How to Use brachycephalic in a Sentence

brachycephalic

adjective
  • On average, brachycephalic dogs were less healthy than non-brachycephalic dogs.
    — Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Dec. 2021
  • Flat-faced or brachycephalic dogs continue to be a favorite despite their health problems.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 21 Sep. 2023
  • Kygo, like many French bulldogs, has always lived with the quirks of being a brachycephalic breed.
    — Ashley Vega, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025
  • These issues can lead to chewing problems and infections in many brachycephalic breeds.
    — Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2023
  • Spinal issues also threaten the wellbeing of some brachycephalic breeds.
    — Kat Eschner, Smithsonian, 1 Feb. 2018
  • Also, brachycephalic dogs, very old dogs, and those with heart or pulmonary disease would be more prone to heat sensitivity.
    — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 29 June 2026
  • Veterinarians have long known that brachycephalic breeds – or dogs bred to have condensed snouts – are prone to breathing issues.
    — Megan Schmidt, Discover Magazine, 16 May 2019
  • Temperatures that may be safe for a young, healthy mutt, may be lethal for a senior, overweight, brachycephalic purebred like a bulldog.
    — Wes Siler, Outside Online, 26 July 2024
  • Despite all of this, many of these brachycephalic cats lead relatively comfortable and happy lives.
    — Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 30 Nov. 2025
  • Aside from that, dogs that are more prone to overheating — like brachycephalic breeds, breeds with thick coats, and overweight or senior dogs can also benefit.
    — Olivia Avitt, Peoplemag, 2 Aug. 2023
  • For instance, brachycephalic dog breeds with short or snubbed noses (like French bulldogs and pugs) usually can’t fly in the hold due to breathing issues.
    — Matt Meltzer, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Aug. 2023
  • While this particular noise has been dubbed as special, there are other noises a brachycephalic dog—breeds with short skulls and flat faces—may make that are a cause for concern.
    — Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
  • According to the team, this shows that BOAS varies widely amongst brachycephalic breeds.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Pets with longer or darker fur, or those that are brachycephalic — with flat or pushed-in faces, like pugs or Persian cats — may have extra trouble managing heat.
    — Dallas News, 6 July 2022
  • But many of these dogs with breathing difficulties still show the hallmark signs of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.
    — Megan Schmidt, Discover Magazine, 16 May 2019
  • Of the nine dog breeds with the highest incidence of death on these three major airlines, four are brachycephalic breeds that are allowed only on United.
    — Martine Powers, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2018
  • Seniors, puppies and ailing dogs are better left at home, as are brachycephalic breeds, which often suffer from breathing difficulties.
    — Andrea Sachs, chicagotribune.com, 30 Apr. 2018
  • For example, brachycephalic breeds like pugs have difficulty breathing in hot climates, while short-haired breeds may struggle in colder climates.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
  • However, brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs with short nasal passages, are more vulnerable to heat stroke and oxygen deprivation.
    — Kelly O'Sullivan, Country Living, 28 Apr. 2017
  • With low energy levels and breathing challenges due to their brachycephalic structure, English bulldogs tend to tire easily.
    — Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025
  • In general, pets with longer or darker fur, or pets that are brachycephalic — that is, pets with flat or pushed-in faces, like pugs or Persian cats — may have extra trouble with managing heat.
    — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE.com, 26 July 2022
  • When those families own a brachycephalic dog, and they are reassigned to an overseas military posting, United is sometimes their only means to ship their pet.
    — Martine Powers, chicagotribune.com, 6 Apr. 2018
  • Other brachycephalic breeds include bulldogs, pugs and Boston terriers.
    — Jayme Deerwester, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2020
  • The Nature study found that factors like a dog’s skull shape (brachycephalic, or short-nosed dogs), obesity, and age significantly increased risk of heatstroke.
    — Wes Siler, Outside Online, 26 July 2024
  • The Humane Society expressly says on its website not to ship brachycephalic animals in cargo.
    — Sarah Gray, Time, 6 Apr. 2018
  • British veterinary scientists expressed concern that the booming popularity of brachycephalic dog breeds foretold no bust.
    — Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 5 Jan. 2021
  • Pugs, Boston Terriers, and English Bulldogs are some of the most prevalent brachycephalic breeds with breathing or sneezing habits.
    — Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2022
  • Behavioral appeal might be part of why brachycephalic breeds stay popular despite serious health problems, which includes breathing problems, skin fold infections, and eye issues.
    — New Atlas, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Since four-year-old Frank was a brachycephalic, or short-nosed breed, and is more susceptible to overheating or respiratory distress, he was not allowed to fly in the cargo, and had to be in the cabin.
    — Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 24 July 2024
  • Several organizations worldwide are seeking to reduce or ban the breeding of brachycephalic pets due to the associated health problems that are created and the challenges these pets face.
    — Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 30 Nov. 2025

Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brachycephalic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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