Some dogs that are bred to be “cute“ are more susceptible to health problems as a result of their breeding. A common example of this are the brachycephalic dog breeds.
What are brachycephalic dogs?
Brachycephalic means “short-headed”, and this term is used to describe dogs have flat faces and shortened muzzles. While this appearance might add to the cuteness for some, it can really affect their breathing.
Problems with brachycephalic dogs
Many brachycephalic dog breeds suffer with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). This can make a dog struggle to breathe, find exercise more difficult, mean they breathe noisily, snore or pant, and make them more susceptible to complications from anesthesia.
Jane Ladlow, a European and Royal College Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, explains that it depends a little on the breeds, although all three top brachycephalic breeds suffer from BOAS.
“Bulldogs can get entropion, skin disease, aortic or pulmonic stenosis, patella luxation and tail fold infections,” she explains. “French Bulldogs have a high incidence of spinal disease, elbow lateral condylar fractures, ear disease and eye ulceration. Pugs can also suffer intervertebral disc disease and spinal malformations and eye ulceration.”
While these are the three breeds most heavily affected by their brachycephalic head shape, there are lots of brachycephalic breeds out there – some with more mild cases than others. These are the 23 brachycephalic dog breeds, and how they can be affected.
Brachycephalic dog breeds
1. English Bulldogs
English bulldogs are brachycephalic, while they’re also susceptible to health problems including hip dysplasia and skin infections. As a result, it’s illegal to breed them in Norway and the Netherlands.
English bulldogs are also banned from flying by some airlines, while their head shape has an impact on their ability to exercise and respiratory difficulties are widespread. A UK study from 2004 found the leading cause of death in bulldogs was cardiac-related, while other studies have found them to have a much lower lifespan than average.
2. French Bulldogs
These popular companion dogs are thought to be the result of breeding toy bulldogs from England with rat-catching dogs in Paris. And, over the years, they’ve become one of the most common pet dogs in countries including the US, the UK and Australia.
Due to being brachycephalic like their English counterparts, the French bulldog has a shortened snout and a face that looks pushed-in with a noticeable underbite, meaning that Frenchies are susceptible to various health issues, including chronic respiratory distress. In fact, a number of commercial airlines have also banned French Bulldogs due to the number of dogs who have died while flying.
3. Pugs
The pug is another much-loved breed with their playful, affectionate temperaments, but these small dogs are susceptible to health issues due to their brachycephalic appearance.
Even if their wrinkly, short muzzles and pushed-in faces help add to their cuteness, however, pugs are likely to suffer from issues including BOAS and eye bulging. Their life expectancy is below the average for dogs, and they’re also more prone to obesity than most breeds, too.
Over the last few years, there has been an effort to breed ‘retro pugs’ in some countries. Breeders aim for these dogs to have longer snouts, fewer wrinkles, straighter legs and less protruding eyes for a better quality of life and a lower likelihood of developing health issues.
4. Boston Terriers
Boston Terriers are small, compact dogs that originated more than 150 years ago when a bull and terrier cross was bred with a bulldog-type dog. And, like other bulldogs and dogs descended from them, Boston Terriers are a brachycephalic breed.
The ‘American Gentleman’, as the breed is known, has a shortened muzzle and pushed-in face, which can lead to health problems including BOAS. As well as respiratory problems, Boston terriers also often have a curvature of the back, which can be caused by problems with their rear legs. This then forces them to lean forward onto their forelegs.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
These might not be a breed that comes to mind when you think of brachycephalic dogs, because they don’t look quite as flat-faced as some of the other brachycephalic breeds – their muzzles tend to be longer.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a wide skull, and as a result, they are susceptible to respiratory issues like BOAS as well as eye problems. They can be sensitive to anesthesia, more susceptible to heatstroke, and eye issues including corneal ulcers and dry eye.
6. Shih Tzus
These Tibetan dogs, thought to have been bred from the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese, are another brachycephalic breed – as we can see from their short muzzle. As a result, they can have stenotic nares, where the nostrils are so close together that it can make breathing difficult, a narrow windpipe, and a long soft palate, all leading to a high chance of BOAS.
Though the Shih Tzu is a lap dog, and small dogs tend to live longer, studies have found their life expectancy to be about average or just below when compared to all breeds. Eye problems are common in Shih tzus, too, particularly as they age, and this is often down to their large, bulging eyes.
7. Boxers
Larger than many of the other breeds listed here, the faithful boxer is nonetheless a brachycephalic dog with short skulls and a square muzzle. This can lead to respiratory problems and snoring.
Boxers are also prone to eye issues including entropion, when the eyelid folds inward, and indolent corneal ulcers, an inflammatory eye condition. Having said that, they’re moderately brachycephalic rather than severely.
8. Brussels Griffons
The Brussels Griffon, or Griffon Bruxellois, is a small breed from Belgium, descended from the terrier-like Smousje. These dogs have a short snout, flat face and underbite, standard for brachycephalic breeds, as well as large eyes that can often require ongoing checks at the vet.
With such large eyes and a comparatively short snout, there isn’t much to protect the eyes, so they can be vulnerable to injury. Other eye issues the dog is prone to include glaucoma and cataracts, particularly as they age. And, nasal hyperkeratosis – a skin condition that causes the skin in their nose to thicken, and could be why your dog’s nose is dry – is common for the breed, too.
9. Cane Corsos
These big mastiffs are known to be pre-disposed to issues including elbow and hip dysplasia, as well as knee and retina problems, and the Cane Corso is slightly brachycephalic, too – as is the closely related breed of Neopolitan Mastiffs.
This breed isn’t as brachycephalic as some of the others on this list, but can be at risk of breathing problems due to their shorter muzzle and flat face. Cane Corsos can have BOAS, as well as be at greater risk of heatstroke – together, this can make activities like going on walks and playing outside more difficult.
10. Chow chows
The chow chow, a spitz breed, originated in the north of China, and they’re a slightly brachycephalic dog breed, too. As well as their square-like appearance and triangular ears, they have a broad but relatively shortened skull and blunt muzzle.
As a result, chow chows are more likely to develop respiratory issues – though not as much as more severely brachycephalic dogs – as well as issues including glaucoma, atopic dermatitis, and autoimmune disease. Respiratory difficulties are more prevalent when it comes to overweight, elderly, or anxious dogs, too.
11. Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the Bordeaux Mastiff or French Mastiff, is a big, muscular dog with the largest head of any canine – giving them a grand, yet powerful, appearance.
Their large heads are short, however, which gives them a deformed upper airway tract and can obstruct breathing. Other issues can include hyperthermia – particularly as these dogs struggle to regulate their body temperature through panting – complications while under anesthesia, and stridor, a high-pitched breathing sound.
12. Lhasa apsos
These little dogs had some rather grand beginnings, serving in palaces and monasteries in Tibet. They’re quite long-lived dogs, too, with many making it to their early 20s, but nonetheless they’re also brachycephalic with a flat face and short muzzle.
Lhasa apsos can differ in terms of how brachycephalic they are. The less pushed-in the face looks, the healthier you can expect the dog to be. Meanwhile, the breed is also pre-disposed to atopic dermatitis, or eczema.
13. Pekingese
The Pekingese was a favorite of ancient Chinese royalty, and it’s easy to see why – this friendly toy dog makes for great company! However, this breed has been bred for a flattened face over the years, leading to health issues.
They’re a very brachycephalic breed, which you can see from the head shape, and breathing problems (and snoring) are common, as are eye issues including ulcers, dry eye, and progressive retinal atrophy. Skin conditions, such as dermatitis, are also common in Pekingese dogs, too.
14. American Cocker Spaniels
English Cocker Spaniels aren’t brachycephalic, but American cocker spaniels often are – the two breeds diverged in the 20th century. They have a recognizable head with a sharp stop, a rounded dome, and a square-shaped lip, and some American cocker spaniels can develop breathing problems as a result.
Only some dogs are brachycephalic, however. Some have a mesaticephalic head shop – a medium, rather than shortened, head shape, so if you have an American cocker yourself, they might not actually be brachycephalic.
15. Tibetan Spaniels
These little dogs have boundless energy and make great companion dogs – something they’re even more suited to than most other spaniels! However, their small, domed head and short muzzle mean that they’re brachycephalic dogs.
Many of them have an underbite, while their soft palate can often hang down into their airway. Tibetan Spaniels often have short nostrils, too, and consequently narrow breathing passages, while cherry eye – a prolapsed third eyelid – is another canine condition sometimes found in these pups.
16. Chihuahuas
These little Mexican dogs are full of character – more than their small size would suggest – and while they’re not as severely brachycephalic as some other breeds, they have been bred to be short with flat faces. This compresses the respiratory tract and can lead to issues like BOAS.
However, not all Chihuahuas will be affected to the same extent. Some will struggle with their breathing more than others, potentially be more susceptible to heatstroke, and find exercise more difficult.
17. Japanese Chins
The Japanese Chin is a toy dog breed that, despite its name, is believed to have originated in China. A lap dog and a companion dog, they’re friendly and intelligent and sometimes referred to as ‘cat-like’ in their traits.
However, this breed is quite severely brachycephalic with a flat face and very short muzzle, making breathing tricky. They can snore, snort, and breathe more heavily, too. Other health issues the Japanese Chin can face include luxating patellas, cataracts, and heart murmurs.
18. Staffordshire Bull Terriers
The Staffordshire bull terrier, or “Staffie”, is one of the most popular breeds around, and these pups are often considered great family or companion dogs. They are, however, mildly brachycephalic with short snouts and wide faces, meaning that they might encounter some respiratory difficulties.
Not being severely brachycephalic, they aren’t quite as at risk of having BOAS as other breeds, but they may still find they struggle in the heat or even develop pneumonia through food aspiration. Staffies are also one of the breeds most predisposed to cataracts.
19. Affenpinschers
These small companion dogs originate from Germany, and they’re known to be affectionate and protective when it comes to their favorite humans – there’s never a dull moment with an Affenpinscher.
However, these dogs are brachycephalic, which we can see from their squashed nose and flat face. As a result, they’re susceptible to breathing issues including snoring and panting. However, they’re only moderately brachycephalic, so they aren’t as at risk as some other breeds.
20. Shar peis
The shar pei, who was traditionally kept as a guard dog in southern China, doesn’t have the brachycephalic ‘look’ with a flat face, but they do have a short nose in relation to the size of their head. As a result, very strenuous exercise probably isn’t the best idea for shar peis.
Meanwhile, they’re also quite susceptible to entropion, when the eyelashes curl inward. This can irritate their eyes and even cause blindness when untreated. Surgery and skin removal can help tackle the problem.
21. Yorkshire Terriers
These tiny terriers are another dog you might not think of as being brachycephalic, but with flat faces and short noses, they do fall into the category – they’re just not as severely brachycephalic as some canines.
Anesthesia can be risky for Yorkies, though that’s probably more down to their small size than their brachycephalic skull shape, while they’re prone to cataracts and dry eyes, too. That said, they do have a longer than average life expectancy.
22. Bullmastiffs
The bullmastiff is a large dog who often has a short muzzle, but not all will be classed as brachycephalic because the length of the muzzle can vary, and this can affect their breathing. On occasion, a bullmastiff might need surgery to open their airways and help them breathe.
These dogs are also susceptible to other health conditions, including ear infections, progressive retinal atrophy, and entropion, so it’s important to ensure that your bullmastiff receives regular check-ups at the vet.
23. English Toy Spaniels
The English Toy Spaniel – also known as the King Charles Spaniel, not to be confused with the Cavalier King Charles – is another brachycephalic breed, with their flat faces and short noses. They were likely produced by crossbreeding spaniels with dogs like the Japanese Chin, Pekingese and pug.
However, being brachycephalic, they’re prone to health problems. Their narrow airways can mean they’re more vulnerable to heat stroke and sensitive to anesthesia, as well as conditions including cleft palate, mitral valve disease, and eye problems like cataracts and keratitis.
Looking for a breed with less health problems? We’ve rounded up some of the healthiest dog breeds
Jane Ludlow is a European and Royal College Specialist in Small Animal Surgery with more than twenty years’ experience.
In addition to general clinical work and teaching students at the University of Cambridge, Jane focused on upper airway disease in dogs, particularly BOAS and, with Dr Nai-Chieh Lui, she devised a non-invasive method of assessing airway function in flat faced dogs, and introduced a clinical grading system for BOAS.
This work led to the development of The Kennel Club/University of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading Scheme to facilitate the breeding of healthy dogs. The RFG Scheme has been licensed in fifteen other countries so far which enables a more international overview of the health of these breeds.
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
Recent updates
This feature was last updated on March 5, 2025.
