Collapsed nostrils occur in puppies of the brachycephalic breeds, including Pugs, Pekingese, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzu, and others. In these puppies, the nasal cartilages are soft and floppy, so that as the puppy breathes in the nostrils come together and obstruct the nasal openings. This causes various degrees of respiratory obstruction, which can seriously compromise the puppy’s health and development.
Collapsed nostrils are a congenital problem often accompanied by other manifestations of the brachycephalic syndrome.