Dogs belonging to the brachycephalic family have a smashed-in face with constricted airways and nose. Brachycephalic or short-nosed dogs are popular among the pet lovers for the right reasons. Ironically, parenting a brachycephalic dog breed can be a hassle as they require special care on most of the occasions.
You can find brachycephalic dog breeds in all the three weight categories, i.e. small, medium and large. Here is a list of small brachycephalic dog breeds.
The Pug: the pug is one of the popular dog breeds that belong to the brachycephalic family. Known for an endearing personality, pugs can be your best companion. Surprisingly, they are also very protective of their owners. If you love small dogs and if you wish to adopt one, pugs are probably the best option.
The Pekingese:
The Pekingese are short adorable dogs with a silky coat. These dog breeds are the perfect examples of a lap dog. Ironically, the long hair and the caved-in face in the Pekingese can turn out to be a deadly combination during summer as they are vulnerable to respiratory issues from birth.
The Shih Tzu:
Another small dog belonging to the brachycephalic dog family, which probably requires a tad more attention when compared to the other smaller brachycephalic dog breeds. The Shih Tzu also carries a thick coat, which demands constant grooming and care. This breed’s muzzle size can vary between dogs.
The French Bulldog:
One among the active and popular brachycephalic dog breeds. The muzzle size in The French Bulldog can vary between dogs and they are also vulnerable to having abnormally short muzzles. Therefore, it is imperative for you to check into the muzzle size prior to adopting The French Bulldog in addition to looking into some special care tips.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
One of the gentle and loving brachycephalic dog breeds that you will ever come across. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is intelligent and easy to train, apart from being good with children. The dog is a peace lover and known to bark less when compared to the other dogs belonging to the same category. Being alight-hearted dog breed, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel can be fragile and often suffer from separation anxiety.
Apart from being vulnerable to breathing issues, The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is also susceptible to ear infections.
The Boston Terrier
Originally bred as fighting dogs, The Boston Terrier attained fame in no time, not as fighting dogs, but as affectionate and compassionate companions to humans. Boston terriers have a sturdy and muscular body in addition to a lovable character.
Like most of the brachycephalic dog breeds, the Boston Terriers are prone to respiratory issues and corneal ulcers. The short coat in Boston Terriers makes them sensitive to extreme cold and hot weather.
As a dog lover or enthusiast, you should know that owning a brachycephalic dog comes with several responsibilities. You might have to earmark significant amount of time and money to ensure that your pooch is at the peak of his health. However, the commitment and love that you can expect in return makes all your efforts worthwhile.