Rescuing a Brachycephalic (flat faced) dog

​😅 The Realistic Challenges

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• Breathing issues are common: Their short noses can cause chronic breathing problems (snorting, wheezing, overheating, often needing surgery to provide them with a comfortable, normal quality of life which doesn't feel like they are living with their nose being pinched shut every day - can you imagine?!)

 

• They can’t tolerate heat: Warm days can be risky — they overheat easily, so AC and shade are a must and walks should be totally avoided in the main daylight hours in the summer (stick to early morning / evening and keep it short).

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• Vet bills can be high (read - exorbitant): Brachycephalic dogs often have lifelong health concerns — breathing, allergies, skin folds, spine issues, eye problems, etc. It is genuinely never ending. Couple that with the insurance payments (a must, and high due to breed) and trust us - you are going to need a credit card and a healthy bank balance to provide the right care they need. Don't fancy it or not sure you have the funds? There are so many other wonderful breeds and mixes out there needing your love!! Don't be another person who dumps them when they become a financial burden.

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• Potential previous trauma: Rescue dogs might come with behavioral challenges — fear, separation anxiety, or difficulty trusting new people. We have found them wonderful to rehome but toilet training is a frequent issue and they can be stubborn. To be honest, we have found the rescues far easier than back in the days we had puppies before we understood how important adoption was - the crying through the night, it's a baby!!

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• Limited stamina: They want to be with you, but don’t expect long hikes or runs — their bodies just can’t handle it. Think a short wander to the coffee shop and back or a cool shady woodland potter. 

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• Snoring and snorting: Cute to the uninitiated, but constant and actually a sign of a suffering animal! You’ll likely share your nights with some serious snuffle sounds. BOAS surgery (often needed) will resolve most of this during the day, but prepare for the train to leave the station at night! And BOAS is an expensive, risky surgery with a tough recovery process, so understanding the stress and risks that come with it is important. 

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• Prone to obesity: They gain weight quickly, which makes breathing and joint issues worse — diet management is important. If you are the person that watches Eastenders feeding your dog your spare chicken nuggets, it's not the breed for you!

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• They sink like stones: That chunky body + short snout combo makes water dangerous without close supervision and an all important buoyancy aid. They genuinely go down like a rock, but also love water so keeping a close eye is crucial. 

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• May require extra insurance coverage: Some pet insurers charge more (or exclude coverage) for brachycephalic breeds. And by some we mean basically all. To give you an idea, our insurance that we pay ranges from £75 per month to £350 per month to cover a French Bulldog (depending on a) what you need covered and b) how reliably and fast you want them to pay out) - and we have 4 dogs! Ouch.

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The Pros

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💖 The Wonderful Parts

 

• Big personality in a small package: Frenchies are full of charm — goofy, affectionate, and often hilarious little characters.

 

• Loyal companions: They bond deeply with their people and love being close (sometimes too close — they’ll follow you everywhere).

 

• Low exercise needs: Perfect if you live in an apartment or have a more relaxed lifestyle — short walks and play sessions usually do the trick.

 

• Excellent snugglers: Warm, compact, and incredibly cuddly. They genuinely enjoy lounging on your lap or beside you on the couch.

 

• Social and adaptable: Most are friendly with people and other pets once they feel safe.

 

• Rescuing makes a difference: You’re giving a dog a second chance — often one who’s been through neglect, abandonment, or poor breeding conditions.

 

• Rewarding transformation: Seeing a nervous or shut-down rescue bloom into a confident, happy dog is beyond heartwarming.

 

• Minimal grooming needs: Short coats mean less brushing (though they do shed a bit. In fact a lot. Our house is frankly gross, thank god for robot vacuum cleaners).

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💬 Final Thought

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Adopting a rescue Frenchie or brachycephalic dog can be incredibly rewarding — they’re funny, expressive, and loving little souls who often just want comfort and care. But it’s important to go in prepared for the extra health care, patience, and financial commitment that often come with them.

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If your lifestyle allows for a bit of extra TLC (and air conditioning), they can make wonderful companions and so many are sitting in cages just waiting and hoping for you to come to their rescue. ❤️🐾