“Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day” is celebrated on April 21 (that’s today) 
every year! This holiday is a chance for bulldog owners to shower their beautiful dogs with treats, praise, and love, while also showing off just how beautiful they really are! Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day corresponds with the day that the bulldog was officially recognized by dog breeders back in 1886. So 136 years later we wanted to explore a small deep dive into “flat-faced” dog breeds and what you should know before adopting one of these lovely pups.
Known for their stocky physique, wrinkly faces, and short snouts, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t recognize a bulldog. They are simply iconic in their appearance. While not the most elegant of dogs, bulldogs and other brachycephalic breeds are beloved by many and it’s easy to understand why! From their big goofy personalities to their round faces and eyes to their most delightful snorts and grumbles, bulldogs and their flat-faced counterparts are always delightful companions! Still, as more and more of these breeds populate households around the world it’s important to know the distinct differences between “brachy-breeds” and other dogs.
What is Brachycephalic?
Brachycephalic (Greek for short-headed) otherwise known as “ flat-faced” dogs or “brachy-breeds” are those with a short snout, giving them a flat profile. These are breeds like bulldogs, pugs, boxers, etc. who have continued to grow in popularity over the last couple of years.
In 2017, the American Kennel Club listed two brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs) in its top 10 most popular breeds. The numbers of AKC-registered English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs increased by 69% and 476%, respectively, from 2006 to 2016. Eight brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boxers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers, Mastiffs, and Pugs) are in the top 31 most popular breeds.
While it is perfectly natural to love the character and look of these breeds, we need to think carefully about the lives that these dogs live and the ways that we, as pet parents, can ensure we are providing them all the necessary care they need throughout their lives.
Flat-faced breeds have a normal amount of tissue packed into a much shorter nose to create that iconic “flat-faced” shape. This means that they often suffer from narrow nostrils, narrow nasal passages, a narrow windpipe, and an overlong soft palate. These issues usually cumulate to result in breathing problems!
You probably don’t need to read it to know that dogs regulate their body temperature by panting! BUT, did you know that brachycephalism in dogs makes the process of panting far less effective? Panting is a form of evaporative cooling that helps regulate dogs’ body temperatures in the heat but brachycephalic breeds can struggle to pant enough to cool off, resulting in a tendency to overheat.
In fact, flat-faced dogs are TWICE as likely to get heat stroke due to the fact that their short snouts make it almost impossible for them to cool down via panting! This causes short-muzzled dogs to snort, gurgle, and sometimes have a difficult time breathing, especially in the case where they become overstimulated or over-aroused. Equally, the overlong soft palates in brachycephalic breeds block a majority of the air coming into the trachea, which means a short-snouted dog needs to work even harder just to get a sufficient amount of oxygen in their system.
Flat-faced dog breeds are also prone to heart problems – secondary to their facial conformation. Impeded airflow results in reduced oxygen levels in the bloodstream which in turn places increased workload and strain on the heart. Some brachycephalic breeds can also be predisposed to certain skin, eye, or oral health conditions related to the shape of their skull, and the folds or rolls of skin.
It is because of this that it is especially important for brachycephalic dogs not to exercise during the heat of the day. You should always monitor for signs of overexertion and labored breathing and avoid walking or playing with your dog when it’s particularly hot or humid outside! However, exercise is still important to make sure they remain fit, healthy, and enriched. Many brachycephalic breeds excel in dog sports and are successful and happy competing in fast-paced activities for their bodies and brains!
HOW TO KEEP YOUR PUP COOL AND SAFE AS THE WEATHER WARMS UP!
🐾 Always supply them with cool water.
🐾 Take it slow and give breaks throughout the day!
🐾 Watch their weight. An overweight dog is an unhealthy dog.
🐾 Invest in a cooling vest or cooling pad.
🐾 Educate yourself on signs of heatstroke in dogs!
🐾 Limit outdoor time, especially in hot or humid weather.
🐾 Monitor your dog while they are exercising!
Despite all of these unique differences that are specific to brachy-breeds, they make amazing household companions and goofy personalities to share your life with! These dogs are absolutely beautiful and deserve the care they need, and it’s our job as their humans to do that for them. We’re lucky to have bred these beauties 136 years ago, because that means we get to enjoy them today!
Happy Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day!
From all of us at,
“I Said Sit!” School for Dogs
