CANINE GENETICS

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SNUB-NOSED DOGS

by Barbara "BJ" Andrews, Member SAAB

Snub-nosed or flat faced dogs were attention getters a century ago but how can dog show judges or owners still think obstructive airways are cute?

A recent study showed smush-faced breeds are “40% more likely to have a shorter life, with a median lifespan of 11.2 years versus 12.8 years for dogs.”

Judges, exhibitors, and owners of smush-face/flat-faced dogs try to make excuses for the extreme “dog faces” in some breeds. Veterinarians shudder – or welcome a client they will see often.

After judging a Specialty show many years ago, the owner of the dog I had awarded gushed about her dogs “head and face” being his strong points and I had to bite my tongue. He was the best of a very small class… Pet owners are equally guilty of perpetuating the “cuteness” of a “flat-faced” dog.

If you own a show-bred Bulldog, Pug, Pekinese or other flat-faced breed and want to refute this, we welcome your comments but only if accompanied by a close-up photo of your AKC registered dog’s face. Send to Editor@TheDogPlace.org

Short-nose dogs often have a truncated skull, meaning the airway is narrowed which can result in snorting and/or difficult breathing. I have to wonder if some dogs live every day with what we would call a “migraine”?

Do they ever “get used to” headaches or not being able to breathe normally?

Researchers have investigated the syndrome’s severity in pugs and bulldogs, but not as much is known about the condition in other flat-faced breeds. For anyone contemplating purchasing a flat-face puppy or adult, we advise having it vet-checked to be sure there is a clear, unobstructed airway and trachea.

This information does not mean you shouldn’t get the dog you want, only that you are aware of potential problems associated with these breeds.

Related Article Information: AKC Accepts Bad Fad Features

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