They are dogs with a short, pushed in face. Sometimes they don’t even have much of a nose! Common brachycephalic breeds include Pugs, various Bulldog breeds, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pekinese, and more.
Brachycephalic dogs have some health problems due to their short snouts! Though their noses are shortened, the inside of their mouths have not changed. They often have elongated palates which make it really hard for them to breathe. Many dogs have an overbite due to their smashed in skull.
Brachycephalic dogs also have excess skin folds on their face which are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Many of these dogs have eyes which seem to protrude from their face. They often have dry eye and are more likely to get ulcers. In some cases, their eyes have been known to come out of their socket!
It is important to have a veterinarian that you trust when you get a brachycephalic dog. We are here to assist you and your pet in any way that you can! Don’t hesitate to call us if you have any questions about these special breeds or if you need anything.