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From the article: Flat-faced dogs like Pugs and Frenchies may seem extra friendly, but new research shows size, training, and “spoiling” often shape their behavior more than head shape – though some traits are likely hardwired.

Short- or flat-nosed, known as brachycephalic, dog breeds like Pugs and French Bulldogs are popular because of their “baby-faced” appearance and the general perception that they are affectionate. But is the perception accurate, or is it a case of dog owners projecting their beliefs onto their pets?

In a [new study](https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/15/2221), researchers from Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Hungary wanted to know whether certain behaviors often linked to brachycephalic dogs are truly caused by their head shape, or whether other factors like body size, owner type, and how the dogs are kept are actually responsible.

The researchers surveyed more than 5,000 purebred dogs from 90 different breeds, and grouped them according to their head shape: brachycephalic, mesocephalic (medium-length), and dolichocephalic (long-nosed). They then compared these groups across eight behaviors, including four personality traits (calmness, trainability, sociability with other dogs, and boldness) and four problem behaviors (jumping up on people, pulling on the leash, overreacting when guests arrive, and not coming back when called). In addition, the researchers collected data on over 20 “confounding” variables, like dog size, training experience, owner demographics, and living conditions, to see if these explained behavioral differences.

Dog owners were given two large questionnaires (one on personality, the other on problem behaviors), and the dogs’ head shape was classified based on a “cephalic index” from breed averages, with clear separation between categories. The researchers used statistical testing to first look at raw differences, then they re-analyzed their data while controlling for confounding factors, using mediation models to see whether those factors explained (or hid) the link between head shape and behavior. They then re-ran all the analyses, excluding large-bodied brachycephalic breeds (such as Boxers), to determine if size influenced the results.

They also can’t breathe.