and white, black, white, and tan
Life Span: 10-14 years
Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a small dog breed known for its big personality and intelligence. These dogs are active, friendly, comical, loyal, and can also be a bit stubborn. They come in smooth or rough coats and are available in various colours, but one thing that remains consistent is their classic beards. Due to their flat faces, Brussels Griffons are more likely to have narrow nostrils than other breeds, making them prone to overheating.
Breed Characteristics
Group: Toy
Height: 7-10 inches
Weight: 8-12 pounds
Temperament: Active and playful
Coat And Color: Smooth or rough, short to medium coat that comes in red, black and tan, solid black, or belge
Life Span: 12-15 years
Boston Terrier
The Boston terrier is a beloved American breed known for its distinctive flat-faced appearance. These lively and affectionate dogs typically weigh between 12 and 25 pounds and are easily recognizable by their tuxedo-like coat pattern and expressive eyes.
Breed Characteristics
Group: Non-sporting
Height: 15-17 inches
Weight: 12-25 pounds
Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, and playful
Coat And Color: Short and smooth coat that includes black and white; black, brindle, and white; brindle and white; seal and white; seal, brindle, and white
Life Span: 11-13 years
Boxer
Boxers are well-loved for their amiable nature, making them a popular family choice. Originating in Germany, they went to the United States, serving in various roles such as guard, service, military, and police dogs. Known for their lively and playful demeanour, they thrive on positive reinforcement training to channel their vitality. While they do require regular physical activity and need special attention in hot weather due to their short muzzles, overall, boxers are a relatively low-maintenance breed.
Breed Characteristics
Group: Working
Height: 21-25 inches
Weight: 50-80 pounds
Temperament: Active, affectionate, playful
Coat And Color: Short and smooth coat and typically in fawn, brindle, or white, can have a black mask
Life Span: 10-12 years
Bullmastiff
Bred to safeguard large game from poachers, this imposing guardian dog is known for its fearless nature and unwavering loyalty. It is a crossbreed of bulldogs, inheriting their distinctive flat faces and mastiffs, from which it derives its impressive size. These gentle giants can be transformed into excellent family pets through consistent training and socialisation.
Breed Characteristics
Group: Working
Height: 24-27 inches
Weight: 100-130 pounds
Temperament: Loyal, protective, alert
Coat And Color: Short jacket that appears in fawn, red, or brindle with accents of black
Life Span: 8-10 years
Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French mastiff, is a sizeable, flat-faced dog breed originating from France. This affectionate breed is characterised by its tendency to drool and relatively short lifespan. Despite these traits, the Dogue de Bordeaux is known for its unwavering loyalty and devotion. They are powerful and protective, yet they also excel as family pets.
Breed Characteristics
Group: Working
Height: 23-27 inches
Weight: 99-150 pounds
Temperament: Even-tempered, vigilant
Coat And Color: Short jacket that comes in various shades of fawn, ranging from light to dark red; small patches of white may be present
Life Span: 5-8 years
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