Introduction
Brachycephalic dogs are breeds with shortened skulls and muzzles, resulting in a flattened face. Common brachycephalic breeds include Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Boston Terriers. While cute in appearance, their abnormal skull shape often leads to major health issues.
Brachycephalic dogs commonly suffer from breathing problems, overheating, eye diseases, spine malformations, and birthing difficulties. Their facial structure narrows their airways and restricts airflow, which can cause potentially fatal respiratory distress. Their shortened muzzles also make eating difficult and trap excess heat inside their bodies.
The extent of health problems varies considerably between individual dogs. While brachycephalic breeds are predisposed to conditions related to their head and face shape, some dogs live reasonably healthy lives with proper management and care. This article examines whether brachycephalic dog breeds can live well despite their conformational challenges.
Common Health Problems
Brachycephalic dog breeds are prone to a number of health issues due to their shortened snouts and flat faces. One of the most common is breathing difficulties, a condition known as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) [1]. Their narrowed airways and soft tissue blockages cause labored breathing, snoring, coughing, and trouble getting enough oxygen.
Another common problem is overheating and an inability to regulate body temperature. Brachycephalic dogs do not pant as efficiently to cool themselves down and are at higher risk of heat stroke [2]. Owners need to be careful about exercising them in hot weather.
Eye issues like corneal ulcers and proptosis (eyes popping out) are also more prevalent due to shallow eye sockets and loose skin folds near the eyes. Spinal abnormalities can occur as well, leading to back pain or intervertebral disc disease.
Finally, brachycephalic dogs may have difficulty giving birth naturally due to their large heads and narrow pelvis openings. Caesarean sections are frequently needed to deliver their puppies safely.
Causes of Health Issues
There are several key factors that contribute to the health problems seen in brachycephalic dog breeds:
Genetic factors play a major role. Selective breeding to exaggerate brachycephalic features like a short muzzle and domed skull directly leads to anatomical abnormalities. Dogs from breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs, and English Bulldogs are predisposed to issues like narrow nostrils, an elongated soft palate, and a hypoplastic trachea (1).
These anatomical abnormalities then contribute to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), causing breathing difficulties, exercise intolerance, overheating, and more (2). BOAS can range from mild to severe.
There has also been a surge in popularity and demand for brachycephalic breeds over the past decade. This high demand fuels irresponsible breeding practices that further exaggerate brachycephalic traits without considering health, which increases the frequency and severity of issues in these breeds (3).
Sources:
(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5508944/
(2) https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/flat-face-dog-breeds-and-health-issues
(3) https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-brachycephalic-dogs/
Improvements Through Selective Breeding
There are efforts underway by ethical breeders to improve the health of brachycephalic dogs through more selective breeding practices. One focus is on breeding for longer muzzles and less extreme physical features, which can help reduce breathing difficulties and overheating (source url). Programs like The Kennel Club’s Brachycephalic Health Improvement Programme aim to encourage responsible breeding to improve health and welfare issues in brachycephalic breeds.
Some breeders are working on outcrossing programs, where brachycephalic breeds are crossed with dogs that have longer muzzles and fewer health issues. The goal is to maintain desired traits like personality and temperament, while breeding out extreme physical features that negatively impact health and quality of life (source url). Ethical breeders recognize that while popular, brachycephalic breeds come with serious health risks, but through selective breeding focused on health improvements over exaggerated physical features, their welfare can be improved.
Surgical Interventions
Brachycephalic dog breeds often undergo surgical procedures to help improve their breathing and quality of life. Some common surgeries include:
Soft Palate Resection
The soft palate is the soft tissue at the back of the roof of the mouth. Brachycephalic dogs can have an abnormally long soft palate that blocks airflow and makes breathing difficult. A soft palate resection trims and shortens the soft palate to open up the airway.1
Stenotic Nares Surgery
Stenotic nares refers to abnormal nostrils that are narrowed or pinched. This surgery widens the nostrils to allow for better airflow. According to a report by the People’s Postcode Lottery, there was a 72% increase in stenotic nares surgeries for brachycephalic dogs from 2016 to 2017.2
Tacking Eyelids
Some brachycephalic dogs have eyelids that roll inward, irritating the eyes. Eyelid tacking surgically positions the eyelids so they do not rub against the eye.
Lifestyle Adjustments
There are several things owners of brachycephalic breeds can do to help their dogs live a comfortable life:
Keeping Cool – Due to their compromised airways, brachycephalic dogs are prone to overheating and breathing issues when exercising or in hot weather. Make sure your dog has access to shade, fans, or air conditioning during warm days. Always provide plenty of cool, fresh water. Avoid exercising dogs in hot, humid weather.
Low-Impact Exercise – Brachycephalic breeds shouldn’t participate in strenuous activities that restrict their breathing even further. Opt for short, gentle walks and indoor play. Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise. Avoid activities like jogging or dog sports that require intense exertion.
Elevated Feeding – Elevating your dog’s food and water bowls can make eating and drinking easier by relying more on gravity. Bowls placed on a stand or small set of steps reduce strain on the airway.
Ethical Considerations
Breeding brachycephalic dogs raises important ethical concerns. There is tension between consumer demand for these breeds and the health problems associated with their exaggerated features. While these breeds have become hugely popular, their compressed airways and other issues often lead to suffering.
Animal welfare advocates argue we should adopt don’t shop when it comes to brachy breeds. There are many animals in shelters in need of homes. Purposefully breeding more brachys fuels consumer demand while many already need adoption.
Reforming breed standards has been proposed as a solution. Breed clubs could update standards to select for longer snouts, larger nostrils and overall health. This could gradually improve brachy health over generations while preserving breeds (Harvey, 2022). However, some argue this goes against preserving heritage traits.
Signs of a Healthy Brachy
Despite the inherent challenges brachycephalic breeds face, there are dogs that live happy and relatively healthy lives. Here are some signs of a brachy that is doing well:
- Good exercise tolerance – Able to go on walks and play without overheating or struggling to breathe. Their stamina continues to improve as they get in better shape.
- Minimal breathing sounds – Little to no snorting, snuffling, wheezing, etc. Occasional deeper breaths are normal during or after activity. Excessive noisy breathing indicates airway obstruction.
- Clear, wide open eyes – Their eyes should not bulge or weep excessively. There should be minimal reddening or irritation. The eyes open fully without partially closed eyelids.
For example, Pugs and French Bulldogs who live active lifestyles and remain at healthy weights are more likely to avoid severe brachycephalic issues. With proper exercise and conditioning, they can happily play fetch or go on hikes without struggling to breathe.
The Reality
Most brachycephalic dogs require surgery at some point in their lives to address breathing issues resulting from their flat faces. Even with surgery, they require lifelong management of their condition with special attention to temperature regulation, exercise, travel, and anesthesia. Their chronic health issues lead to much higher healthcare costs over their lifespan compared to dogs with longer muzzles. Sadly, on average brachycephalic dogs have shorter lifespans around 8 years, versus 10-12 years for other breeds.
According to the RSPCA Knowledgebase, “Brachycephalic dog breeds are predisposed to breathing difficulties, eye diseases, spinal malformations, difficulties regulating body temperature and birthing problems.” They recommend that prospective owners consider these health implications carefully before choosing a brachycephalic breed. https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-brachycephalic-dogs/
Conclusion
In summary, brachycephalic dog breeds face several health challenges due to their shortened skulls and squashed faces. These include breathing problems like brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, digestive issues, eye diseases, spinal malformations, and complications with anesthesia and travel. Responsible breeding focused on improving health is crucial for the future of these breeds. Breeders should select for less exaggerated features to reduce breathing obstructions. Meanwhile, owners can help their brachy dogs live happily and healthily through lifestyle adjustments like avoiding stressors that restrict breathing, maintaining a healthy weight, keeping the airways clear of debris, and staying active but avoiding overexertion or overheating.
While brachycephalic dogs may require extra care, their loving owners can work together with responsible breeders to give them the best chance at a good quality of life.