Caring for your Flat-Faced Dog

Since 2004, the popularity of French bulldogs has skyrocketed over 2000%. 

If you didn't know, there are special considerations before becoming a parent to French bulldogs and other dogs known as "flat-faced," also known as "brachycephalic" breeds, which is derived from 'short head' in Greek. These special considerations also include pugs, Boston terriers, and English bulldogs.

What is a flat-faced dog?

First, let's identify flat-faced dogs so you know whether this applies to your family. Flat-faced dogs look like how they sound, with snouts that looked otherwise pushed inward if you were unfamiliar with the breed. Many flat-faced dogs have underbites due to a longer lower jaw. Affected breeds not named above include Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Shih Tzus, and boxers.

Problematic Characteristics

Dogs mostly regulate their temperature naturally through panting, and flat-faced dogs cannot do this as efficiently as their longer-snout counterparts.

While not all flat-faced dogs suffer from health problems, far too many do. The most common issue caused by breeding is brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) - which negatively affects a canine's ability to breathe.

Labored breathing may lead to heart problems due to a lack of oxygen, which in turn adds strain on the heart and may lead to secondary issues.

Flat-faced dogs also tend to develop tooth problems, as the breeds have been bred over time to have shortened upper jaws while keeping the same number of teeth. This causes overlap and increases the risk of decay and gum disease.

Other problematic characteristics bred into these dogs over time include deep skin folds around their eyes. It's common for these dogs to develop a "cherry eye", which is a third eyelid that sticks out abnormally and may become infected.

Additionally, neurological problems may occur. The most common is syringomyelia, a painful condition where cavities or cysts form in the spinal cord, commonly seen in Cavalier King Charles spaniels.

What to Look Out For

- Narrow nostrils and possibly wheezing when breathing

- Snorting or grunting

- Excessive panting and dark red gums (overheating)

- Hot spots and skin infections

The Hard Truth

As much as we love our flat-faced companions, and as cute as some people may find them - the sad truth is that a majority of flat-faced dogs cannot live a happy and healthy life without constant veterinary intervention. Most births require a C-section, which is just as dangerous for dogs as humans, if not more.

Therefore, we implore every human to ADOPT NOT SHOP. When you shop, you take away any incentive for breeders to stop. There's this belief that because the puppies already exist, there's no difference between buying and adopting. That is simply not true, because breeders see dogs as products and if a product doesn't sell, it won't be restocked. 

If you do choose to adopt, be prepared to dedicate more time and resources to caring for your dog's special needs. If you are the parent of a female dog, you'll spay her if you love her.

If you somehow read this entire article and still want French bulldog puppies - Cerberus is waiting.