Brachycephalic dog breeds are short faced dogs without pointed muzzles; they can be described as having flat and squashed faces. Some people avoid keeping these dogs as pets since they are reputed to have breathing problems. Brachycephalic dogs also have lower tolerance to heat and tend to suffer from skin and eye issues. Small dog breeds with flat faces (such as pugs) tend to snore a lot because of their elongated palates-there is not enough room for the soft tissue to fit in the small head. This condition often requires surgical intervention to help the dog breathe. Let us find out top dog breeds with squashed faces that are still cuddly and cute as ever.
1. Affenpinscher
This cute dog with a pushed in face is also known as the Monkey dog. It is one of the oldest toy dog breeds and has originated in Germany. The Affenpinscher is a small compact dog breed weighing less than 10 lbs. This alert, fun loving small dog is ideal for apartment dwelling.
2. American Cocker Spaniel
This is a small, lovable dog weighing about 25 lbs. The American Cocker spaniel adjusts well to city life and is suitable for elderly owners. It requires tons of grooming. American Cockers are prone to snoring owing to brachycephalic syndrome.
3. Bichon Frise
Pronunciation of Bichon Frise is Bee-Shawn-Free-Say. This cute French dog breed weighs up to 14 pounds. Bichon Frise is known to be gentle, affectionate dog breed that does well in city or suburban dwelling. Many Bichons are known to snore like a train!
4. Boston Terrier
This is the dog with a pushed in face that can be considered the miniature version of the bull and terrier type breeds in America. They are small compact muscular dog breeds weighing about 25lbs. Their personality is alert, active and intelligent. This dog breed needs moderate activity and gets along well with kids and other dogs.
5. Boxer
Boxer is one of the brachycephalic dog breeds that originated in Germany. They are medium sized dogs weighing up to 80lbs. Boxers are known for their fun loving personalities and their loyal affectionate and friendly temperaments. They also make good watch dogs.
6. Brussels Griffon
This is a Belgian dog having a short flat face and weighing about 12 lbs. The Brussels Griffon is an intelligent, alert dog that does well in suburban or city home. They can be challenging to train and sometimes do not get along well with children and other dogs.
7. Bulldog
The American bulldog is a large muscular dog weighing between 60 and 125 lbs. This assertive dog makes an excellent pet owing to its loyalty. It is wary of strangers – a property that makes them a great guard dog. Bulldogs are sensitive, easy to train and generally calm. This is a breed best suited for experienced dog owners.
8. Bull Mastiff
The bull mastiff from the UK is a dog having a long flat face. They weigh between 100 and 130 lbs. Bull mastiffs are quiet dogs that need plenty of exercise and a large yard. They are friendly, patient and gentle with kids but tend to be territorial and protective.
9. Cane Corso
The Italian Cane Corso has a short broad muzzle with powerful muscular body. They weigh up to 110 lbs. Cane corsos can do well in apartments provided you give them plenty of exercise. These dogs are best suited for experienced owners.
10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This cute little dog originated in the UK. They are small, well balanced and graceful. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is friendly, affectionate and intelligent and they weigh about 18 lbs. These adaptable dogs need moderate activity and do well in cities or suburbs.
11. Chihuahua
This is one of the popular small dog breeds which make an amazing companion for elderly people as well as sedentary adults. Chihuahuas are fashionable dogs but are prone to collapsed trachea and overheating or cooling problems. You need to take good care of these delicate creatures. Life expectancy of Chihus is lot more than most other breeds.
12. Chow Chow
If you decide to go in for a Chow Chow puppy, make sure that it breathes easily and ask the breeder for a health record of the parents. Ensure that the puppy’s parents and grandparents haven’t needed corrective surgery for breathing problems.
13. Dogo Argetino
This Argentinean dog breed is powerful and muscular. These days, good breeders are taking measures to prevent genetic health issues in brachycephalic dog breeds. Dogos weigh between 80 and 100 lbs. They are intelligent and highly trainable; they also enjoy the company of kids. Note that Dogos are sensitive to the sun.
14. English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is an ancient breed with a short muzzle. They are believed to have originated from the Tibetan mastiff. These are patient, calm and loyal dogs. Mastiffs are adaptable dogs which can do well in suburban or city homes. An apartment is usually too small for this brachycephalic dog breed. Possible health issues, apart from brachycephalic syndrome, include hip dysplasia.
15. French Bulldog
Frenchies are great companion dogs to sedentary owners and elderly people. Their short muzzles are heavily wrinkled and this causes elongated palate. They are also frequent sufferers of brachycephalic syndrome. You also need to protect them from heatstrokes.
16. Japanese Chin
This brachycephalic dog breed is prone to stenotic nares or pinched nostrils and elongated soft palate. They weigh between 9 and 16 lbs.
17. Lhasa Apso
This Tibetan dog breed was so prized in early times that they were given as gifts to people one held in high esteem. They weigh about 15 lbs and are great apartment dogs. Lhasas are barkers and do not get along too well with kids.
18. Maltese
Female Maltese are more brachycephalic than males. This is a fine little urban house dog that does not need too much exercise and will happily spend all day on the sofa next to you. They weigh less than 10 lbs.
19. Neapolitan Mastiff
Neapolitan mastiffs ideally should weigh between 130 and 155 lbs. This is a large and powerful dog with brachycephalic and massive skull and wrinkled head. Neapolitan pups are slow to mature and are considered adults only after 3 years of age.
20. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is the St. Bernard of the water; it has saved many lives in it. They are a Canadian dog breed and are known to be excellent with kids. Newfoundland weigh about 150 lbs.
21. Pekingese
This small Chinese dog has a small, sturdy jaw with wrinkled, brachycephalic muzzle. They have a lion like appearance. Pekingese are well suited for apartments but are prone to heat strokes. They also have brachycephalic syndrome and stenotic nares.
22. Pug
Like the Pekingese above, the Pug is also a Chinese dog breed known for their affectionate loving nature. They are extremely adaptable dogs that love the company of small children. Never exercise your pug too much and also protect it from heat strokes. You must also clean its wrinkled skin to prevent infections.
23. Shar Pei
The Chinese Shar Pei is known for its heavily wrinkled skin. Their oval heavily wrinkled muzzle is known as the hippopotamus muzzle. These are alert, intelligent and curious dogs.
24. Shih Tzu
Another brachycephalic dog from China, the Shih Tzu is a loving companion breed with an unwrinkled, short snout. This friendly, affectionate dog gets along with everyone.
25. Silky Terrier
The Australian Silky terrier resembles the Yorkie. The toy breed has a flat skull that is longer than the muzzle. They make excellent apartment dogs that adapt easily to many living situations.
26. Tibetan Spaniel
Do not let the name mislead you into thinking that the Tibetan Spaniel is a spaniel type dog breed. In fact; it is a breed closely related to the Pekingese and the Japanese Chin. They have a blunt, wrinkle free muzzle. Tibetan Spaniels are very adaptable dogs well-suited for country or city lifestyles.
27. Yorkshire Terrier
This British dog has a tapered muzzle with a short, black button like nose. Yorkies weigh less than 10 lbs and are known to be very affectionate. They need plenty of grooming, dental care and supervision with kids and larger animals.
