Glossary

Brachycephalic

Having a short, broad skull and flattened muzzle, as in the Pug, Bulldog and French Bulldog, which can narrow the airway and affect breathing and cooling.

Also called: flat-faced dog, short-nosed dog, snub-nosed dog, squash-faced, brachycephalic breeds, BOAS

Brachycephalic means short-headed. Brachycephalic dogs have a flattened face and a short muzzle, found in the Pug, the Bulldog, the French Bulldog, the Boston Terrier, the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. The Boxer is also considered brachycephalic to a lesser degree.

The shape crowds the soft tissues of the nose and throat. Many of these dogs have narrow nostrils or a long soft palate and may snort, snore or struggle to breathe in heat or during exercise. The set of problems is called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. Their eyes and skin folds can also need care.

Ask a veterinarian about noisy breathing, collapse or trouble in warm weather. Many airlines restrict these breeds in cargo, so check the airline pet carrier rules before you fly. The opposite skull shape is dolichocephalic.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Dolichocephalic Having a long, narrow skull and a long muzzle, as in the Greyhound, Collie, Borzoi and Saluki. Toy Group The AKC group of very small companion breeds, such as the Chihuahua, Pomeranian and Pug, kept mainly for company. Airline pet carrier A carrier that meets an airline's size and construction rules for a dog travelling in the cabin under a seat, or in a larger hard crate in the hold. Breed standard The written description of an ideal dog of a breed, covering size, proportions, coat, colour, movement and temperament, used to judge dogs and guide breeding.