How far are we willing to go with the Brachycephalic dog breeds? Does it really matter how cute we think they are compared to their health?
Imagine a trend where a person is considered attractive only if they cannot breathe through their nose, but the mouth, and if they have to gasp for air every few minutes because the tissue surrounding the larynx is so thick that it prevents normal breathing.
Beautiful, right?
Who knows… maybe there is a parallel universe where Pugs have pet humans with breathing problems, and they debate the same thing in their own world.
But, for now, we have this world and 10 brachycephalic dog breeds that have serious health issues.
1. Pug
The first on our list is the famous brachycephalic dog breed originally bred in China a long time ago. The original Pugs didn’t have such a short head, but years and years of breeding programs led to this final outcome.
Because of these breeding programs, today’s Pugs are prone to more than breathing problems. They also have a lot of skin problems, and they often have a lot of allergies.
But, they are the cutest little dogs that usually weigh around 15 pounds, and can grow up to 13 inches tall.
The American Kennel Club recognizes only two Pug coat colors – fawn and black. However, you can find Pugs in many other coat colors and patterns.
2. Boston Terrier
This is a very similar dog breed to the Frenchies. However, the Boston Terriers are taller (up to 17 inches) but weigh less (up to 25 pounds). This is the standard Boston Terrier. There is a smaller version called the Teacup Boston Terrier.
No matter the size, they have the same breathing problems as the rest of the dogs on our list. Both male and female Boston Terriers have similar temperaments – playful and social.
This is another reason why their breathing issue is torture for these doggies – they are not able to fully enjoy playtime.
3. Pekingese
Another Chinese dog – the Pekingese dog breed. This is one of the oldest purebred dogs in the world. They are also genetically closest to wolves.
But, they don’t look like wolves. They are brachycephalic small dogs that can weigh up to 14 pounds, and grow tall by up to 9 inches.
A small dog, but with a strong personality and a lot of coat colors.
4. Lhasa Apso
This small dog breed comes from Tibet. They are long-haired dogs that are famous for their floor-length fur. But, a lot of people shave and trim their fur, and “turn” them into short-haired Lhasa Apsos.
They weigh up to 18 pounds and can grow up to 11 inches tall. The females are slightly smaller than the males.
Even though these dogs are famed for their beauty, they are not as expensive as some other toy long-haired dog breeds. You can see all about the Lhasa Apso price by following this link: Lhasa Apso Price
5. Brussels Griffon
This time, coming from Europe, Belgium – this is another small and fluffy dog breed with a brachycephalic skull.
They either have smooth or wiry double coat types. And, the most interesting part about this breed is the beard-like fur around their muzzle. This gives them a human-like appearance.
Looking into their round, dark eyes while they look like wise old men, you have a feeling they understand everything you say to them!
The Brussels Griffon is a small dog that can be up to 10 inches tall, and weigh up to 10 pounds.
6. Affenpinscher
The last small dog on our list of brachycephalic dog breeds is the Affenpinscher… a German dog breed.
They are in the toy dog group, with their weight of up to 10 pounds, and height of up to 11 inches. This is a funny and cute-looking dog that comes in 5 different coat colors, including black, red, and beige.
7. Boxer
This brachycephalic dog breed comes from Germany. They are an excellent representation of working dogs: active, smart, and loyal.
Boxers usually weigh up to 80 pounds, but there is a weight difference between females and males. As you’ve guessed it – females weigh less than males.
As for their height, they can be from 21 to 25 inches tall.
Boxers might have a longer snout than some other brachycephalic dog breeds, but they still experience the same breathing problems.
8. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a large brachycephalic dog breed that can have lots of breathing issues because of the unregulated breeding programs.
They weigh more than 100 pounds, and their height is up to 27 inches. These are large dogs bred for guarding, and later used for all kinds of other working purposes.
9. Chow Chow
There is a standard Chow Chow that weighs around 60 pounds, and a miniature Chow Chow that truly looks like a Teddy Bear dog.
These dogs are famous for their face wrinkles, brachycephalic head, and blue tongue. They were originally bred in China as guard, hunting, and protection dogs.
With their height of up to 20 inches, Chow Chows fit into the medium-sized dog group.
10. Staffordshire Bullterrier
Most people won’t think of this dog when talking about brachycephalic dog breeds. However, these dogs also suffer from breathing problems, even though these problems are not as prevalent as in other mentioned dog breeds.
The reason for a smaller number of Staffordshire Bullterriers with more severe breathing problems is the more adjusted breeding program that has the goal of correcting this issue.
But, those loyal to the old ways still consider that a Staff should have a flatter face.