--- title: Brachycephalic | Happy Paws Kennels Glossary url: https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/brachycephalic/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Glossary](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/) - Brachycephalic # Brachycephalic Brachycephalic describes breeds with short, flat faces, such as bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, Persian cats and other short-nosed pets. They cool themselves less well than long-nosed pets, so heat needs extra attention. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) The term is about airway shape. It matters in the Central Valley, where summer days often pass 100 degrees. ## Why heat is harder Dogs cool mainly by panting through the upper airway. The AKC Canine Health Foundation describes how short noses and narrowed airways make panting less efficient and more tiring, and its research found these breeds less successful at keeping body temperature normal in heat. Many airlines restrict flat-faced breeds for the same reason. Noisy breathing, snoring, gagging and tiring easily are signs to mention to your vet. ## Local numbers The NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals for Vacaville, about 8 miles from the kennel, show about 28 days a year with highs of 100 degrees or more, and an average July high of 97.3 degrees. On such days a flat-faced dog should be in air conditioning, with short outings in the early morning or evening. Never leave a pet in a parked car. ## At Happy Paws The runs are heated in winter and air-conditioned in summer, and each dog can choose inside or out through a doggie door. Tell the staff at check-in that your pet is flat-faced, and share any past heat or breathing trouble on the pet information page. Bring medications with a schedule. All breeds are welcome. ## Related guides Read [heat stroke in dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-heat-stroke/), [how hot is too hot for dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-hot-is-too-hot-for-dogs/) and [cats in Central Valley heat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cats-and-heat/). ## Practical steps before drop-off Schedule the drop-off for early morning or late afternoon so the ride avoids the worst of the heat. Keep the car cool with air conditioning, offer water, and skip a heavy meal beforehand. If your dog wears a harness, bring it, and use one rather than a collar pulling on a short neck. Mention medications and any past breathing episodes on the form. Heat is not the only issue: excitement can make flat-faced dogs breathe harder. A calm, brief goodbye helps. Ask on the tour how the run you pick handles sun and shade. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [AKC Canine Health Foundation, respiratory-based thermoregulation in brachycephalic breeds](https://www.akcchf.org/grant-directory/01188-a/) - [NOAA NCEI, U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020 (Vacaville station)](https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/data/normals-monthly/1991-2020/access/USC00049200.csv) - [Happy Paws Kennels, things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Heat stroke in dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-heat-stroke/) - [How hot is too hot for dogs? Dixon summer numbers](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-hot-is-too-hot-for-dogs/) - [Hot pavement and paws](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/hot-pavement-and-paws/) - [Cats in Central Valley heat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cats-and-heat/) - [Dixon heat & cold by month for dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/data/dixon-heat-and-cold-for-dogs/) ## Read next - [Double coat](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/double-coat/) - [Undercoat](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/undercoat/) - [Kuranda bed](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/kuranda-bed/) - [Slow feeder](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/slow-feeder/) - [Prong collar](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/prong-collar/) - [Lick mat](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/lick-mat/) - [Pup cup](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/pup-cup/) - [PCS](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/pcs/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### Which breeds are brachycephalic? Bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, boxers and shih tzus among dogs; Persians and exotic shorthairs among cats. ### Should I board a flat-faced dog in summer? Yes, with a cool space and a heads-up to the staff. Talk to your vet first if breathing is a concern. ### Do these pets cost more? No. Rates depend on kennel class. ### Are cats affected too? Yes. Persians and other flat-faced cats can have breathing and heat trouble.