Behavior Tendencies in Flat Faced Dogs

Dogs with a flat face are referred to as brachycephalic dogs. Brachycephalic literally means “short head” and is characterized by a short snout and wider skull. Breeds that are brachycephalic include: Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, English Bulldog, American Bulldog, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boxer, Pug, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Bull Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, English Mastiff, King Charles Spaniel, Griffon Bruxellois, Dogue de Bordeaux, Japanese Chin, Affenpinscher, and Shar Pei.

This short head characteristic is actually determined by a measurement called the cephalic or cranial index (CI). The width of the skull (long axis-point just above ear to ear) is multiplied by 100 and then divided by the length of the skull (short axis-mid brow bone to the most prominent point in the back of the skull). A ratio of 80 or more is considered brachycephalic.

Cranial Index of Dog Measures

long axis X 100 = CI

short axis

These breeds widely have very sweet personalities, are very social, and prefer to be around their humans. They come in all sizes but generally they are sturdy and compact with wide heads and short faces. These pups also tend to be very playful and have very expressive facial features.

An interesting study was done in 2016 which correlated different dog morphologies (or their form/structure) and behaviors. The scientists from the University of Sydney took over 67,000 dogs from 45 breeds and correlated their cephalic index, height, sex, and body weight with 10 subsets of behaviors known as the Dog Mentality Assessment (DMA). The behaviors were assessed by officials of the Swedish Kennel Club and included areas of play, socialization, chase, distance-play, sudden appearance of people, presence of a random “ghost-like” figure approaching, metallic noise and gunshot reactions.

The findings for the brachycephalic dogs were that they showed greater interest in chasing and holding “prey-like” objects/toys, grabbing behaviors of toys, more engagement with humans, more aggression to the “ghosts” (people dressed in a white robe approaching them and then turning away), more affection and playful tendencies. Interestingly, the taller the flat nosed dog, the more affectionate and playful, but all brachycephalic dogs were considered playful and affectionate, particularly with familiar people. Finally, taller, lightweight brachycephalic female dogs tended to be the most curious with metallic sounds, but more fearful of a gunshot noise.

So, overall this study supports what many of us already know, that our squishy-faced kids are very playful, loving, sweet, energetic, and attentive. Therefore, it is very important to provide them with an energy outlet and lots of stimulation with both humans and other dogs. Providing them with opportunities to take part in the behaviors that are linked to their structure can go a long way in keeping them happy and healthy. Most importantly, making sure you spend quality play time with your pups can be one of the best things you can do for your flat-faced little one!

Associations between Domestic-Dog Morphology and Behaviour Scores in the Dog Mentality Assessment. Holly R. Stone , Paul D. McGreevy, Melissa J. Starling, Bjorn Forkman. Published: February 26, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0149403