It's a tricky word to spell: brachycephalic. It refers to a short skull shape which gives the appearance of a flatter face.
Brachycephalic breeds include, for example, the French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Boxer, Pug, Boston Terrier.
There is, naturally, concern about the health and welfare of these breeds, particularly around their breathing if the muzzle is too short, or the dog struggles with some level of obstructed airway.
Rosie in D&H French Bulldog harness, handmade at our London workshop
Dog owners of these breeds need to be especially careful when exercising them. Unlike other dogs with longer muzzles, it's harder for them to suck in air efficiently to cool their internal organs, making them susceptible to over-heating.
To safeguard your Pug or Shih Tzu or Frenchie, many experts recommend walking your dog on a harness, especially if your dog is a puller (to avoid the additional strain on the windpipe).
At our London workshop, we've created what we call the French Bulldog harness - but it can also be used happily for a Pug or Boston Terrier with their similar skeletal structures.
The images here don't feature a front-leading D-ring (lead attachment), but this can be added on request. The normal lead attachment is in the standard location behind the head.
The harness is made of a combination of soft leather and full-grain hide leather in a variety of traditional shades or contemporary colours. The harness is made-to-order. If you need guidance about sizing, please simply send us an email: hello@dogsandhorses.co.uk
To view the selection of our French Bulldog leather harnesses, click here