This article will be looking into flat-faced dog breeds and discussing what “flat-faced” or brachycephalic actually means.
We’ll be looking at the possible health risks and the importance of good breeding to ensure happy and healthy canine lives!
We’ll be talking about many of the dog breeds that fall under this category.
We will also be sharing some fast facts on their appearance, temperament, energy levels, and the possible health issues that they may suffer from as a flat-faced dog breed.
What Are Flat-Faced Dogs?
The term flat-faced dog breeds, as the name suggests, refers to dog breeds that are known for their distinctively short faces.
Compare, for example, the muzzle of the well-known Pug, to that of the equally renowned Labrador. You’ll immediately be able to tell me which of these falls under the flat-faced category!
But did you know that the official term for a flat-faced dog is actually brachycephalic?
The name comes from the ancient Greek words meaning “short” and “head.” Granted, it doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, so we’ll predominantly use the term flat-faced in this article.
Which Breeds Are Brachycephalic?
Brachycephalic breeds have a short skull shape, which results in the appearance of a flat face.
Brachycephalic dog breeds include:
- English, American and French Bulldog,
- Affenpinscher,
- Brussels Griffon,
- Dogue de Bordeaux,
- Japanese Chin,
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel,
- Chow Chow,
- Boston Terrier,
- Bull Mastiff,
- Shih Tzu,
- Chihuahua,
- Pug,
- Brasileiro,
- Pekingese,
- Lhasa Apso,
- and Boxer.
Flat-Faced Dog Breeds List
Did you know that flat-faced dog breeds are some of the most popular dog breeds worldwide?
Today we’re going to run through a list of flat-faced dog breeds and tell you a little more about these short-snouted dogs. We will also discuss why they can make a great addition to your family!
Pug
The Pug is perhaps one of the most recognizable of the flat-faced dog breeds. A member of the toy group, aka the smallest group of canines, Pug has large expressive eyes, a distinctive light coat colour with dark hair around the ears and face.
Undoubtedly, what the Pug lacks in size, he certainly makes up for in character. And it’s easy to see why so many people fall in love with this short-snouted dog!
A low to medium energy breed, your flat-faced Pug, can happily play in the garden when encouraged or go for walks. However, he is naturally a lazy fellow, so bear in mind that he can be prone to weight gain!
As with all flat-faced dogs, the Pug can suffer from breathing issues and doesn’t do as well living in hotter climates.
Flat-Faced Dog Breeds: Boxer
The big bouncing Boxer dog is a vibrant character ideally suited to energetic families; he makes an excellent guard dog and is incredibly loyal. But he can also have moments of unbridled goofiness that only a Boxer dog owner could ever know!
While the most common colour for a Boxer is tan, they also come in white and brindle, with both the tan and brindle varieties sharing that distinct white marking running down their chest.
The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed, and as such, definitely needs to be in an active home where he’ll get enough exercise. Without enough training, the Boxer can easily attempt to find his own fun and become destructive in the house.
Many Boxer dogs can be prone to snoring and breathing difficulties due to the length of their face, but don’t suffer to the same extent as more extreme brachycephalic breeds.
French Bulldog
One of the most popular dog breeds around, the French Bulldog combines an adorable look with a charming nature.
With big upright ears, wide-set eyes, a wrinkly forehead, and short legs, it’s easy to see why so many people are smitten with the French Bulldog.
A low to medium energy breed, the French Bulldog doesn’t need much exercise and is quite happy in a home where he’ll go on one long daily walk. They’re known for being inquisitive, and you’ll find this breed represented in obedience and agility competitions.
The French Bulldog is one of the flat-faced dog breeds that tend to suffer the most from their brachycephalic build. They often snore and have apparent difficulty breathing when physically exerting themselves.
Flat-Faced Dog Breeds: English Bulldog
The English or British Bulldog is a formidable fellow, and while not the tallest pooch out there, he does boast quite the statuesque figure.
According to the American Kennel Club, the Bulldog is the fifth most popular dog breed in the USA. He’s a friendly fellow, easy to groom with his short hair, and a great dog breed for lower-energy owners.
The English Bulldog is a real people pleaser and does exceptionally well with obedience training when started young.
He can be prone to weight gain, given his relaxed and laidback attitude to life, so it’s crucial to maintain a regular exercise routine and a healthy diet.
American Bulldog
You’d be forgiven for assuming that the American Bulldog doesn’t suffer from being a flat-faced dog breed like his French and English cousins. But I’m afraid to say that in fact, he does – just not to the same degree.
This large dog breed is full of energy, and given his background as a real working dog, he thrives in an environment with plenty of physical and mental enrichment.
American Bulldogs can be somewhat aloof, so beginning training early and maintaining rules and boundaries is vital if you want to have a well behaved furry member of the family!
While many of the flat-faced dog breeds on our list aren’t excessively energetic, this breed most definitely is, which can make breathing issues even more dangerous. Keeping a close eye on your American Bulldog for signs of breathing difficulty is, therefore, very important!
Flat-Faced Dog Breeds: Neopolitan Mastiff
This droopy-faced dog breed is one of the most distinctive species out there, perhaps most well-known for his guarding ability as his look is especially useful in deterring intruders.
This breed is a sensitive soul and does well with kind and gentle training as he gets easily upset and demoralized when spoken to harshly.
While the Neopolitan Mastiff is a large breed, however his energy levels don’t match u. You’re more likely to find him having a daytime nap than running around in the yard! But it is, of course, imperative to make sure that he gets enough exercise to stay happy and healthy. So do be sure to take him on at least one long walk each day.
With such a short face and so much skin – he can quickly struggle with breathing difficulties if the wrinkles of skin obstruct his airways.
Boston Terrier
A small but mighty breed, the Boston Terrier, has bright dazzling eyes, a loveable character, and an utterly trainable temperament.
With his tuxedo style markings, the Boston Terrier is easy to spot in a crowd, and it’s perhaps because of this, you see this breed used in Film work. This famous brachycephalic dog was featured in films such as “Back-Up Plan,” “Valentines Day,” and “Hotel for Dogs.”
One of the easiest breeds to train, the Boston Terrier wants to please his owner and always do his very best when treated kindly.
Because they’re a flat-face dog breed, Boston Terriers are prone to overheating in the summer months. Owners, therefore, need to consider the time of day that they go on their daily walks. And make sure that shade and water are always available to them if out in the yard.
Flat-Faced Dog Breeds: Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu is a dog breed with luscious flowing locks, and many people are so distracted by the breed’s impressive coat and fail to notice that this too is a flat-faced dog breed.
The Shih Tzu’s coat most certainly requires a lot more attention than most dog breeds. It needs frequent grooming at home and trips to the groomers to ensure that it stays in tip-top condition.
Due to being such a low-energy breed only requiring one walk per day, they’re often seen as companions to older people but can be just as happy in a family home.
This breed often suffers from undersized nostrils, windpipe, and trachea, which can result in breathing difficulties. Making sure to keep your Shih Tzu well-groomed so that matted hair can’t cause an additional breathing challenge is vital.
Pekingese
The Pekingese is an ancient and regal breed, originally bred as a pet for the ruling classes in their home nation of China. No wonder that their name translates to “Lion Dog”!
With a thick double coat, the Pekingese certainly stands out in a crown, even at his diminutive height of only 6-9 inches. His coat requires regular care to stay tangle-free.
A laid-back breed with a character be-fitting of its regal past, the Pekingese does enjoy going for walks and playing – but only at his own pace.
As well as possible breathing difficulties due to being a short-faced breed, the Pekingese can also suffer from sight issues caused by excess skin around the eyes.
Flat-Faced Dog Breeds: Affenpinscher
With a face many could compare to a Wookie from Star Wars, there’s something about the wiry coat, small eyes, and alert expression that makes it easy to fall in love with the breed.
The cheeky yet adorable Affenpinscher has a unique history, as he was used as a multi-purpose breed. By day, he would chase the rats, but by night he would serve the role as a bed warmer for the lady of the house!
A medium energy dog, Affenpinscher can be just as happy living in an apartment as he can out in the countryside. When training Affenpinschers, they can quickly lose interest. Keeping training sessions short and sweet is a great idea with this breed!
They tend to suffer from breathing issues mostly in hot weather so that it can be an ideal choice for those living in cooler climates.
Flat-Faced Dog Breeds: Shar-pei
The wrinkliest dog out there, the Shar-pei, is often misunderstood as he can be standoffish with strangers, has a rough coat texture, and looks, well, quite unique.
But, dig a little deeper, and you’ll come to love this breed that’s loyal, regal, and highly intelligent!
With their unique coat that feels quite like a rough velvet, the Shar-Pei requires only the smallest amount of grooming. However, they do have incredibly narrow ear canals and are prone to ear infections, requiring frequent at-home ear cleanings.
This breed tends to adapt to their family’s energy requirements. Shar-Pei can be just as happy living a somewhat sedentary lifestyle as they can with an active and outdoorsy one.
Shar-pei can quickly develop breathing problems as they’re a flat-faced dog breed, resulting in your veterinarian advising to reduce exercise.
If this does occur, owners must add mentally stimulating (yet physically comfortable) play into their routine, as this smart breed can become frustrated.
Dogue de Bordeaux
Perhaps one of the most famous flat-faced breeds around; the Dogue de Bordeaux was made famous by the film “Turner and Hooch” starring Tom Hanks. The movie helped to educate the general public on the lashings of personality that flat-faced dog breeds can have!
With a bright red coat, wide-set yet highly expressive eyes, and a wrinkly face – the Dogue de Bordeaux is an easy breed to fall in love with. Therefore it’s a little surprising that they’re only ranked the 67th most popular dog breed in the USA, according to the American Kennel Club.
Although this breed does suffer from one main character flaw, – they drool!
But even with that undesirable trait, their character is so affectionate and loving that it would be easy to overlook the drooling issue.
A large dog breed, Dogue de Bordeaux are known as gentle giants as they do exceptionally well in families with children thanks to their patient character.
As a sizeable flat-faced dog breed, with excess skin around their nose – this makes it easy for them to have breathing difficulties and shouldn’t be kept in hot climates because of this.
Conclusion
There are many fabulous flat-faced dog breeds, and while they can suffer from breathing issues – the international kennel clubs are working to correct this. By putting in place rules and regulations for breeding these dogs back to full health!
So, the next time you think about which dog breed to welcome into your family, please don’t discount our flatter-faced friends.
Instead, if you’re planning on buying a flat-faced dog breed, make sure to do so from a reputable breeder. One who focuses is on the quality of life for the dogs they breed, and not merely on their “look.”
And better yet, considering rescuing your next furry best friend, and don’t discount those flat-faced dog breeds!
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our read “Dogs with human faces – The most popular breeds.”