Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds: Their cuteness, health concerns and other tidbits!

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These cute and squishy balls of love are adorable and happy and full of life!

Most I've ever met have been the happiest, butt-waggiest, and sweetest chunks, despite all of their genetic misfortune!

Most are wonderful family pets and some love to do cool stuff like skateboarding, surfing, and even agility!

Among the many unique and adorable characteristics of these squishy butter balls, are some less desirable and even concerning things to know before you bring a short-nosed pup into your life.

Common health issues include:

Respiratory infections and breathing problems: Some of these guys can barely breathe at all, even during normal activities. This is due to their extra, loose, and compacted anatomy. Their nares (nostrils) are usually clamped down too small, and the soft palate in the back of their throat is usually too long and gets in the way of the airflow, that's the "snoring" and loud breathing noises you hear. They can have difficulty with:

Low heat and exercise tolerance

Reproductive complications

Facial and dental malformations such as an underbite or overbite

Skin issues and infections

Anatomical orthopedic and joint issues: Arthritis, trouble getting around, bone deformity

Insurance companies don't like to cover these breeds.