Chapti Naak Waale (The Flat-Faced Wonders): Special Care for Your Pug, Frenchie, or Boxer ❤️

 

Flat-faced dogs—like the Pug, French Bulldog (Frenchie), and Shih Tzu—are famous in India for their adorable, wrinkly faces and their loving, playful personalities. We call these breeds ‘brachycephalic’ (meaning ‘short-headed’).

While they capture our hearts with their looks, their unique flat face structure brings serious, lifelong health challenges. Owning one of these dogs is a big commitment that requires special care. You need to understand their challenges to ensure they live a comfortable, happy life.

 

What Makes Their Face So Special (and Challenging)? 🧐

 

Their skull is deliberately short and wide, making their lower jaw look longer than the upper one. This unique look is the result of selective breeding—people choosing physical cuteness over the animal’s natural health.

Common Flat-Faced Breeds Popular in India:

• Pug
• French Bulldog (Frenchie)
• Shih Tzu
• Boxer
• English Bulldog
• Pekingese

 

The Biggest Worry: Breathing Problems (BOAS) 😥

 

The most serious problem is Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).

• The Issue: Everything in their nose and throat is squashed. Their nostrils are too small, their soft palate is too long, and their windpipe is narrow.
• The Result: This makes every breath a struggle! You’ll hear them constantly snorting, snoring loudly, and breathing heavily (saans lene mein takleef).
• Heat is the Enemy: Because they can’t pant effectively (panting is how dogs cool down), Indian summers and humidity are life-threatening for them. Even moderate exercise on a warm day can cause them to overheat and collapse. Keep them in AC/cool areas!

 

Other Lifelong Care Concerns ⚠️

 

 

1. Exercise and Heat Intolerance

 

They get tired fast and struggle to cool down.

• Limit Exercise: Be careful with walks. A 10-minute walk on a hot day can be too much. Avoid walks during the hot afternoon.
• Focus on Mental Games: Keep them active indoors with puzzle toys rather than intense running outside.

 

2. Eye Issues (The “Pop-Eyed” Look)

 

Their eyes often seem to bulge out because their eye sockets are shallow.

• Risk: Their eyes are exposed to dust, injury, and constant irritation, leading to redness and constant tear staining. You may need long-term medication or even surgery to protect their eyes.

 

3. Skin Folds (Jhurriyan)

 

The cute facial wrinkles need constant attention.

• Infection Risk: The deep folds around their nose and tail base trap moisture, sweat, and bacteria. This leads to smelly, itchy skin infections.
• Cleaning: You must clean and dry their facial folds daily with a soft cloth and a vet-recommended cleaning solution.

 

4. Dental Problems (Daanton Ki Takleef)

 

• Crowded Mouth: They have the same number of teeth as a long-snouted dog, but crammed into a small jaw. This leads to overcrowding, which traps food and causes gum disease and pain.
• Care: Regular teeth brushing and professional cleaning by a vet are non-negotiable.

 

5. Sleeping Struggles

 

Because their airways collapse, many flat-faced dogs suffer from sleep apnoea (breathing stopping and starting). You might notice them sleeping sitting up with their head elevated to try and keep their throat open.

 

If You Choose to Own a Flat-Faced Dog

 

You must be a responsible and prepared parent:

1. Vet Consultation is Key: Consult your vet immediately about their specific risks. They might need preventive surgery (like widening their nostrils) early in life to ensure they can breathe comfortably.
2. Stay Cool: Keep them in air-conditioned or cool rooms during all warm months. Never leave them in a parked car, even for a minute!
3. Routine Checks: Because their problems are often internal (spine, airways, heart), you need regular check-ups and advanced diagnostics (X-rays, etc.) to monitor their health.