The growing brachycephalic campaign is all about raising awareness of the serious health and welfare issues associated with these breeds, bringing this to the attention of those who might consider becoming owners of them, and to those who currently breed them and are bringing the next generations of such cats into being.Īs you can see from the images above, the more extreme flat-faced cat (far right) has a much shorter nose and flatter face than both the Domestic Shorthair and the less extreme flat-faced cat (middle) (reproduced with permission from Schmidt et al 2017).įor breeders, changing anything about the cats and dogs they champion and have worked so hard to shape, based on breed standards and what judges are awarding on the show bench, may be an unwelcome prospect. There is absolutely no criticism intended of existing owners of these breeds, by either welfare organisations or veterinary professionals. Many owners are completely unaware of the health issues surrounding these breeds and would be horrified to discover that their beloved pet was suffering. However, others continue to breed cats where the potential for suffering is guaranteed. Therefore, we understand that reputable breeders care deeply about the welfare of their cats and would never knowingly breed cats to suffer. Sadly, this flat-faced look is directly linked to a number of health issues.Īt International Cat Care, we have always had a collaborative relationship with breeders – indeed, we were founded by cat breeder and cat lover Joan Judd over 60 years ago. Those with flat faces and short noses are termed brachycephalic (the same term is used for dogs such as bulldogs and pugs), and the breeds most affected are Persians and Exotic Shorthairs. It’s 50 to 60 squishy faced dogs getting together and playing.Pedigree cats have been bred to come in a range of body shapes and sizes, with head shapes that also vary from long and pointed to round and flat. How about joining the “Squishy Faced Play Dates”, every last Sunday of the Month in Curtin Square Park, Rathdowne St, North Carlton. So on a lighter note, what is the best way to have fun with your Squishy faced dog? They definitely like a romp, so long as it’s not too energetic. ![]() Think about getting pet insurance, particularly when young, and old (7 or more). My final tip for “Squishy Faced” Dog owners is this. “Martha”, our 5 month old female, improved her breathing considerably after this procedure, although there is still a limit to her endurance on a walk. I recommend the soft palate shortening surgery for most squishy’s as well. So you need to be strict with food because they do put on weight easily. Squishy’s have enough problems breathing at the best of times, why make it harder by narrowing their airways further with fat (yes it gets in there as well). My Top Veterinary Tip for squishy faced owners (and it costs nothing)is: DON’T LET THEM GET OVERWEIGHT!!! Can I say it again! DON’T LET THEM GET OVERWEIGHT!!!. If you’re lucky, your squishy faced dog can manage a brisk 40 minute walk without getting short of breath. Throw in some eye and skin problems particularly for white coated squishy’s and you’re starting to get the picture. The numerous veterinary problems of squishy’s start and finish with their airways. Our 8 yo Bullmastiff Tess (pictured) can gag up a tablet after holding it in for minutes. Having a mouth where the top and bottom rows of teeth don’t match up means its hard to snatch at food, but that wide tongue can lick out a bowl of wet food quickly, and good luck trying to force a tablet into them. They also love their food, but they are normally gentle eaters. ![]() For those that don’t know, the Squishy Faced or Brachycephalics Breeds (in order of smallest to biggest) include: Shi Tzus, Brussels Griffin, Pekinese, Boston Terriers, Pugs, French Bulldogs, British Bulldogs, Aussie Bulldogs, Boxers, American Bulldogs, Bull Mastiffs and French Mastiffs. ![]() Their enthusiasm for life is as good as any in the dog world, and a big part of their popularity. Squishy’s love their owners, and they just love people. (unless you’re already used to a partners loud snoring). Ever tried to listen to the TV over 60 decibels of snoring beast? And you can forget totally having Mr or Mrs Squishy in the bedroom at night. I am fast becoming familiar with life living with a Bulldog, and it’s definitely not for everyone. What is it about having a face that looks like it just ran into the back of a truck that appeals to us Squishy face owners? Our flat faced friends are now more popular than ever, despite their appearance, and despite a multitude of veterinary problems. Having recently acquired a British Bulldog pup, its time I owned up to being a lover of “Squishy Faced” Dogs.
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