19 Popular Flat-Faced Dog Breeds (And How to Keep Them Healthy)

More than just French Bulldogs and Pugs come with a high price.

Flat-Faced Dog Breeds: What to Know

Flat-faced, smushed-snouted, short-nosed—whatever you call them, brachycephalic dog breeds are known for their signature squishy faces and compact skulls. While these features make them adorable and popular, they can also lead to health challenges like snoring, breathing issues, and exercise or heat intolerance.

What Is Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome?

According to VCA Animal Hospitals, these breeds have shortened skull bones, which contribute to issues like:

• Narrow nostrils
• Elongated soft palate
• Collapsed larynx
• Small trachea
• Extended nasal structures

How to Care for Flat-Faced Dogs

To help your pup breathe easier and stay healthy:

• Keep them at a healthy weight
• Avoid hot, humid weather
• Limit intense exercise
• Talk to your vet about surgical options, if needed

Curious which breeds make the list?
Here’s everything you need to know about 19 flat-faced dog breeds and how to care for their unique needs.

French Bulldog

AKC’s Most Popular Breed of 2022 & 2023
Average Lifespan: 10–12 years
Average Height: 11–13 inches
Average Weight: 19–28 pounds

With their bat-like ears, compact bodies, and trademark flat faces, French Bulldogs have captured hearts—and the top spot on the AKC’s most popular breed list two years in a row. These playful, loyal companions are known for being social, affectionate, and great with families.

But their adorable features come at a cost. Frenchies are prone to breathing issues, spinal problems, and tail-related health concerns, which can sometimes require surgery.

Pug

A Charming Classic With Ancient Roots
Average Lifespan: 13–15 years
Height: 10–13 inches
Weight: 14–18 pounds

Originally from ancient China, Pugs have stood the test of time—and for good reason. These compact, sturdy dogs are known for their wrinkled faces, curly tails, and big personalities packed into a small frame. They’re affectionate, playful, and relatively low-maintenance, making them great companions for families and apartment dwellers alike.

However, their flat faces can lead to breathing difficulties, and some may require surgical intervention to improve airflow.

Shih Tzu

A Glamorous Companion With a Playful Heart
Average Lifespan: 10–16 years
Height: 8–11 inches
Weight: 9–16 pounds

Originally from Tibet, the Shih Tzu is best known for its signature topknot, luxurious long coat, and adorable flat face with an underbite. These small, charming dogs are not just cute—they’re also considered hypoallergenic, making them a popular choice for allergy-prone households.

While their coats require regular grooming and trims, Shih Tzus make up for the maintenance with their friendly nature and love of playtime.

English Bulldog

Sturdy, Strong, and Full of Character
Average Lifespan: 8–10 years
Height: 14–15 inches
Weight: 40–50 pounds

With their broad shoulders, stocky build, and signature squished face, English Bulldogs are unmistakable. Larger than their French cousins, these compact powerhouses are both friendly and stubborn, with a lovable, laid-back personality.

However, they’re prone to several health concerns. In addition to brachycephalic breathing issues (like stenotic nares and elongated soft palates), they often face skin problems and eye conditions that require regular vet care.

Japanese Chin

Elegant, Playful, and Surprisingly Agile
Average Lifespan: 10–14 years
Height: 8–11 inches
Weight: 4–9 pounds

With its flowing coat, curled tail, and adorable flat face, the Japanese Chin is a dainty lap dog with a surprising twist—these pups are also nimble climbers and enjoy light activity, like daily walks. While they may be a bit shy at first, they warm up quickly and become affectionate, loyal companions.

Unlike some brachycephalic breeds, Japanese Chins tend to be more active and agile, though they still require care in hot weather due to their short noses.

Brussels Griffon

Big Personality in a Tiny, Bearded Package
Average Lifespan: 12–15 years
Height: 7–10 inches
Weight: 8–12 pounds

The Brussels Griffon may be small, but this breed brings plenty of personality, smarts, and sass. Known for their expressive faces, adorable beards, and mix of loyalty and stubbornness, these dogs are active, playful, and surprisingly comical.

They come in both smooth and rough coat varieties, with several color options. Due to their flat faces and narrow nostrils, they’re prone to overheating, so it’s best to limit strenuous activity during hot weather.

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Boston Terrier

America’s Beloved Flat-Faced Companion
Average Lifespan: 11–13 years
Height: 15–17 inches
Weight: 12–25 pounds

Known as a classic American flat-faced breed, the Boston Terrier is energetic, playful, and family-friendly. While they share some similarities with French Bulldogs, Bostons have longer, leaner legs and smaller heads. Their coats are short and smooth, typically in striking black and white, but they also come in brindle or seal with white markings.

This lively breed thrives in active homes and loves being part of the family fun.

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Affenpinscher

The Fearless “Monkey Dog” with a Scruffy Charm
Average Lifespan: 12–15 years
Height: 9–11.5 inches
Weight: 7–10 pounds

Known as the “monkey dog” for their expressive faces and playful antics, Affenpinschers are small but bold toy dogs with a distinctive flat face and wiry coat. Often mistaken for Brussels Griffons, these fearless pups are excellent at catching small pests like rodents, making them both cute and handy.

Like other brachycephalic breeds, they need careful monitoring in hot weather to avoid breathing difficulties.

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Boxer

Energetic and Affectionate Flat-Faced Family Companion
Average Lifespan: 10–12 years
Height: 21–25 inches
Weight: 50–80 pounds

Originally from Germany, the Boxer is a beloved flat-faced breed known for its friendly, outgoing nature. These active and playful dogs have a rich history as guard, service, military, and police dogs. Boxers thrive with positive reinforcement training and plenty of playtime to burn off their energy.

With their short noses, Boxers need extra care in hot weather but are generally a low-maintenance breed that fits well in active families.

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Pekingese

The Regal Lion-Scarved Flat-Faced Toy Dog
Average Lifespan: 12–14 years
Height: 6–9 inches
Weight: Up to 14 pounds

Famous for their distinctive lion-like mane and flat face, Pekingese dogs were bred for royalty—and their confident, sometimes stubborn attitude reflects their noble heritage. These affectionate companions are brave and loyal, making them cherished pets for those who appreciate their regal charm.

Pekingese require regular grooming to maintain their thick, long double coat and need special care in hot weather due to their brachycephalic features.

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Bullmastiff

Powerful Guard Dog with a Loyal Heart

Originally bred to protect large game from poachers, the Bullmastiff is a fearless and devoted guardian. This majestic breed combines the flat-faced traits of bulldogs with the massive size of mastiffs. With consistent training and early socialization, these gentle giants become loving and dependable family dogs.

Dogue de Bordeaux

Powerful and Devoted French Mastiff

The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, is a large, flat-faced breed famous for its affectionate nature and protective instincts. Known to drool and having a shorter lifespan than many breeds, this devoted dog is a strong and vigilant family companion.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Affectionate and Social Toy Companion

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a loving and sociable breed that fits well in many families. Their long, silky coat requires regular grooming, and while they’re not the most energetic, they enjoy daily walks and playtime. Keep them cool in warmer months for a happy, healthy companion.

Lhasa Apso

Small Dog with Big Personality

Lhasa Apsos are smart, alert, and affectionate little dogs. Their long, silky coat can be kept flowing or trimmed short for easier care. Watch for overheating, especially in hot weather if they have a full coat.

Cane Corso

Large, Powerful, Protective

Originally bred for work and protection, Cane Corsos can be loyal family dogs with the right training. Their larger heads mean fewer flat-face health issues than smaller brachycephalic breeds, but keep an eye on breathing and panting.

Chow Chow

Lion-like Coat & Blue Tongue

Famous for their blue tongues and thick mane-like fur, Chow Chows have a flat face that makes them prone to overheating—watch their panting on hot days.

Dogo Argentino

A large, energetic working breed from Argentina. Originally bred for fighting and hunting, they’re loyal and affectionate but need experienced owners for proper training and socialization.

Shar-Pei

Known for their wrinkles, blue tongues, and bristly coat, Shar-Peis need special care to prevent skin infections and may have breathing issues due to their flat faces. Despite health challenges, they’re fiercely loyal and protective.

Newfoundland

Gentle giants known for their loyalty and intelligence, Newfoundlands have thick coats and webbed paws for water work. Watch for heavy breathing or overheating to avoid health issues.