Skip to main content

Pet Insurance policies are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company.

Figo Pet Insurance Logo
  • Pet Insurance
    • Dog Insurance
    • Cat Insurance
    • Coverage
    • Compare
    • FAQs
  • Pet Cloud
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
Get a Quote
Figo logo

  • Login
  • Dog Insurance
  • Careers
  • Found a lost Figo pet?
  • About Us
  • Cat Insurance
  • Blog
  • FAQs
  • Employers
  • Veterinarians
  • Compare
  • Maine Residents
  • California Privacy

Subscribe to our newsletter

  • Instagram logo
  • facebook
  • tiktok
  • Twitter

No one is permitted to sell, solicit or negotiate an insurance policy without a producer license in the state in which the plan is sold, and all prospects should be directed to Figo Pet Insurance. The information contained in this website is for illustrative purposes only and coverage under any pet insurance policy is expressly subject to the conditions, restrictions, limitations, exclusions (including pre-existing conditions), and terms of the policy documentation issued by the insurer. Availability of this program is subject to each state’s approval and coverage may vary by state. Coverage underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (IAIC), a Delaware Insurance Company, 11333 North Scottsdale Road Suite 160 Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Live Vet and the Figo Pet Cloud are separate non-insurance services unaffiliated with IAIC. Figo Pet Insurance's California license number is 0K02763.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Terms of Use & Licensing
  • Insurance Fraud Warnings
  • Underwriting

Copyright © 2015-2023 Figo Pet Insurance LLC. All rights reserved

Extreme features in dogs can be costly

October 9, 2018

Extreme features seen in Brachycephalic dogs can lead to costly, long-term health issues. Dr. Lee discusses this issue and guidelines from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).

Extreme features in dogs can be costly

Q: I wrote a short article for a pet magazine and submitted photos of my pug to accompany it. The editor accepted the article but said the magazine would not publish my photos because they no longer promote dogs with unhealthy physical characteristics. Is this for real?

A: Many media outlets and pet organizations, among them the [World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), have taken the position that dogs should be bred for good health and sound temperament, not for the exaggerated physical characteristics and genetic defects that many dog buyers prefer.

Pugs, French bulldogs, Pekingese and other flat-faced breeds are classified as brachycephalic, which means “short head.” These dogs have short skulls that predispose them to breathing difficulties, corneal abrasions and ulcers, and facial fold dermatitis.

Brachycephalic dogs often struggle to breath, overheat easily, suffer eye pain and experience irritated skin. But they aren’t the only victims. Their families face unexpectedly high veterinary bills, including surgery to improve breathing and repair eye damage.

Editor’s Note: Flat-faced dog breeds—like French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers—have unique breathing challenges when it comes to exercising. Fetchfind’s Jaime Migdal shares tips on safely exercising your flat-faced dog.

To decrease consumer demand for dogs with extreme physical features, the WSAVA and other organizations ask people not to post photos and videos that make light of their dogs’ snoring or other medical problems, to consult a veterinarian before purchasing another dog, and not to buy a dog with exaggerated physical characteristics.


Lee Pickett, V.M.D. practices companion animal medicine. Contact her at askdrlee@insurefigo.com.