10 Barrel-Chested Dog Breeds | Their Needs | Health Risks | Training
Last Updated/Info Checked on June 3, 2023 by Linda Michaels
If you’ve come across the term “barrel-chested dog” and want to understand what it actually means and whether or not your pooch is a barrel-chested dog, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll delve into the concept of barrel-chested dogs, and identify which dog breeds fall into this category.
What Is A Barrel-Chested Dog Breed?
Being a barrel-chested dog means that the dog’s chest is round with a wider rib cage, making it appear like a barrel. Such chests are heavier in appearance and make the dog very muscular and strong.
Thus, such breeds are used for work like digging, hunting, fighting off wild animals, and guarding.
Must Read: Deep Chested Dogs, Their Health, Needs and Training
10 Dog Breeds That Have A Barrel Chest
Here’s a list of 10 dog breeds that are considered as having a barrel chest.
1. French Bulldogs
Keeping bulldogs as family pets is a two-sided sword. On the one hand, they are very caring for their family members, be they children or adults. While on the other hand, they can be very dangerous for strangers and other animals.
Although the bulldog is a very small breed with low energy reserves and drive, it has an immense potential to be dangerous.
The large jaws can be very lethal to whatever comes in between them and are capable of hurting their target severely, be it a game or human.
Gladly enough, French bulldogs are quite trainable and can be taught to behave in the company of other humans and animals.
I cannot emphasize this more, you must exercise caution when interacting with an untrained bulldog.
To know more about this amazing breed of barrel-chest dogs, visit American Kennel Club.
2. Pugs
Described as the jesters of the dog world by Dogtime, Pugs are known for their playful nature and knack for bringing joy to people. They will easily adjust themselves to your family and be a fun-loving companion.
Also, when it comes to grooming, Pugs require minimal upkeep, which means, grooming them is quite affordable and simple.
Pugs come with an average intelligence level, which means their trainability may require some effort. However, they are not an overwhelming burden and can be trained with some patience and consistency.
3. Keeshond
This is an old dog breed that was used in the past as guard dogs by people living by the water.
Keeshonds are well respected as pet dogs due to their adaptive nature and the love that they shower on their families. They are equally welcoming to other dogs and even strangers. This makes them excellent human companions.
They have only moderate grooming needs and once you become familiar with their needs, it is easy to groom them. They don’t take a toll on your wallet or time.
Moreover, these dogs have a perfect balance between energy and a need for exercise. They are playful yet require only moderate physical activity to keep them sound.
4. Dachshund
This breed with an oddly shaped body was originally bred to be used as scent dogs to hunt foxes and other animals that can hide in narrow crevices.
In the modern era, this breed is not used for that purpose but is kept in many homes as pets.
Dachshunds are kind towards their owners, especially to the kids in the house. This makes them very protective of their families and thus they are not so friendly towards strangers.
On the downside, they have a big prey drive and show stubbornness to any behavior training. So you would have a tough time forcing them to go against their instincts as hunting aids.
However, with patience and time, they can be trained to do what you desire them to do.
Also, Dachshunds are playful with moderate exercise requirements. More about them here.
5. Mastiffs
Mastiffs are strong dogs with immense bite strength. They are a big threat to intruders and thus are kept as guard dogs. Nonetheless, they are capable of loving their families and are trustworthy and kind, even towards kids.
They have a tendency to bark or howl, which makes them very scary to people although their prey drives are only moderate.
When it comes to training Mastiffs, it is quite some work as they are not very trainable dogs. They tend to resist and become stubborn. Thus it requires a lot of patience to train them. This should be kept in mind.
6. Pit Bulls
The name Pitbull is derived from the fact that these dogs were used to bait bulls in the olden days. Today, due to their affection and caring nature, Pitbulls are kept as family companions. They are very protective of their families.
With high energy reserves and intense nature, Pitbulls come with a strong high prey drive. This makes them a very dangerous breed. Being particularly hostile towards other dogs in the household makes it difficult for them to adjust to other dogs.
On the brighter side, Pitbulls are quite trainable and their behaviors can be modified so that they become more welcoming towards strangers and other animals. However, you have to be careful around an untrained Pitbull.
7. Rottweilers
If you’re a dog lover then you must have seen Rottweilers shifting their roles from herd guarding and police dogs, to successfully becoming cherished family pets.
This is because, despite their imposing appearance, Rottweilers are remarkably friendly when kept as house dogs.
With their background as working dogs, Rottweilers exhibit high trainability. Whether you’re introducing new behaviors or eliminating undesirable ones, they receive it without any stubbornness or anger.
Moreover, in terms of grooming needs, Rottweilers are hassle-free. Once you familiarize yourself with their requirements, taking care of them becomes a simple task.
Due to their playful and energetic nature, it is essential to engage them in regular physical activities to prevent them from becoming restless.
Their abundant energy levels may be challenging to manage in small households. Therefore, it is necessary that they reside in larger living spaces.
8. Bull Terriers
If you’re looking for a small dog that is openly affectionate and also has a playful nature then Bull Terrier is just what you’re seeking. This amazing breed has a big heart that showers love and affection for families and other animals.
Also, these are highly trainable and intelligent. These qualities often go opposite to each other as many intelligent dogs are stubborn but not in the case of Bull Terriers. Dogtime gives them a full five-star rating in terms of their trainability.
Finally, they are very intense and energetic in whatever they do. This also means that you would need to engage them in physical activities quite often to keep them mentally and physically sound and relaxed.
9. Labrador Retriever
If you are someone who needs this blog regularly then by this time you’d know how big a Labrador head I am. Why shouldn’t I be, Labs are the best!
Labradors are widely recognized for their intelligence and understanding of nature. Like other trainable breeds on this list, Labs are receptive to new behaviors and adapt themselves well to different lifestyles.
Furthermore, they typically have a low prey drive, so you won’t find them chasing after prey every now and then.
In terms of maintenance, Labs are considered to be low-maintenance dogs. Their grooming requirements are moderate at best, making them suitable even for new dog owners with limited experience.
One thing to keep in mind is that Labradors do not tolerate loneliness well enough. So you must be willing to give them some company for the most part of the day.
You’ll love this breed if you’re an active individual as Labs are appreciative of regular physical activity and exercise.
10. Boxer
The Boxer breed has transitioned from its role as a guard dog to becoming a beloved human companion.
These are average-sized dogs and display immense affection towards their family members, including children. With a playful nature, they keep everyone entertained.
Boxers are very adaptable to small living spaces like an apartment. Despite their high energy levels, they can still live happily in small spaces as long as they get sufficient outdoor time for exercise.
Overall, they are very low-maintenance dogs with minimal grooming requirements. Even for first-time dog owners, it is easy to groom them.
Furthermore, Boxers are quite intelligent, which aids in their quick learning, making them easily trainable. Even inexperienced dog owners will find them manageable and enjoyable to work with.
Can Having A Barrel Chest Predispose Dogs To Bloat?
Yes, Barrel chested breeds are prone to Gastric Dilatation Volvulus(GVD) or bloat.
This occurs when the stomach after filling up with excess air can rotate upon itself, blocking its blood supply. The result is organ necrosis(tissue death) and it can be potentially fatal.
Symptoms of GVD are retching or vomiting, abdominal distension, breathing difficulty, and sudden collapse.
If your dog develops the signs of a Bloat, know that this is a medical emergency and needs urgent vet care.
Barrel Chested Dogs – Summary
Barrel-chested dogs have a round chest with a wide ribcage, resembling a barrel. This shape gives them a muscular and robust appearance.
Such dog breeds are often utilized for tasks such as digging, hunting, protecting against wildlife, and guarding.
Breeds like Pitbulls, Terriers, Mastiffs, Dachshunds, etc are all considered barrel-chested breeds.
Sources:
