Doing your research before bringing any dog home is always important but with flat-faced breeds, it’s especially vital. These dogs can make loving, funny companions, but they often come with extra health needs that owners need to be prepared for.
This is something many people don’t fully realise, until they’re already deeply attached.
Brachycephalic dogs have shorter noses and flatter faces than dogs with more traditional snouts. The word comes from Greek and literally means short head.
Popular flat-faced breeds include:
Their large eyes and rounded faces can look very appealing, but the same features that make them cute can also affect their health and comfort.
All dogs can struggle in hot weather, but flat-faced dogs are much more vulnerable. Because of their shortened airways, they find it harder to breathe efficiently, and breathing is how dogs attempt to cool themselves down.
Even mild warmth can lead to heavy panting, exhaustion or overheating. Long summer walks, beach trips or midday exercise often aren’t suitable. Instead, owners need to plan short walks early in the morning or later in the evening and always provide shade, water and cool resting spots.
Heatstroke can be life-threatening, so recognising your dog’s limits is essential.
Snorting, snuffling, wheezing and loud snoring are signs that a dog is struggling to breathe – they are not ‘normal’ sounds.
Many flat-faced dogs are affected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), where soft tissues in the nose and throat partially block airflow. For the dog, this can feel like trying to breathe through a straw, all the time.
Those deep facial folds may look adorable, but they need frequent cleaning. Moisture, food and bacteria can easily build up in skin folds, leading to painful infections.
Flat-faced dogs also often have narrow ear canals, which don’t ventilate well and can become sore or smelly. Regular checks and gentle cleaning are an important part of their care.
Flat-faced dogs are more likely to experience a range of health problems, including:
Dental disease, because the same number of teeth are crowded into a smaller jaw
Eye injuries and ulcers, due to prominent eyes that are easily damaged
Heart strain, linked to long-term breathing difficulties
Joint and spinal problems, sometimes related to their body shape
Difficult births, with many needing caesarean sections
Not every dog will develop all these issues, but the risks are higher than in longer-nosed breeds.
Many flat-faced dogs are incredibly determined and eager to be involved. Unfortunately, they don’t always recognise when something is too much for them.
Owners often need to step in , encouraging rest, limiting exercise, offering water, or moving to a cooler place. Watching for early signs like heavy panting or slowing down can help prevent more serious problems.
Some flat-faced dogs will need surgery to help them breathe more comfortably, such as widening narrow nostrils or shortening an overlong soft palate. These procedures can significantly improve quality of life, but they carry higher risks because anaesthesia is more complicated in these breeds.
Not all dogs will need surgery, but many will require ongoing veterinary care throughout their lives. This can be costly, so it’s important to factor this into any decision.
If you’re considering one of these breeds, choosing the right route is crucial.
Rehoming centres and breed rescue organisations are a great place to start. If you’re buying a puppy, it’s vital to choose a breeder who puts health and welfare first, not appearance.
Look for:
Avoid puppies from parents who have required caesarean sections or shown signs of serious breathing problems.
Flat-faced dogs can be loving, funny and deeply rewarding companions but they need owners who understand their limits and are prepared for extra care, time and expense.
Choosing a dog that suits your lifestyle, rather than one chosen purely for looks, gives both you and your dog the best chance of a happy life together.
