Flat-Faced Breeds Are Prone to Health Problems

Flat-faced dogs typically have shorter lifespans than other dog breeds.

Their most common health problem is brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, or BOAS, caused by malformation of many structures in the head and neck. Jagodka/Shutterstock

Q: My dog Hugo is the cutest, most lovable French bulldog I know. When I submitted a photo of him to a calendar contest, they refused to accept it because he is a brachycephalic dog, and they consider it inhumane to promote unhealthy dogs. I hope you can explain their discriminatory position, because I am mystified.

A: Brachycephalic dogs have short (brachy-, BRAKE'-ee) heads (-cephalic) without a pronounced muzzle. French bulldogs are typical of these flat-faced breeds, along with Boston terriers, boxers, English bulldogs, Pekingese, pugs, Shih Tzus, and others.