

English Toy Spaniels have a flatter face than their Cavalier cousins. In England, the English Toy Spaniel is called the King Charles Spaniel, not to be confused with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a separate breed. Known as sensitive and yet stubborn, the Dogue de Bordeaux is loyal and protective and excels with training.

This giant breed was first developed in France and has the proportionately largest head of all dog breeds. Affenpinschers have a reputation for being both loyal and entertaining. These small dogs resemble Star Wars Ewoks and Wookies. Sometimes called “monkey dogs,” Affenpinschers are confident, curious, and often seem almost humanlike. Here’s a quick rundown on the different types of brachycephalic dogs: Many brachycephalic breeds excel in dog sports and are successful and happy competing in fast-paced activities such as Agility and Fast CAT. You want to be especially cautious to not overexert these dogs, especially in warm or humid weather, but exercise is still important to make sure they remain fit and healthy. Talk with your dog’s breeder and vet about what activities are a good fit. Some flatter-faced dogs do struggle to self-regulate their temperatures during and after exercise. There are special considerations to keep in mind when it comes to exercise for brachycephalic breeds.

If you are planning to travel with your brachycephalic dog, talk with your veterinarian and your airline in advance of your trip. Some airlines have begun putting bans or limits on brachycephalic breeds for their safety and protection.

Not only are they more sensitive to humidity and warm temperatures, but they also can struggle to breathe when stressed or during altitude changes. Airline Flightsīrachycephalic breeds can be more prone to medical emergencies while flying on planes than other types of dogs. Responsible breeders do health testing and breed healthy, happy brachycephalic dogs with little to no issues. In addition, some brachycephalic breeds are predisposed to certain skin, eye, or oral health conditions related to the shape of their skull, and the folds or rolls of skin.īecause of these concerns, it is extremely important to seek out a responsible breeder when looking for a flat-faced puppy. Access to cool water, fans, and/or air conditioning in hot climates is very important. Brachycephalic breeds have uniquely structured heads and can struggle to pant enough to cool off, which means they can easily overheat. Health Considerationsīecause of the unique shape of their faces and airways, brachycephalic dogs sometimes need help with regulating their temperatures during hot and humid weather. But if you’re thinking of adding one to your family, there are certain things you need to take into account. The term Brachycephalic originates from the Greek words “short” and “head.” The breeds’ wrinkled muzzles and smooshy faces have made them increasingly popular in recent years. Highly recognizable and beloved, brachycephalic breeds make up some of the most popular dogs in the United States, and include charismatic pups like the French Bulldog, Bulldog, and Boxer.īrachycephalic breeds of dogs can be identified by their shortened snouts or faces that appear flat and, as a result, have narrow nostrils and smaller airways.
