[quote1324475964=Igmuska] After seeing many surgical corrections for brachycephalic syndrome, I am well aware of the anatomical deficiencies of the construction. Interestingly enough, the problems with brachycephalic syndrome is in stenotic nares (pinched nostrils), elongated soft palate, and everted saccules as well as undersized or collapsed tracheas. I have intubated a 60# dog with an endotracheal tube small enough to be the proper size for a cat. These dogs also have decreased lung fields, and this can be an issue in any breed with poor sternebrae and thoracic construction. This is why breeding for excessively stout, barrel chested or "sprung" dogs can cause wind deficiencies regardless of muzzle length. Boxers have a remarkably well constructed thorax; the thorax of a runner. This combined with no soft tissue issues in their upper respiratory tract, means a functional short nosed dog. Boxers have their plague of genetic issues, but BS is typically not one of them. This is why they are considered (to those who know) a great outcross for the bulldog "look" but not the "issues." Here is a link showing these anatomical upper airway deficiencies and the surgical corrections: http://www.acvs.org/AnimalOwners/HealthConditions/SmallAnimalTopics/BrachycephalicSyndrome/ ...just ignore the "short-nose" comment, as that is actually incorrect. :) [/quote1324475964] You are an asset to this forum Betsy. It is actually scary what I read in the article concerning my Bernie. When he gets excited he is starts coughing and clearling his throat very loud :( I always thought it was maybe dry throat or simple excitment but I assume there is a weak construction of his respiratory system. He also favors sleeping with his legs up and he snores like an older drunk man when he is sleeping. The only possitive thing I can say is that he has been able to be exercised in temperatures up to mid 80's. I have done hiking with him, weight pulling and spring workouts in those temperatures and he has never had issues performing. I worked him up to that slowly however, but I never had issues with him over heating during exercise. He might have a mild case of it but it is interesting to know that there is something wrong with him so I can be more careful.