Dog breeds like pugs and bulldogs are known to suffer from a number of health issues related to their flat faces, including serious breathing issues.
But people still buy them because they perceive their labored grunts and snores as cute rather than a sign that their dog is sick and struggling for breath, researchers claim.
The Budapest-based experts surveyed more than 1,000 people about their attitudes towards flat-faced breeds and their knowledge of their health problems.
Those with positive attitudes toward flat-faced dogs were younger and female, and had “lower levels of education” but higher levels of agreeableness and conscientiousness.
Popular flat-faced or “brachycephalic dog” dog breeds include French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pugs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shih Tzus, and Boxers.
Scientists wanted to explain the so-called “brachycephalic paradox” — why flat-faced dogs have continued to grow in popularity despite their welfare issues, high vet bills, and short lifespans
Holly Willoughby (left) and Kelly Brook (right) are just a few of the famous faces who have shared their lives with flat-faced dogs
At least half of flat-faced dogs struggle with breathing difficulties, and over 80 percent of them require a cesarean section during delivery, experts say.
Other problems include a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, leading to heart, ear and eye problems, neurological problems and skin disorders.
David Beckham, Holly Willoughby, Hugh Jackman, Kelly Brook, Paris Hilton, Madonna, and Reese Witherspoon are among the celebs known to have shared their lives with flat-faced dogs.
The new study was conducted by experts from Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary and published in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science.
“It is not true that lovers of flat-faced breeds are unaware of the dogs’ health issues or are insensitive to their emotions,” study author Eniko Kubinyi said.
“On the other hand, it turned out that these are relatively inexperienced dog owners.
“Therefore, it’s very likely that they’re unaware of the dogs’ communication signals, don’t necessarily recognize signs of pain, and are likely to view health issues as normal breed traits.”
“For example, a bulldog snoring and grunting seems cute to them rather than sick and gasping for air.”
Flat-faced dogs are becoming increasingly popular. The Kennel Club reports a 2,747 percent increase in the number of registered French bulldogs since 2004.
However, due to their health issues, flat-faced dogs typically live three to four years shorter than would be expected based on their size.
For the study, the researchers wanted to explain what’s been called the “brachycephalic paradox” — why flat-faced dogs continue to grow in popularity despite their welfare issues, high vet bills, and short lifespans.
David Beckham, Holly Willoughby, Hugh Jackman, Kelly Brook, Paris Hilton, Madonna and Reese Witherspoon (pictured) are among the celebs known to have shared their lives with flat-faced dogs
David Beckham is pictured with his flat-faced dog. English Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs are believed to be gaining popularity among celebrities and the general public
Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman pictured with his beloved French Bulldog Dali (left) and another dog on the right
According to veterinarians at the Royal Veterinary College, pugs suffer from respiratory, eye and skin diseases significantly more often than other breeds
“The goal is to understand what characteristics of flat-faced dogs contribute to their popularity and what motivates owners to choose such a breed,” say Kubinyi and colleagues in the study.
Dog breeds with a flat face
– English bulldog
– French bulldog
– pug
– boxers
– Shih Tzu
– Boston terrier
– Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
The scientists conducted a questionnaire and an online test with 1,156 participants, the vast majority of whom were women (1,020).
Participants were asked about their personality traits, level of empathy, educational history and any dog breeds they owned, as well as their opinion and knowledge of flat-faced dogs.
In the online test, the researchers presented 25 pairs of photos of different dog breeds looking into the camera (apparently making eye contact) and looking away from the camera.
Previous research at Eötvös Loránd University has shown that flat-faced dogs are better able to make eye contact with humans.
The team therefore wanted to find out whether participants with positive attitudes towards flat-faced dogs preferred to take photos of dogs making eye contact rather than dogs looking away.
Finding an association between the two would suggest that a preference for eye contact with dogs would explain the love for flat-faced dogs – however, the team could not find such an association.
Researchers presented 25 photo pairs of dogs facing the camera and looking away (flat-faced breed, top left) in an online survey.
Flat-faced dogs like French and English bulldogs remain popular despite serious congenital diseases
The findings also challenge the theory that flat-faced breeds are popular due to their tendency to make eye contact with people
“We assumed that one of the greatest appeals of flat-faced dogs is their large eyes, and that their owners would be delighted when the dogs looked at them,” Kubinyi said.
“However, we have not been able to determine this to be true, at least not based on the photos.”
Overall, the researchers found that younger people and women were more likely to have positive attitudes toward flat-faced dogs compared to older people and men.
Regarding personality traits, agreeable, conscientious and empathetic respondents also showed a positive attitude towards brachycephalism.
The results also showed that higher levels of education and “canine-related expertise” were associated with negative attitudes towards brachycephalus, as the team had anticipated prior to the study.
Additionally, flat-faced dog lovers are aware of the health issues the dogs suffer from, the team noted, and strive to provide them with the best.
People who decide to buy a flat-faced dog will likely “normalize” their health issues and see them as traits of the breed.
“Normalizing these issues among veterinarians, owners and breeders can prevent improvement in the welfare of the breed and reduce the likelihood of veterinary intervention, although symptoms could often be alleviated,” their paper states.
Another possible explanation is that people who are aware of the health issues of flat-faced dogs are compassionate and feel the need to care for them.
Another possibility is that the shortening of the head creates a resemblance to baby faces, as brachycephalic dogs have a large forehead and large eyes.
Pictured is the English or British bulldog. Veterinarians have previously warned that the breed is riddled with painful diseases and deformities, largely the result of centuries of inbreeding (file photo).
The study found that younger people, women and parents were more positive about brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs
“People are drawn to these infantile traits that evoke heightened attention and a willingness to care for the individual,” they say.
The new study could serve as a basis for educational campaigns that could help “reverse the welfare crisis of brachycephalic dogs,” the experts said.
“In many countries there are awareness-raising campaigns about the health problems of flat-faced breeds,” said study author Zsófia Bognár.
“However, the growing popularity of flat-faced dogs suggests these campaigns are not very effective.”
“It’s clear that just listing the health issues doesn’t stop people from buying these dogs.”
“Instead, the focus should be on emphasizing that health issues should not be viewed as normal or acceptable traits, as they often cause pain and distress to dogs.”
“Dog owners need to be aware that their choices play an important role in shaping the health of dog breeds.”
Flat-faced dog breeds have the shortest lifespans
Highest life expectancy:
Jack Russell Terriers – 12.72
Yorkshire Terriers – 12.54
Border Collie – 12.10
Springer Spaniel – 11.92
Intersection – 11.82
Labrador retrievers – 11.77
Staffordshire Bull Terrier – 11.33
Cocker Spaniel – 11.31
Shih Tzu – 11.05
Shortest life expectancy:
French Bulldog – 4.53
English bulldog – 7.39
Pug – 7.65
American Bulldog – 7.79
Chihuahua – 7.91
Husky – 9.53
Beagles – 9.85
Boxers – 10.04
German shepherd – 10.16
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – 10.45
Source: Royal Veterinary College