19 Flat-Faced Dog Breeds and How to Care For Them
It's not just the French bulldog and pug.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Flat-faced, smushed-snouted, brachycephalic, short-nosed—no matter what you call them, these flat-faced dog breeds are known for their distinct skull shapes and facial features. While these facial features make them beloved breeds, they may also snore, have exercise and heat limitations, and are prone to breathing complications.
Here's everything to know about these 19 flat-faced dog breeds and how to care for their unique health challenges.
Breed Characteristics
Flat-faced dogs have something called brachycephalic airway syndrome. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, brachycephalic dogs have shortened skull bones, which leads to their smushed-in facial features. They could have a variety of different issues associated with these facial features, including:
Narrowed or small nostrils
Elongated soft palate
Extended nasopharyngeal turbinates
Laryngeal (voice box) collapse
Smaller-than-normal trachea
Pet parents can manage these issues by keeping their dog at a healthy weight, avoiding hot and humid weather, reducing strenuous exercise, and in some cases, surgery.
French Bulldog
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Earning the American Kennel Club's most popular dog in both 2022 and 2023, the French bulldog is loved by many. This compact, corkscrew-tailed canine has a large head, upright ears, and of course a flat face. They are outgoing and playful but unfortunately also often have breathing, back, and tail issues that could require veterinary intervention and surgery.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-sporting
Height: 11-13 inches
Weight: 19-28 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, friendly, loyal
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short and smooth, brindle, fawn, white, or combinations of brindle and white or fawn and white
Life Span: 10-12 years
Pug
An ancient dog breed that originated in China, the pug is still a favorite today. They are small, compact, and sturdy dogs with short hair and floppy ears. Their classic curly tails and smushed faces add to their charm but their high affection, playfulness, and overall low-maintenance care are big factors in their popularity, too. Like other brachycephalic breeds, they may need surgery to help them breathe easier.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
Height: 10-13 inches
Weight: 14-18 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, sweet-tempered, playful
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short and smooth, fawn with a black face mask or all black
Life Span: 13-15 years
Shih Tzu
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Originating in Tibet, the shih tzu is famous for their top knot ponytails and long, flowing fur. Their flat faces and adorable underbites are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to why they are popular dogs—they're also considered a hypoallergenic dog. This breed will need regular brushing and haircuts but will reward you with affection and playtime.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 9-16 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, playful
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long and straight, found in nearly any color, most commonly in black, white, blue, gold, liver, or combinations
Life Span: 10-16 years
English Bulldog
Larger than the French bulldog, the English bulldog is a broad-shouldered, compact heavyweight. Weighing up to 50 pounds but measuring only 14-15 inches at the shoulder, this flat-faced breed is a popular one. In addition to breathing issues due to stenotic nares and elongated soft palates, English bulldogs also commonly have skin issues and various eye disorders that will require extra vet care.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-sporting
Height: 14-15 inches
Weight: 40-50 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Willful, friendly, gregarious
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short and smooth, red, white, fawn, or fallow (pale brown), or any combination of these colors, with or without such patterns and markings as brindle, piebald, ticking, black masks, or black tipping
Life Span: 8-10 years
Japanese Chin
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Small with flowing long hair, the Japanese chin has a cute smushed face, floppy ears, slender legs, and a curled tail. They are perfect little lap dogs that are also excellent climbers. Compared to other flat-faced breeds, the Japanese chin is an active breed that enjoys walks. This breed can take a little time to warm up to new people and pets but once introductions have been properly completed, they are affectionate and friendly.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 4-9 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Alert, loyal, loving
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long and straight, black and white; lemon and white; sable and white; red and white; black, white, and tan
Life Span: 10-14 years
Brussels Griffon
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This little dog comes with a big personality with a side of smarts. Brussels griffons are known to be active, friendly, comical, loyal, and stubborn. They can have smooth or rough coats and come in a few different colors, but their classic beards are always there regardless of their coat or color variety. Having a flat face means there's a higher likelihood that they'll have narrow nostrils when compared to other breeds, so owners should be careful that their Brussels griffon doesn't overheat.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
Height: 7-10 inches
Weight: 8-12 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Active, playful, loyal
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Smooth or rough, short to medium, red, black and tan, solid black, or belge (mix of black and reddish-brown)
Life Span: 12-15 years
Boston Terrier
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The Boston terrier is a classic American flat-faced breed. These active dogs can weigh up to 25 pounds and are very similar in appearance to the French bulldog. Bostons are usually black and white but can also come in brindle or seal with white markings and have smaller heads than their French lookalikes. They are also built a little differently with longer and more slender legs. The Boston terrier is a great family dog with a hefty dose of energy and playfulness.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-sporting
Height: 15-17 inches
Weight: 12-25 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, playful
Energy Level: Medium to High
Coat and Color: Short and smooth, black and white; black, brindle, and white; brindle and white; seal and white; seal, brindle, and white
Life Span: 11-13 years
Affenpinscher
Often referred to as the monkey dog, the Affenpinscher is a toy breed with a flat face. They have scruffy appearances, are sometimes confused with Brussels griffons, and do not shed very much. This toy breed is fearless despite its size and is great at catching small prey like rodents and rabbits. Like other brachycephalic breeds on this list, they'll need to be monitored in high-heat environments in case they have trouble breathing.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
Height: 9-11.5 inches
Weight: 7-10 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Lively, fearless, friendly
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Wiry, short- to medium-length, black, black and silver, black and tan, belge (black and reddish-brown), red with a black mask
Life Span: 12-15 years
Boxer
Getty Images / James F. Dean
Boxers are popular flat-faced family dogs because of their friendly and outgoing personalities. The breed originated in Germany and spread into the United States where they were used as guard, service, military, and police dogs. They are an active, goofy breed that loves to play and thrives with positive reinforcement training to harness their energy. Other than their activity requirements and special attention in extreme heat due to their short noses, boxers are a low-maintenance breed.
Breed Overview
Group: Working
Height: 21-25 inches
Weight: 50-80 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Active, affectionate, playful
Energy Level: Medium to High
Coat and Color: Short and smooth, typically fawn, brindle, or white, can have a black mask and/or white markings
Life Span: 10-12 years
Pekingese
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The Pekingese is well known for that lion mane of hair and flat face. This breed was bred for royalty—and their attitude reflects that. Pekingese are regal, confident, stubborn, and affectionate making them great companions to their owners but stronger and braver than they may let on. They require a lot of grooming and careful attention in high heat.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
Height: 6-9 inches
Weight: Up to 14 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Stubborn, affectionate, confident
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long, thick double coat, typically variations of gold, red, or sable, but occasionally colors including black and tan, white, cream, sable, and gray
Life Span: 12-14 years
Bullmastiff
Bred to protect large game from poachers, this large guard dog is fearless and loyal. They were bred from bulldogs where they inherited their flat faces along with mastiffs where they got their size. Consistent training and socialization will turn these gentle giants into great family dogs.
Breed Overview
Group: Working
Height: 24-27 inches
Weight: 100-130 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, protective, alert
Energy Level: Medium to High
Coat and Color: Short and dense, fawn, red, or brindle with accents of black
Life Span: 8-10 years
Dogue de Bordeaux
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A very large flat-faced dog breed is the Dogue de Bordeaux, also called the French mastiff. This affectionate French breed is known to drool and has a short life span but is a very devoted dog. They are protective and powerful but also make great family dogs.
Breed Overview
Group: Working
Height: 23-27 inches
Weight: 99-150 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Devoted, even-tempered, vigilant
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short and soft, various shades of fawn, ranging from light to dark red; small patches of white may be present
Life Span: 5-8 years
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is an incredibly affectionate and social dog that makes a great addition to many families. They have higher grooming requirements than other dogs because of their long hair. They aren't as active as other breeds but still appreciate walks and playtime. Make sure they don't get too hot in the summer months, and you'll have a loving companion for many years.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
Height: 12-13 inches (to the withers)
Weight: around 13-18 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, affectionate, patient, graceful, sociable, gentle
Energy Level: Active
Coat and Color: Long, sleek, and silky coat in tricolor, red and white, ruby, and black and tan
Life Span: 12-14 years
Lhasa Apso
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Lhasa apsos are a bundle of personality in a small package. They are very smart dogs and will excel at training. You can choose to keep their hair long and flowing, which will require lots of upkeep on your part, or you can keep the hair shorter in a puppy cut. Keep an eye on them in hot weather, especially if they have long hair, and bring them inside if they start panting too much.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-sporting
Height: 10-11 inches
Weight: 12-18 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Alert, affectionate, intelligent
Energy Level: Calm
Coat and Color: Long and silky in many colors
Life Span: 12-14 years
Cane Corso
The cane corso is a large and powerful dog originally bred for working and protection, but they can make great family dogs in the right homes. Typically large dogs, like the Cane Corso, don't have as many health issues associated with their flat face as smaller dogs because their heads are bigger. However, still monitor them for excess panting and breathing issues, and get them to a vet if you're concerned.
Breed Overview
Group: Working
Height: 24-28 inches
Weight: 80-120 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Aloof, willful, quiet
Energy Level: Active
Coat and Color: Short and coarse in black, gray, fawn, red, or brindle
Life Span: 10-14 years
Chow Chow
Chow chows are known for their blue tongues and lion-like coats. They also have a signature flat face with a mane of hair encircling it. Pay close attention to their level of panting on hot days so they don't overheat due to their brachycephalic facial structure.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-sporting
Height: 17-20 inches
Weight: 40-70 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Aloof, independent, loyal, calm
Energy Level: Calm
Coat and Color: Double coat in black, blue, cinnamon, cream, or red
Life Span: 8-12 years
Dogo Argentino
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The Dogo Argentino is a large working breed from Argentina. They've been used as fighting dogs and hunting dogs, but they can be very affectionate with their families. They are best for experienced dog owners because they require lots of socialization and training.
Breed Overview
Group: Working
Height: 24-27 inches
Weight: 80-100 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, fearless, energetic
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short, smooth white coat
Life Span: 9-15 years
Shar-Pei
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The shar-pei is a unique dog with their signature wrinkles, blue tongues, bristle-like coat, and flat face. They require extra care to prevent infections in between all those wrinkles, and they might have breathing problems because of their facial structure. They're also prone to other health conditions, but they're fiercely loyal and protection of their families.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-sporting
Height: 18-20 inches
Weight: 45-60 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Devoted, loving, affectionate, independent
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short and bristly in various solid color shades
Life Span: 8-12 years
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are gentle giants—incredibly affectionate, loyal, and intelligent. They were bred for life in the water with their thick coat and webbed paws. Keep an eye out for heavy breathing or signs they're getting too hot to prevent any health issues.
Breed Overview
Group: Working
Height: 26-28 inches
Weight: 100-150 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, sweet-tempered, gentle
Energy Level: Calm
Coat and Color: Medium double coat in black, brown, gray, white, black
Life Span: 9-10 years
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