Behavioral Challenges in Brachycephalic Dogs: A Hidden Complexity
Written by Lauren Tsao, MS, CDBC, CPDT-KA
Photo shows an English Bulldog.
The dramatic rise in the popularity of brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds, such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Bulldogs, has sparked significant discussion regarding their health and welfare. These breeds are beloved for their distinctive appearance and affectionate nature, but research reveals that their unique physiology predisposes them to numerous behavioral and health-related challenges. Drawing from recent studies and real-world cases, this article delves into how brachycephaly may impact dog behavior and why this matters to both dog owners and professionals.
The Rise of Brachycephalic Breeds: A Double-Edged Sword
The American Kennel Club recently crowned the French Bulldog as the most popular dog breed in the U.S., signaling the culmination of years of increasing demand for flat-faced breeds. While their charm and charisma are undeniable, my inbox and schedule are often filled with inquiries from brachycephalic breed owners grappling with medical and behavioral concerns.
Their allure often stems from their expressive faces, driven by the "baby schema effect," which evokes a nurturing response from humans. However, as research points out, the exaggerated facial features of brachycephalic breeds, including their pronounced mimic muscles, can compromise their ability to communicate effectively (Schatz et al., 2021.) This inability to use facial expressions as freely as other dogs can lead to misunderstandings with humans and other dogs, potentially escalating behavioral issues.
Additionally, their unique anatomy, while aesthetically pleasing, often predisposes them to significant health concerns. Some studies highlight how structural deformities, including Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), impact not just their physical health, but also their emotional resilience. In is possible that chronic breathing difficulties may increase stress levels, which could contribute to anxious or reactive behavior.
Key Behavioral Concerns in Brachycephalic Dogs
Owners commonly report the following concerns:
Reactivity and Aggression: A small number of Brachycephalic breed owners in a study (Parker et al., 2019) reported resource guarding, and aggression towards both people and other dogs. These behavior patterns often exacerbated by chronic discomfort. A recent study (Mills et al., 2020) highlights a possible link between physical pain and behavior concerns, suggesting that the inability to breathe comfortably or move freely might trigger more defensive behaviors.
Communication Challenges: Their compressed facial structures hinder their ability to produce clear signals, such as growling or baring teeth. Research (Schatz et al., 2021) highlights how this reduced expressiveness can lead to misinterpretations during interactions, escalating conflict between dogs.
Separation Anxiety: Dogs with BOAS often struggle with separation anxiety (Schatz et al., 2021). Their constant reliance on owners for environmental stability and assistance with activities such as climbing stairs can foster dependency.
Sleep Problems: One study reported as much as 56% of brachycephalic breeds in their study had sleep problems. Many also struggled with heat and exercise intolerance (Frauke et al., 2013.)
My Experience: A Growing Concern in Practice
As a professional trainer and behavior consultant, I’ve worked with many brachycephalic breeds. My inbox is filled with stories from French Bulldog, Pug, English Bulldog, and Boston Terrier owners dealing with reactivity, aggression, and separation anxiety.
Take, for example, a Boston Terrier diagnosed with luxating patella, whose reactivity towards strangers decreased once their vet trialed them on pain medication at my suggestion. Or more recently, the English Bulldog displaying aggressive behaviors towards his owner, that had already had several surgeries and several more had been vet recommended. Though due to his breathing issues, these life-changing surgeries come with additional risks and another hit to his owner’s bank account.
Similarly, my own dog, Oakley, taught me the importance of looking beyond behavior to uncover medical triggers. Although Oakley isn’t a brachycephalic breed, her behavioral challenges due to undiagnosed pain mirrored the patterns observed in many brachycephalic dogs I’ve worked with. This reinforced my belief that health and behavior are deeply interconnected.
It needs to also be considered that brachycephalic breeds are not ideal candidates for many common training recommendations. Even some professional dog trainers are unaware that certain training tools and techniques need to be avoided with these breeds for safety. I have found I often have to be careful about when I train outdoors with these breeds. Additionally, they benefit from shorter training sessions than their owners might expect. Some brachycephalic dogs can struggle to make it through an hour group class outdoors, leading to labels like “stubborn” or “dominate” when the dog is physically struggling.
The rising popularity of brachycephalic breeds displays the urgency to educate owners about their unique needs. By recognizing the behavioral implications of chronic conditions like BOAS or common orthopedic concerns, owners and professionals can create more effective care plans. From a practical perspective, this means integrating veterinary care with behavior modification strategies to address both the physical and emotional needs of these dogs.
What Owners Can Do
If you own a brachycephalic breed, proactive care is important to ensuring their well-being. Here’s how you can help:
Regular Veterinary Check-Ups: Early detection of conditions like BOAS can prevent escalation of both health and behavior problems.
Pet Insurance: If you are seeking to own a brachycephalic breed or has recently adopted one, I recommend all owners of these breeds consider pet insurance immediately or have a emergency pet fund of at least $5,000 to cover future expenses.
Tailored Enrichment: Provide low-impact mental stimulation, such as snuffle mats or lick mats (though be sure to wipe their face wrinkles after use!), to keep them engaged without overexerting them. I would avoid rolling puzzle toys that cause them to chase or at least keep use to a minimum.
Shorter Training Sessions: While these breeds are often called “stubborn”, they generally just aren’t phsyically capable in the way some other breeds are. Shorter training sessions (30 minutes or less) with limited repetitive movements and appropriate temperature control are better suited for these breeds. Car rides also need to be factor into their possible energy level for training, if you drive to your dog’s training facility. Crating in the car in an appropriate sized-crate with non-slip flooring while providing appropriate air flow are important for reserving energy for their session. If not possible, virtual training from the comfort of your home may be the best option.
Behavior Assessments Consider a Dynamic Dog Assessment to identify subtle signs of discomfort affecting your dog’s behavior. This comprehensive evaluation integrates medical and behavioral insights.
Weight Management Obesity exacerbates many of the health issues faced by brachycephalic breeds. Maintaining an ideal weight can reduce stress on their bodies.
Photo shows French Bulldog puppy.
If your brachycephalic dog is exhibiting behavioral concerns or you suspect underlying health issues, consider scheduling a Behavior Guidance Call with Dynamic Dog Assessment. This comprehensive service evaluates your dog's gait, posture, and daily activities to uncover potential triggers for their behavior. Together, we can develop a customized plan to improve their quality of life.
Your dog deserves care that considers their unique needs. Let’s work together to ensure their happiness and health for years to come.
Disclaimer: I am a professional dog trainer and certified dog behavior consultant, but I am not a veterinarian. The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian regarding any medical concerns you may have about your dog’s health. If you suspect your dog is in pain or experiencing discomfort, seek the guidance of a licensed veterinary professional for proper assessment and treatment. Never disregard or delay seeking veterinary advice.
References:
1. Frauke S. Roedler, Sabine Pohl, Gerhard U. Oechtering, How does severe brachycephaly affect dog’s lives? Results of a structured preoperative owner questionnaire, The Veterinary Journal, Volume 198, Issue 3, 2013, Pages 606-610, ISSN 1090-0233, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.09.009.
2. Mills, D. S., Demontigny-Bédard, I., Gruen, M., Klinck, M. P., McPeake, K. J., Barcelos, A. M., Hewison, L., Van Haevermaet, H., Denenberg, S., Hauser, H., Koch, C., Ballantyne, K., Wilson, C., Mathkari, C. V., Pounder, J., Garcia, E., Darder, P., Fatjó, J., & Levine, E. (2020). Pain and Problem Behavior in Cats and Dogs. Animals, 10(2), 318. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10020318
3. Packer, R., O'Neill, D., Fletcher, F., & Farnworth, M. (2020). Come for the looks, stay for the personality? A mixed methods investigation of reacquisition and owner recommendation of Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs. PLoS ONE, 15. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0237276.
4. Schatz, K., Engelke, E., & Pfarrer, C. (2021). Comparative morphometric study of the mimic facial muscles of brachycephalic and dolichocephalic dogs. Anatomia, 50, 863 - 875. https://doi.org/10.1111/ahe.12729.
