19 Flat-Faced Dog Breeds and How to Care For Them It's not just the French bulldog and pug. By Adrienne Kruzer Adrienne Kruzer Adrienne Kruzer is a veterinary technician with more than 15 years of experience providing healthcare to domestic and exotic animals. She is trained as a Fear Free Certified Professional to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 10/24/25 Credit: The Spruce / Kevin Norris Key Takeaways Flat-faced dogs often suffer from brachycephalic airway syndrome, leading to breathing difficulties.Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding hot, humid weather are crucial in managing health issues for these breeds.Regular veterinary care and, in some instances, surgical intervention may be necessary to address health complications. Flat-faced, or brachycephalic, dogs—known for their unique skull shapes and short snouts— 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 nostrilsElongated soft palateExtended nasopharyngeal turbinatesLaryngeal (voice box) collapseSmaller-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. 01 of 19 French Bulldog Credit: Jessica Peterson / Getty Images 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 02 of 19 Pug Spike and Fergus are like two pugs in a pod. Credit: Benyamin Cohen 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 03 of 19 Shih Tzu Credit: 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 04 of 19 English Bulldog Credit: Philary / Getty Images 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 Continue to 5 of 19 below 05 of 19 Japanese Chin The Japanese Chin has a long, smooth and glossy coat that does not mat too easily. Credit: Dave King / Getty Images 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 06 of 19 Brussels Griffon Credit: Laures / Getty Images 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 07 of 19 Boston Terrier Credit: Rebecca Nelson / Getty Images 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 08 of 19 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 Continue to 9 of 19 below 09 of 19 Boxer Boxers are an at-risk breed for polymyositis. Credit: 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 10 of 19 Pekingese Credit: Mario Tama / Getty Images 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 11 of 19 Bullmastiff Credit: volofin / Getty Images 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 12 of 19 Dogue de Bordeaux Credit: Bigandt_Photography / Getty Images 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 Continue to 13 of 19 below 13 of 19 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Credit: Amy Lane Photography/Getty Images 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 14 of 19 Lhasa Apso Credit: f8grapher / Getty Images 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 15 of 19 Cane Corso Credit: AsyaPozniak / Getty Images 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 16 of 19 Chow Chow Credit: Tamás Klausz / Getty Images 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 Continue to 17 of 19 below 17 of 19 Dogo Argentino Credit: DircinhaSW / Getty Images 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 suited for experienced dog owners due to their need for extensive 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 18 of 19 Shar-Pei The 'Bone-Mouth' Shar-Pei has much less wronkles and a less fleshy face than the Westernised 'Meal-Mouth' Variety. Credit: Lysandra Cook / Getty Images 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 19 of 19 Newfoundland With heavy bones and big muscles, the Newfoundland is a powerful swimmer and a great water rescue dog. Credit: Yan Wen/Shutterstock 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 Explore more: Dogs Dog Breeds