 The Short Answer is: |
Purebred French Bulldogs can have a longer nose than what we’re used to, and it would probably improve their health as well. While the longer nose of your Frenchie might lower your vet bill, some other medical conditions are still inherent to the breed. You should always consult your veterinarian if you don’t know what’s wrong. |
In this article you will know the answer to the query “Should My French Bulldog Have A Long Nose?“.
Its short nose and those little wheezes and grunts that it makes when he breathes set it apart from other breeds. How can you handle a long-nosed Frenchie if yours is purebred? How should you handle it? Are you sure he is still purebred? We’ll find out.
Health Issues Related to Short Snouts
Breathing Issues
As any breeder or owner will tell you the shorter nose of the Frenchie is associated with a variety of health problems. It has been found that the Frenchies short nose contains the same amount of tissue as its cousins of other breeds that have longer snouts. However what happens to this tissue? Thanks for asking.
It turns out that the French Bulldogs nose gets squashed up like an accordion to allow all this tissue to fit in such a small space. To make everything fit the dogs nasal cavities palate teeth and jaws are all squeezed into funny positions. As a result most purebred Frenchies have breathing difficulties. BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) is a pretty serious condition that leads to severe breathing difficulties and sometimes other health problems in these dogs. Thats not a pleasant thought.
Stenosis (pinched nostrils) is another issue associated with the modern Frenchies short nose. These pooches are in bad health because of this condition which adds to the respiratory risk. Breathing difficulties are not necessarily caused by a short note on their own but it aggravates the situation as well as other genetic factors.
In addition to all of that the shorter nose tends to result in a longer palate which is usually softer. In France many people breathe through their mouths because their nostrils are so squashed up. Their lungs are further restricted by the soft elongated palate which adds to their misery. What a sad situation.
As a result Frenchies are notorious couch potatoes – they simply can not get enough air to go for a proper run. Imagine constantly fighting for breath such as when you have the flu or severe allergies. You can imagine running while congested like that. It might be a bit dangerous! They often cough or gag when they try more substantial exercise simply because they are unable to breathe.
As a result of a softer palate more mucus is produced. Yeah your dog sneezes and drools like a champ for no reason at all. Mucus overload could cause them to choke while eating or drinking so watch them closely while they’re snacking or eating.
Having a short nose adds another complication to Frenchies breathing problems: surgery. Anesthetics pose a real risk to French Bulldogs undergoing standard procedures such as spaying and neutering. During these procedures the conventional breathing apparatus is likely to cause injuries to their squashed-up nasal cavities.
Skin Infection
French people often suffer from nasal hyperkeratosis. There is too much protein produced here causing growth on the noses. The area dries up and peels off which can be painful if not treated properly. There are a number of ointments and moisturizers on the market that can help with this.
The extra skin flaps on the noses of Frenchies since their noses are squashed up make for an ideal breeding ground for all sorts of bugs and nasties. Among purebred French Bulldogs skin fold dermatitis is a common problem. You can even develop your dogs own scent in his nose. Yuck. Several products are available to help manage this but if you notice anything unusual around the nose area contact your veterinarian right away. They will advise you accordingly.
Allergies
Is it possible that this list can end already? Frenchies have short noses which aggravate allergies. The nose of your dog can produce a clear discharge from time to time. You can obtain some allergy medication from your veterinarian if your Frenchie seems all hot and bothered by these allergies. Changing your diet and environment can sometimes help – find what works best for you and your best friend.
Why the Longer Nose?
Breeders have decided it is not worth it to breed dogs that have inherent health issues. The practice is unfair to dogs and it tarnishes the reputation of breeders and breeds. Besides dealing with all these health issues results in some pretty hefty vet bills for the new owners. Therefore they started breeding Frenchies with longer noses.
However this is not a completely new concept. In comparison with pictures from the past you can clearly see that French Bulldog champions used to have longer noses. Having such extremely short noses is a relatively recent development.
Theres a good chance we’ll see a whole new generation of purebred Frenchies that are much healthier than their recent ancestors if the long-nose trend catches on. In my opinion thats great news!
Conclusion
Thats it for now folks. In fact purebred French Bulldogs can have a longer nose than what we’re used to and it would probably improve their health as well. While the longer nose of your Frenchie might lower your vet bill some other medical conditions are still inherent to the breed. You should always consult your veterinarian if you do not know whats wrong.
Amanda (Author)
With over a decade of experience, Amanda is a distinguished dog trainer. Her expertise in canine behavior has transformed countless lives, fostering harmonious human-canine connections. Through compassionate and personalized approaches, she empowers owners to understand and connect with their furry companions, creating a legacy of joyful tails and transformed lives.
Osvaldo Maciel (Content Reviewer)
Osvaldo Maciel, a stalwart in the field with 14 years of experience, is a revered dog trainer. His journey is defined by a profound understanding of canine behavior, shaping unbreakable human-canine bonds. Osvaldo guides owners to connect with their beloved pets, leaving an indelible mark of happiness and transformation. His legacy shines through the countless lives he has touched.
