Who can resist the big eyes, wrinkles, and flat nose of a brachycephalic breed dog? Not many, according to the numbers. Since 2012, at least one brachycephalic breed has held a spot in the top five AKC registered breeds. In 2020, French bulldogs soared to the number two spot, after skyrocketing seven rankings in the past six years.

Unfortunately, cuteness comes at a cost. The selective breeding responsible for those irresistible features has also created many health challenges. At American Canyon Veterinary Hospital, we understand brachycephalic pets, and are committed to bettering these breeds. Dr. Singh is highly regarded in the brachycephalic breed community for his skilled reproductive services. We are confident that with education, health testing, and skilled care, our nation’s love affair with flat-faced breeds can continue. 

What makes a dog brachycephalic?

Brachycephalic breeds are classified by their wide or broad skull, and shortened muzzle. The term brachycephalic is literally Greek for “short head.” For comparison, other canine skull classifications include long-nosed dolichocephalic breeds (e.g., collies, and greyhounds), and the moderate mesocephalic breeds (e.g., golden retrievers, and beagles). 

History suggests that brachycephalic traits were originally selected to provide the fighting bulldog with a stronger jaw. Another theory proposes that neoteny (i.e., the human attraction and preference for baby-like features) is to blame for the exaggerated skull shape and pushed-in face. While some brachycephalic features are present in many dog breeds, the primary brachycephalic breeds include: 

  • Boston terrier
  • Boxer
  • English bulldog
  • French bulldog
  • Pug
  • Pekingese 
  • Shih tzu

Conditions seen in brachycephalic dogs

Because of these dogs’ many unusual features, brachycephalic “cuteness” comes at the cost of good health in many areas.

  • Breathing difficulties — The compacted brachycephalic skull results in flattened or small nasal passages and trachea (i.e., windpipe). While not all brachycephalic dogs are affected by respiratory problems, the high proportion of pets with structural abnormalities has inspired the collective term, brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), or simply, brachycephalic syndrome. External BOAS signs include the snoring, snorting, and snuffling common to brachycephalic dogs. BOAS-affected dogs may exhibit one or several of the following abnormalities:
    • Elongated palate — Soft palate tissue extends beyond its normal end point and interferes with air flow to the lungs.
    • Stenotic nares — Stenotic nares (i.e., narrow nostrils) can range from a slight narrowing to extremely compressed nasal passages. Internal nasal turbinates can also be affected.
    • Everted laryngeal saccules — Pouches of tissue near the vocal cords are turned outward, causing airway obstruction and airflow resistance. 

Each abnormal component increases the effort required for the dog to move air to and from the lungs. Some dogs also suffer from a narrow trachea or weakened tracheal cartilage, resulting in airway collapse. Laryngeal paralysis, a condition in which the vocal cords cannot open and close, can also occur. Surgical correction can significantly improve BOAS conditions, and restore quality of life to affected dogs.

  • An inability to beat the heat — A BOAS side effect is that affected dogs cannot exercise normally. Many brachycephalic dogs are at a high risk of collapse when playing and running because of poor oxygenation or airway obstruction. High temperatures and humidity are potentially deadly for these breeds, as panting is a dog’s only method of lowering their body temperature.
  • A playground for oral bacteria — The truncated jaw shape and characteristic underbite give brachycephalic breeds a comical and iconic appearance. However, the crowded and disorganized teeth leave pet owners with little to laugh about. Brachycephalic dogs’ dental arrangement, with their abnormally placed and spaced teeth, makes their dental health a challenge for veterinarians. The overcrowded dentition traps plaque, tartar, hair, food, and debris, creating a breeding ground for periodontitis. Another common condition, gingival hyperplasia (i.e., gum overgrowth), entraps foreign matter and bacteria, setting up painful infection.
  • The bulging eyes don’t have it — The expressive, prominent eyes of a pug or shih tzu have less skeletal support than a longer muzzled dog. Their exposed, bulging position leaves them prone to injury and ocular conditions such as ulceration, abrasion, chronic dry eye, and proptosis (i.e., displacement of the eyeball from the socket).
  • Wrinkles may be cute on dogs, but … — A bulldog’s ample facial wrinkles demand attention, but not only the oohs and ahhs—their face needs daily cleaning, to prevent infection and odor. Folded skin creates a moist, dark environment where yeast and bacteria can quickly breed, and tear staining caused by narrowed tear ducts can create infection and staining.
  • Reproduction—remember Caesar? — Because of their anatomical structure, brachycephalic breeds have unique fertility, whelping, and delivery challenges. For example, the English bulldog’s conformation makes natural breeding dangerous, and success unlikely, and many brachycephalic breeds have large heads that cannot pass through the birth canal. To protect the welfare of the sire, dam, and puppies, artificial insemination and Cesarean section (i.e., C-section) delivery are strongly encouraged.

Responsible breeding of brachycephalic dogs

American Canyon Veterinary Hospital supports the responsible breeding of structurally sound, health-tested, purebred dogs. We provide comprehensive breeding services that prioritize health and safety at each stage:

  • Pre-breeding OFA health tests: 
    • Hip radiographs without anesthesia
    • Thyroid certification
    • Patella certification
    • OFA cardiac (practitioner level)
  • Preparation and collection:
    • Breeding soundness exams
    • Ovulation timing
    • Infertility diagnosis and treatment
    • Semen collection, evaluation, and shipping
  • Breeding:
    • Artificial insemination
    • Surgical insemination
    • Pregnancy ultrasounds
  • Delivery
    • Dystocia management
    • C-section
    • Post-operative care for dam and puppies

Despite their health challenges, the endearing, amusing personality of brachycephalic breeds wins out, and is likely the reason that people will continue to want these dogs as pets. Brachycephalic breeds make wonderful companions, gracing their home and their family not only with snorts and snuffles, but also their sense of fun.

For additional information about our breeding services, or to learn more about American Canyon Veterinary Hospital and how we care for brachycephalic breeds, contact us by phone, or email, or send us a message through our Pet Desk App.