SMALL AND
FLAT-FACED DOGS

Short noses can still search

Dogs with flat faces have a shorter nose, a squashed skull, and often narrower airways. Some have a condition often called brachycephalic airway syndrome, which makes breathing harder. Your vet can tell you whether your dog is affected and how much exercise is safe.

Even so, these dogs have noses and love to use them. Smelling does not require running. A Pug on a mat with a handful of treats can be a keen searcher. The main change is to keep the work easy on the body.

Some small breeds are bred for scent work too. A Beagle or Dachshund has a great nose, even though they are small. See best breeds for scent work for more.

Heat and breathing

This is the big one. Flat-faced dogs overheat easily, because they cannot pant as well as long-nosed dogs. Heat and stress can quickly turn into an emergency.

• Work in cool rooms, or early and late in the day outside.
• Keep sessions to two or three minutes, with long rests between.
• Always have fresh water.
• Watch for loud, labored breathing, a blue or very dark tongue, drooling, wobbling, or collapse. Stop and call your vet right away.
• Do not push a dog who is panting hard. End the game.

Use a harness, not a collar, for any leash work. Pressure on the neck is harder on a dog with narrow airways. Do not use a muzzle or a tight head halter without checking with your vet. Our page on dog panting: stress or heat can help you tell the difference.

Weather rules. In warm months, work indoors with the air conditioning on. In cold months, small and short-coated dogs chill quickly, so keep rooms warm and use a sweater if your dog is cold. Know your dog's comfort range and stay inside it.

If your dog has had airway surgery, ask your vet when to resume and how hard they may work. Recovery varies, and a vet check protects your dog.

Sizing the game for small bodies

For tiny dogs, normal gear can be too big. Adjust.

• Use small boxes, like shoe boxes, tissue boxes, or paper cups. A tall box can feel scary to a tiny dog.
• Keep hides low. A small dog should not need to stretch or jump.
• Place boxes close together. A small dog covers ground slowly.
• Use tiny treats. A pea-sized treat is a big bite for a small dog.
• Work on a non-slip surface. Slick floors are harder on short legs.

Big wide rooms can feel overwhelming. A hallway or a small room may help a small dog feel safe. Small dogs are also easily stepped on, so watch your own feet, and keep others out of the room.

Toy breeds and tight spaces

Some tiny dogs get nervous in a room full of boxes. Start with one cup on the floor and a treat under it. Add a second cup after a few wins. Let the dog decide how fast to go.

If your dog is carried everywhere, try letting them walk to the game. A dog who chooses to walk gains more from it than a dog who is placed in front of the boxes.

Shorter faces, different habits

Flat-faced dogs often snort, snuffle, and breathe noisily, even at rest. That is common, but it can be hard to tell normal from a problem. Learn your dog's baseline. If the sound changes or gets worse, call your vet.

Many flat-faced dogs also have wrinkles, eye shape, and skin problems that can make a nose rub or sneeze uncomfortable. Keep boxes clean and soft. Avoid dusty or scented materials near the face.

Because the nose is close to the ground, flat-faced dogs sometimes work with their whole head tilted or twisted. Do not correct it. Give them space and let them find their own way.

Weight matters too. Extra weight makes breathing harder in flat-faced dogs, and treats add up fast in small dogs. Count the treats in your daily food and use part of a meal for games.

Confidence for small dogs

Small dogs often live in a world of looming people, big dogs, and being picked up. Search games give them something they control. A Chihuahua who finds a treat under a cup learns that they can solve a problem, and that is good for a dog who spends most of the day being carried.

Keep the pace soft. Do not hover or crowd. Sit on the floor so you are less tall. Let your dog work out the game themselves.

Start with nose work at home, using the size changes above. The Find It game also works well on carpet or a mat.

Going further

Small and flat-faced dogs can take part in classes and, in some cases, trials. Make sure the setup respects the dog's limits. Ask a host or instructor about temperature, rest areas, and how long the dog will need to be out. A good instructor will welcome these questions.

Our private lessons are a good way to start, since we can adjust the pace for your dog's body. We can also help you plan a path toward our Intro to Scent Work class when it is open. Always check with your vet if you have questions about breathing, joints, or heat.