Dog Breeds With Flat Muzzle

Pets with flat faces are very popular among dog breeders. As a result of careful selection, the shape of the skull in representatives of the breeds was modified. Each dog had to fulfill its role, in which the smell was not of primary importance. This entailed a number of consequences for which future owners should prepare.

Animals with this feature are called brachycephals. As a result of changes in the structure of the skull, the nostrils became narrow, and the palate, trachea, and lacrimal canals became compressed. Physiological changes mainly affected the respiratory tract, so their health also became weaker. Dogs are sensitive to high temperature, stress, pain, physical exertion. Any violation invariably leads to increased breathing.

The structural features of the larynx and trachea can lead to the development of oxygen deficiency and fainting. If the dog often loses consciousness, then you should contact the veterinarians. Otherwise, an innocent symptom can lead to heart failure. However, the main feature of the health of dogs with a flattened face is the brachycephalic syndrome. This means that when inhaled, hot air does not have time to cool before it enters the lungs and can lead to thermal shock.

Beginner breeders dogs with flattened faces scare back sneezing. The pet often draws in air, sniffles, wheezes and grunts. At the same time, it freezes in a tense pose. The cause of the phenomenon is dust or pollen, which irritates the mucous membrane in the nasal passage. Sometimes reverse sneezing is caused by an inflammatory process within the body that develops after infection.

The very phenomenon of danger to life and health does not carry. Usually this happens rarely, does not last long and goes away on its own. If you want to help your pet, just cover your nostrils with your fingers so that the dog breathes in with his mouth.

Cute muzzles with a flat nose cause a lot of warm sensations in people. Consider which animals have such an appearance - a complete list of breeds.

• Pug. Once upon a time, this dog was supposed to warm people. This explains the large number of fat folds. The nose did not play a special role in this case, so the selectors decided to deepen it. There is an opinion that pugs were loved by women as decorative dogs and should contrast with the appearance of the hostess. Smooth-haired representatives of the breed often develop brachycephalic syndrome, they snore quite loudly in sleep and grunt with increased physical activity.

• Bulldog french and english. It is hard to imagine, but the breed was bred to participate in bull-beating - fighting with bulls. Over time, the fun changed, and the bulldogs began to participate in dog fights. The nose was always in danger with such activities, so the selectors carefully hid it. Moreover, representatives of the breed themselves often ended the fighting with an enemy bite for their nose, as for the weakest spot.

• Pekingese. In China, such a dog was an indicator of the status of the owner. There, animals of this breed were bred in packs, and they were supposed to protect people. The nose was hidden to protect the pet. With this activity, selectors paid more attention to the development of a powerful jaw and sharp teeth. Today, small fluffy breed is used as a decorative one.

• Sharpei. Natives of the southern province of China performed different tasks. Representatives of the breed were fighters and hunters, at the same time took care of the herd and took care of the children. During selection, the nose was shortened and a great emphasis was placed on the development of the jaw. A choked nose allows the dog to grip its prey in the jaws for a long time. This anatomical feature allows the animal to guard the victim the right amount of time until the owner will come. Particular attention should be paid to the dog’s breathing, under stress it is very frequent.

• Boxer. The dogs were bred by enthusiasts who dreamed of creating the perfect watchdog. There is an opinion that the name of the breed is due to the fact that animals actively use their forelimbs when defending. The nose was deepened to increase the safety of the dog itself during fights and external aggression.

• Great Dane of Bordeaux. A large animal is distinguished by excellent protective qualities and is able to stand up for itself and for the owner. The dog guards people, not the territory, so it can live in an apartment.

All breeds with flattened muzzles were bred artificially, targeted selection fixed the desired trait. As a result, an altered shape of the skull was obtained, which entailed both positive and negative results. All breeds suffer from specific health problems, and therefore require special care. The structural features of the respiratory tract make it difficult to inhale and exhale. Members of the breed may feel worse as a result of an innate mutation that is not provided for in the standard.

Dogs can suffer from heart failure due to increased pressure in the pulmonary artery. It is important that one minor problem can lead to quite life-threatening diseases. The features of the breeds must be treated carefully. Protect your dog from extreme heat, stress, and stress.

With increased heart rate, you should immediately calm the animal. In this condition, the body requires more oxygen.Only a limited amount of air comes in due to the narrow airways. As a result of prolonged stress, the animal may lose consciousness. If the animal is still small (up to 1.5 years), then it is worth protecting it from any stressful situations.

It is worth monitoring the weight of the dog with a flattened face. In obesity, the animal gets tired faster and feels worse in the heat. All this negatively affects breathing. Puppies should be fed on a schedule and in the doses recommended for the age of the dog. This rule is especially important for pugs, who have a very good appetite and dislike for active games.

Correctly select the collar so that it does not squeeze the throat. It is recommended, in general, to use a harness for walking. Do not make sudden jerks with a leash, which can lead to suffocation, loss of consciousness, or even death. With sultry summer it is worth reducing the number of walks. Take the dog out into the street only in the early morning and evening when the air temperature drops.

Special rules for keeping dogs with a flat face include a number of nuances.

1. Every year you need to visit a veterinarian for a consultation. The examination should include not only external diagnostics, but also ultrasound of the heart, x-ray, examination of the larynx, listening to the condition of the lungs and heart. Such measures will help detect diseases or pathologies in the early stages.
2. It is worth contacting a specialist if the animal makes uncharacteristic sounds or has changed greatly in habits.
3. Regularly inspect the condition of the ears, eyes, folds near the nose and the airways themselves.

Brachycephals cannot fly in an airplane - it is contraindicated for them. Pressure changes, heat, stress can lead to the death of a pet. Moreover, on board the aircraft it is quite hot, which also leads to thermal shock. If you are planning a trip, make sure that someone looks after the dog at home.

The opinion of veterinarians about dogs with flat faces, see the video below.