What do breeds such as the English bulldog, Boston Terrier, Pekinese and Pug have in common besides their small size and cute-factor? They are all what is known as brachycephalic, which means "short-headed" in Greek. In other words, they have a flat face, which gives them that characteristic smooshed look. While this face has people split over calling it "ugly" or "irresistibly cute", one thing that isn't under debate: if you own or are thinking about owning one of these breeds, their short faces give them some specific health concerns and needs; ones that a potential owner must be aware of in order to keep their new friend happy and healthy.

Of the first things a potential owner should be aware is the breathing problems these breeds can have. This is due to their flat face, which can cause them to have small nostrils, a small windpipe and an elongated soft palate. These three characteristics make it more difficult for these dogs to breathe, especially in hot weather. This is also what causes the snorting sound that breeds like the pug have become famous for. So what can you do to make sure Frank is breathing easy? Here are a few tips:

• Don't let these breeds get overweight. The extra weight puts pressure on the lungs and heart.

• Take them for walks during the early parts of the day, before it gets too hot

• Keep them in the house, preferably in air-conditioning, during the hottest part of the day

• If you are going to leave them outside, provide them with plenty of cold water and shade

• Don't leave them in the car, even in mild weather. This is of course true whether you have a dog who is brachycephalic or not. All dogs can overheat, but can happen especially quickly of a brachycephalic dog.

• Avoid strenuous exercise. Much as you want to take that run in the morning, or bike for five miles, it is best to leave Frank at home. Perhaps you can put him in the basket, if your bike has one.

• Take your dog to the vet regularly, so his breathing can be monitored. (Some conditions have to be operated on to ease the passage of air).

If you do each of these things regularly, your flat-faced friend will be happy and energetic – not done in by excessive heat. Along with keeping tabs on breathing issues, some breeds, usually those with a lot of wrinkles like the pug, require daily washing. This is to keep the area between the wrinkles from growing bacteria, which can cause an infection. Given that the wrinkles are so tight on the facial area in breeds like the pug, moisture can collect and be a breeding ground for nasty organisms. So, it is recommended that you wipe down the face every day and bathe the dog once every week to two weeks.

A note about bathing frequently: In general it is not recommended that you bathe a dog more than once a month because dogs have oils in their fur that essential to their health. If you are going to bathe your pug twice or three times as frequently as you would another breed to inhibit bacteria growth, doing so with a sulfate-free shampoo (free of detergents) will clean your dog without eliminating the essential oils all dogs need.

But what these dogs have in special needs, they make up for in personality and temperament. Most dogs in this group, such as the French bulldog and the Boxer, are great with children and families if socialized properly. Other breeds, such as the Pug and Cavalier King Charles spaniel are generally excellent with kids, a breeze to train and a joy to spend time with. If you can forgive the snoring, noisy greetings and the special grooming and care needs, you will have one of the best companions on the planet.

Just ask the millions of people who love and adore their flat-faced babies. They will tell you that, despite all the things to watch out for, every ounce of love is worth it. And, why not? It is sometimes the extra things that you do for one another that make the bond even stronger.