Who's Getting a Head Start? Mesocephalic Dogs in Still Images Are Attributed More Positively Valenced Emotions Than Dogs of Other Cephalic Index Groups

Abstract

Assumptions about dogs' personality are influenced by their appearance, which may lead to differences in ownership styles and subsequent canine welfare. The influence of canine appearance on observers' emotion attributions to dogs remains largely unexplored. This study investigated whether canine head shape is related to how both dog owners and non-dog owning adults in the U.K. attribute emotions to still images of dogs, and in the case of dog owners, to their own dogs. Attachment, respondent personality and dog trainability were assessed as potential influences on emotional attribution in owners. Overall, 2451 participant responses were received. Still images of mesocephalic dogs were attributed primary and positively valenced emotion with more strength and frequency than other groups. Mesocephalic images were also attributed negatively valenced emotions less frequently and with less strength than other groups. Apart from empathy, no significant differences were found in emotional attribution to owned dogs of different head shapes; however, human personality influenced attribution of emotions to owned dogs. The finding that some dogs are attributed emotions more readily based on their appearance alone has applied importance, given, for example, the potential for misattribution of positive emotions to dogs in negative emotional states, and potential prejudice against dogs considered in negative emotional states.

Keywords: brachycephaly; canine; dogmanship; emotional attribution; ownership; welfare.

Figure 1

Final matched images of dogs of varying CI groups. Columns show images presenting, from left to right, DC, MC and BC groups.

Figure 2

Box plots describing mean scores of individual primary emotion attribution strengths and frequencies between CI groups of dog images. (*** demotes statistically significant differences. ◦ denotes outliers).

Figure 3

Box plots describing mean scores of individual secondary emotion frequencies and strengths between CI groups of dog images. (*** demotes statistically significant differences. ◦ denotes outliers.)

Figure 4

Box plots describing mean scores of grouped primary, secondary and total emotion attribution strength and frequencies between CI groups of dog images. All variables were calculated using four emotions, apart from the total count and strength emotions, which included eight emotions. Strength was measured using a 5-point Likert scale. (*** demotes statistically significant differences. ◦ denotes outliers.)

Figure 5

Box plot showing significant differences between positive and negative emotion frequency and strength of emotion attributions to CI groups of dog images. Differences between all groups were significant at the p = 0.05 level. Positive grouped variables included joy, compassion, empathy and affection; negative grouped variables included fear, sadness, spite and embarrassment. (* demotes statistically significant differences. ◦ denotes outliers.)