Why are dog breeds with inborn diseases and well-known genetic issues so popular?
It’s a frustrating question that has puzzled researchers for years.
Despite the severe health issues faced by flat-faced dogs like French and English bulldogs, they continue to be among the most beloved breeds worldwide. Hungarian researchers set out to find answers and shed light on the motivations behind the popularity of these dogs.
The study conducted by Zsófia Bognár, a Ph.D. student at the Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, aimed to explore the reasons behind the enduring appeal of flat-faced breeds. These dogs, including pugs, Boston Terriers, and others, are known for their charming appearance but also for the multitude of health problems they face.
Breathing difficulties, eye issues, and a staggering 80% of them requiring C-sections during delivery are just a few of the challenges these dogs endure. In fact, their average lifespan falls significantly short compared to other breeds of similar size.
The researchers suggested that flat-faced breeds make eye contact with humans more consistently. Meaning, they get and hold attention, which also convinces us humans that they adore us.
They also considered the possibility that owners might be unaware of the natural health problems these dogs face.Â
To investigate these notions, an online survey was conducted, where participants were shown pairs of photos of dogs, some looking directly at the camera and others looking away.
The respondents were asked about their personality traits, their preference for flat-faced breeds, and their awareness of the health issues associated with these dogs.
A total of 1,156 participants took part in the survey.
The results of the study yielded unexpected findings.
Contrary to expectations, those who favored flat-faced breeds did not specifically choose images of dogs making eye contact.
Instead, individuals who were sociable, friendly, and empathetic, and possessed a strong ability to understand others’ perspectives, showed a preference for dogs looking into the camera.
This suggested that the appeal of flat-faced breeds lies beyond eye contact and may be more closely related to their overall facial structure.
Interestingly, the survey revealed that enthusiasts of flat-faced breeds were very aware of the health problems these dogs face.Â
Almost all respondents associated flat-faced breeds with breathing difficulties, and a significant majority recognized dystocia (difficult or obstructed labor) and corneal ulceration (sore or wound on the cornea of the eye) as common issues.
The results instantly proved that owners are not ignorant of the health challenges, and instead showed that public awareness of these problems is widespread.
The study also found that those who liked flat-faced breeds tended to be younger, had lower levels of education, and had limited professional experience with dogs.Â
Compared to those who had a neutral or negative view of flat-faced breeds, enthusiasts were more likely to be women and have children. They also exhibited higher emotional empathy, suggesting a greater capacity to empathize with the suffering of other living beings.
The researchers concluded that the popularity of flat-faced dogs can’t be solely attributed to their physical appearance or owners’ ignorance of their health issues.
Instead, it appears that many owners, particularly those with less experience, have normalized these health problems as being merely characteristic of the breed. Snoring and grunting bulldogs, for example, may be perceived as endearing rather than signs of distress that could lead to expensive corrective surgery (see video below) that is typically not covered by pet insurance.
While awareness campaigns have been launched in many countries to educate the public about the health issues of flat-faced breeds, their effectiveness remains questionable.Â
The researchers pointed out that listing the health problems associated with these breeds is not enough to dissuade people from choosing them as pets.
Instead, the focus should be on education to stop normalizing traits that aren’t normal. People need to know that these health issues are not acceptable or natural characteristics.
These problems cause pain and suffering for the dogs, and we need to raise awareness. Â
Dog owners need to understand that their choices play a significant role in shaping the overall health and well-being of these breeds.
Efforts should focus on informing potential owners about the consequences of perpetuating these health problems and encouraging responsible breeding practices to prioritize the well-being of the dogs, first and foremost.
