What are brachycephalic dog breeds, and what makes them unique?

Brachycephalic literally means "short-headed.” This term refers to dogs and dog breeds with shortened snouts.

Dr. Dana Hunley

Popular brachycephalic breeds include:

  • English and French Bulldogs
  • Bull Mastiffs
  • Boston Terriers
  • Boxers
  • Pugs
  • Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, and Pekingese

The term can also be applied to mixed breed dogs that inherited this trait from brachycephalic ancestors.

What are common health issues in brachycephalic dog breeds?

Brachycephalic dogs tend to have extremely shortened snouts that make them almost appear flat-faced.

Unfortunately, their adorable short-nosed appearance can place them at risk for a condition called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which leads to serious breathing problems.

There are 4 distinct abnormalities that can cause this condition:

  • Stenotic nares: Small or narrow nostrils, which can restrict the airflow into the nostrils when the dog breathes through his nose.
  • Elongated soft palate: The soft palate — the soft tissue on the roof of the mouth — is too long and extends into the back of the throat, which causes blockage to the trachea.
  • Hypoplastic trachea: The windpipe, or trachea, is narrower than what is normal.
  • Everted laryngeal saccules: Laryngeal saccules are small sacs located just inside the back of the throat. These can become turned outwards when a dog struggles to breathe through narrowed nostrils or an elongated soft palate.

It's crucial to remember that brachycephalic dogs also have a harder time regulating their body temperature in both hot and cold environments. Their unique skull structure can lead to dental problems due to crowded teeth and eye problems due to shallow eye sockets.

How can I tell if my brachycephalic dog is experiencing breathing difficulties?

Dogs that suffer from this syndrome typically have a history of loud snoring and noisy breathing. They may also have a sensitive gag reflex, or be prone to reverse sneezing or tracheal collapse. If you own a short-nosed dog, do not dismiss noisy breathing and an inability to exercise as being normal.

When the problem is severe, their gums or tongue can sometimes turn blue from lack of oxygen, and overexertion or over-excitement can lead to collapse. If these serious, life-threatening symptoms are seen, immediate veterinary care is needed.

Are there special exercise and activity recommendations for brachycephalic dogs?

Because of their breathing difficulties, these dogs tend to have a low tolerance for vigorous exercise and are highly susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

  • Most of these breeds cannot tolerate more than 5 minutes of vigorous exercise.
  • Special precautions should be made in hot weather. Outdoor activities should be limited to early morning and evening when it tends to be cooler.
  • They should have access to water and shade to ensure they don’t overheat.
  • It’s important to remember that these dogs can overheat even in normal weather conditions and have a harder time regulating their body temperature, not just overheating, but also having issues with the cold.

What are the best ways to manage breathing issues in brachycephalic dogs?

Because these conditions and their symptoms are exacerbated by obesity, the first line of treatment for an overweight dog with this condition is usually to be put on a weight-loss meal plan.

Mild cases can usually be managed by:

  • Controlling the dog's weight
  • Monitoring exercise levels
  • Keeping the dog out of heat and humidity
  • Reducing or avoiding stress

For short-term treatment of flare-ups that cause respiratory distress, we might prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and treat the dog with oxygen. More severe cases may require surgery to improve airflow. Surgery to widen a dog’s nostrils and/or remove extra tissue from the soft palate and larynx can greatly improve an affected dog’s quality of life.

How can I improve the overall quality of life for my brachycephalic dog?

If you are considering adding a short-nosed dog to your family, be sure to consult our veterinary team to get all the details on how to best care for them. These dogs can live long, happy lives with proper care and regular veterinarian checkups. Remember that while dogs provide great companionship, it is the responsibility of the pet parent to be diligent in maintaining their overall health and happiness.

If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (407) 682-3233, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!

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