News Animals

Some dog breeds carry a higher risk of breathing problems

The findings help quantify the negative health outcomes of breeding extreme body shapes

This dog, a French bulldog, has a nose that makes ithard to breathe

Smooshed “brachycephalic“ snouts such as those found in pugs and French bulldogs (shown) bring heightened risk of breathing problems. Scientists have quantified the severity across more than a dozen breeds.

Zhao Hui/Getty Images

By Jake Buehler

Many people find their flattened faces cute, but among dogs bred with a squished visage, 11 percent or less of some breeds can breathe easily.