Brachycephaly in dogs - When a short snout means suffering

What is brachycephaly?

Brachycephaly refers to a congenital skull shape in which dogs have an extremely shortened skull and a flat nose. Typical brachycephalic breeds are the Pug, French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Shih Tzu and Pekingese. At first glance, they look cute - but appearances are deceptive.

We - Lui & Paulina - would like to talk openly about this topic because many owners do not realise how much the affected dogs can suffer from this form of breeding. Brachycephaly is not a beauty feature, but often the origin of a life full of restrictions.

What problems does brachycephaly cause?

The shortened muzzle affects not only the external appearance, but the entire head area - including the airways, eyes and teeth. The most common health problems include

• Difficulty breathing due to narrowed nostrils, elongated soft palate and airways that are too narrow

• Heat build-up and poor thermoregulation because panting does not work effectively

• Eye problems such as corneal injuries or constant tearing due to oversized eye sockets

• Sleep problems due to loud snoring or interrupted breathing

• Dental problems due to too little space in the jaw

Many of these dogs have to be operated on in order to be able to breathe more or less normally - and still suffer from restrictions.

Why are brachycephalic breeds still so popular?

The so-called "childlike appearance" (large eyes, round face, short muzzle) appeals to our caring instincts. Dogs with this look appear helpless, friendly and "human-like". This is exactly what makes them so popular - but unfortunately also so overbred.

Many people don't realise what's behind the look. And many breeders prioritise appearance over health. A tragic trend that we view critically.

Our approach at Vitomalia

We are in favour of honest education. Not against people who love such dogs - but for more awareness. Anyone who already has a brachycephalic dog should:

• Have regular veterinary checks carried out (respiratory tract, heart, eyes)

• Pay attention to heat protection (never stay in the sun for a long time, do not go jogging)

• Dose physical strain

• weigh up operations carefully, but be open to medical support

And if you want to adopt a dog, you should consciously address the issue - and if in doubt, help a dog that is not suffering from torture breeding.

Our conclusion

Brachycephaly is not a personal decision - it affects the life of a sentient being. It is our responsibility to take a closer look and make decisions not only with our hearts but also with our minds.

Because real love doesn't mean how cute a dog looks - it means how much we are prepared to give it a life in health and dignity.