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Brachycephalic (Brachy) dogs

Find out all you need to know about buying and owning a brachycephalic dog and how to make their health and welfare a priority.

Brachycephalic health

Dogs with a flat, wide-shaped head are said to be brachycephalic (brachy, meaning short and cephalic, meaning head). These flat-faced dogs e.g. Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs are popular worldwide, but despite their popularity, many of them are affected by health issues that are linked to the shape of their head.

Some of these issues are seen as ‘normal’ for these types of dogs, but we believe that suffering should never be normal for any dog. If you have any concerns book an appointment to see our brachycephalic expert Lisa Steinhage.

Potential health issues

Breathing problems

Some flat-faced dogs can develop a progressive, lifelong breathing problem (known as BOAS) that can impair their ability to exercise, play, eat and sleep.

Eye issues

Due to the head shape of some flat-faced dogs, their eyes may be more at risk of injury, reduced tear production or ulcers on the surface of their eye.

Skin problems

Some dogs with excessive wrinkling and skin folds may be more at risk of an overgrowth of bacteria and yeast, causing chronic skin irritation and infection.

Spinal problems

Some flat-faced dogs, specifically those with coiled, very short or absent tails, are at an increased risk of problems with their spines, causing it to curve or twist.

Heat stroke

Some flat-faced dogs are more at risk of overheating on hot days, and are more than twice as likely to develop heatstroke compared to other types of dogs.

Birthing problems

Birthing difficulties occur in some extremely flat-faced dogs due to the size the puppy’s head being too large to pass through the relatively narrow pelvis of the mother.

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome

The soft tissue in the nose and throat of some brachycephalic dogs may be excessive for the airways, partially obstructing the airway and making it difficult for them to breathe normally (causing heavy panting or noisy breathing).

This condition is known as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) and is a progressive disorder that can impair a dog’s ability to exercise, play, eat and sleep.

Brachycephalic dog

The Kennel Club and University of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading Scheme

The Respiratory Function Grading Scheme assesses Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs for BOAS.

The scheme advises owners if their dog is affected by BOAS and gives guidance to breeders on how to lower the risk of producing affected puppies. A selection of regionally approved assessors (vets trained especially in BOAS) have been appointed to carry out respiratory function grading on dogs of these breeds.

At Oakhill vet Lisa Steinhage is an approved assessor for this scheme, offering these assessments at a competitive price.

Book assessment

FAQs

What do I need to bring to the assessment?

You will need to bring your dog’s Kennel Club registration certificate and microchip identification in order for your dog’s assessment to be completed. An assessment form will be completed by the regional assessor and a copy will be given to you following the assessment, with another copy sent to the Kennel Club for publication including on the Health Test Results Finder.


What happens during the assessment?

Your dog will be assessed by a specially trained vet, Lisa who will initially use a stethoscope to listen to your dog’s breathing while they are calm and relaxed. Your dog will then be encouraged to move around an exercise area at a quick pace for 3 minutes, either by the vet or yourself. The vet will then listen to your dog’s breathing again and will use a list of criteria to give a grade. Lisa will then discuss this with you.