GabyPugs and other flat-faced dog breeds face a significantly higher risk of serious health issues. Despite this, they remain among the most popular breeds. Researchers suggest that these dogs are perceived like children due to their baby-like faces and personalities, which is the secret behind their popularity. With their squished little noses and wrinkled faces, pugs and French bulldogs have become favorites among dog lovers. While these features may appear adorable, they also greatly increase the risk of serious health problems in these animals, including respiratory disorders, eye diseases, and skin conditions. Nevertheless, brachycephalic dogs continue to be some of the most sought-after breeds. Now, scientists seem to have uncovered the reason for this phenomenon.
According to researchers from Eötvös Loránd University, the secret to the popularity of pugs and similar breeds lies in their baby-like faces and behaviors. They explain that infant-like traits can be present not only in appearance but also in the behavior of brachycephalic breeds, triggering a nurturing response from their owners.
Popular flat-faced breeds include French and English bulldogs, Boston terriers, pugs, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Shih Tzus, and boxers. Their short-muzzled characteristics did not develop naturally but are instead the result of selective breeding.
Researchers have attempted to explain the so-called “brachycephalic paradox”—why the popularity of flat-faced dogs continues to rise despite their health issues, high veterinary costs, and shorter lifespans. To investigate this, the team studied 30 flat-faced dogs (15 English and 15 French bulldogs) alongside 13 Hungarian Mudi dogs, which have medium-length muzzles. The dogs were given a task where they had to try to open three boxes to retrieve a piece of sausage. The boxes had different mechanisms of varying difficulty, and the animals were presented with them in random order. The dogs watched as the experimenter placed the sausage in the box, then had two minutes to attempt to open it. During this time, both the experimenter and the dog’s owner stood behind the dog, out of direct sight.
The results showed that the Mudis performed significantly better on the task than the flat-faced breeds. They successfully opened the box 93% more often and did so much faster. However, flat-faced dogs looked back at the experimenter and their owner nearly 4.5 times more frequently than the Mudis. According to the researchers, as reported by the Daily Mail, this indicates that short-faced dogs tend to seek human assistance when faced with challenges. This, in turn, may strengthen the social bonds between owners and these breeds due to their helplessness.
The research team notes that it is very difficult for people to cognitively overcome strong instinctual tendencies. As a result, they still choose brachycephalic breeds despite the potential health issues these pets may face.
Pugs have a multitude of health problems, yet they remain popular. This study was conducted shortly after other researchers compared the risks of 40 common diseases in pugs versus other dog breeds. The team analyzed data from 16,218 pugs and 889,326 dogs of other breeds from the VetCompass database. The analysis revealed that pugs have an increased risk of developing 23 out of 40 common diseases. This breed is 54 times more likely to suffer from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome—a condition affecting the upper respiratory tract. Additionally, they are 51 times more likely to have narrow nostrils. Pugs also suffer from corneal ulcers 13 times more often, are 2.5 times more likely to be obese, have skin fold dermatitis 11 times more frequently, and are twice as likely to have nail growth issues.
Dr. Dan O’Neill, the lead author of the study and an associate professor of companion animal epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College, emphasizes that we have the power to ensure that every pet dog starts life with good natural health. He advises that when choosing a dog, it is essential to select a breed that does not have extreme deformities, such as excessive skin folds that can lead to painful skin infections throughout their lives. As Dr. O’Neill points out, it is vital for people to make informed choices when purchasing puppies and to avoid dogs bred with severe wrinkles that deviate from breed standards. Instead, he encourages potential dog owners to “stop and think” and find a responsible breeder who genuinely cares about the welfare of the dogs.
