Selection for Short-Nose and Small Size Creates a Behavioural Trade-Off in Dogs
Brachycephalic head shape in dogs has been associated with behavioural traits that may enhance their appeal as companion animals, contributing to their popularity. However, it remains unclear whether these behavioural differences are directly linked to head shape or are mediated by factors such as b...
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MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Animals |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/15/2221 |
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| author | Borbála Turcsán Eniko Kubinyi |
| author_facet | Borbála Turcsán Eniko Kubinyi |
| author_sort | Borbála Turcsán |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Brachycephalic head shape in dogs has been associated with behavioural traits that may enhance their appeal as companion animals, contributing to their popularity. However, it remains unclear whether these behavioural differences are directly linked to head shape or are mediated by factors such as body size, demographics, and dog-keeping practices. Drawing on two large-scale owner surveys (N = 5613) and cephalic index estimates for 90 breeds, we investigated the relationship between head shape and eight behavioural variables (four personality traits and four behavioural problems), while controlling for 20 demographic and dog-keeping characteristics, as well as body size. Our results show that behavioural differences among head shapes are only partly attributable to head shape itself; some are explained by confounding variables. Specifically, brachycephalic dogs appeared predisposed to positive behaviours (e.g., calmness, fewer behavioural problems), but these traits were often obscured by their small body size and low training experience. These findings highlight the complex interplay between morphology, behaviour, and environment, and emphasize the role of training and management in supporting the behavioural well-being of popular brachycephalic breeds. This has important implications for owners, breeders, and welfare professionals aiming to align aesthetic preferences with behavioural and welfare outcomes. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9f490251e275488b8f5e8bd2e75ffa78 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2076-2615 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Animals |
| spelling | doaj-art-9f490251e275488b8f5e8bd2e75ffa782025-08-20T03:36:01ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152025-07-011515222110.3390/ani15152221Selection for Short-Nose and Small Size Creates a Behavioural Trade-Off in DogsBorbála Turcsán0Eniko Kubinyi1Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, HungaryDepartment of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, HungaryBrachycephalic head shape in dogs has been associated with behavioural traits that may enhance their appeal as companion animals, contributing to their popularity. However, it remains unclear whether these behavioural differences are directly linked to head shape or are mediated by factors such as body size, demographics, and dog-keeping practices. Drawing on two large-scale owner surveys (N = 5613) and cephalic index estimates for 90 breeds, we investigated the relationship between head shape and eight behavioural variables (four personality traits and four behavioural problems), while controlling for 20 demographic and dog-keeping characteristics, as well as body size. Our results show that behavioural differences among head shapes are only partly attributable to head shape itself; some are explained by confounding variables. Specifically, brachycephalic dogs appeared predisposed to positive behaviours (e.g., calmness, fewer behavioural problems), but these traits were often obscured by their small body size and low training experience. These findings highlight the complex interplay between morphology, behaviour, and environment, and emphasize the role of training and management in supporting the behavioural well-being of popular brachycephalic breeds. This has important implications for owners, breeders, and welfare professionals aiming to align aesthetic preferences with behavioural and welfare outcomes.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/15/2221doghead shapemanagement characteristicsbody sizebehaviourwelfare |
| spellingShingle | Borbála Turcsán Eniko Kubinyi Selection for Short-Nose and Small Size Creates a Behavioural Trade-Off in Dogs Animals dog head shape management characteristics body size behaviour welfare |
| title | Selection for Short-Nose and Small Size Creates a Behavioural Trade-Off in Dogs |
| title_full | Selection for Short-Nose and Small Size Creates a Behavioural Trade-Off in Dogs |
| title_fullStr | Selection for Short-Nose and Small Size Creates a Behavioural Trade-Off in Dogs |
| title_full_unstemmed | Selection for Short-Nose and Small Size Creates a Behavioural Trade-Off in Dogs |
| title_short | Selection for Short-Nose and Small Size Creates a Behavioural Trade-Off in Dogs |
| title_sort | selection for short nose and small size creates a behavioural trade off in dogs |
| topic | dog head shape management characteristics body size behaviour welfare |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/15/2221 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT borbalaturcsan selectionforshortnoseandsmallsizecreatesabehaviouraltradeoffindogs AT enikokubinyi selectionforshortnoseandsmallsizecreatesabehaviouraltradeoffindogs |