I call Jaxson my big head dog! To some this might seem cruel, but it’s truly a term of endearment, that and the fact – it’s true…
Seriously – his entire life he’s been trying to grow into his head. So naturally I was intrigued when I stumbled across a study in Psychology Today that suggested a dogs appearance (in terms of their size and head shape) can lend insight into their personality and behavioral characteristics.
There is some correlation between the shape of a dog’s head and the functions that they perform for humans; for example sighthounds tend to have long narrow heads, while many of the guarding breeds tend to have more square shaped heads. Source: Psychology Today
Head shapes range from the –
- long headed dogs – called “dolichocephalic” (Afghan Hounds or Greyhounds)
- wide-skulled dogs – called “brachycephalic” (Pugs or French Bulldogs)
- in-between dogs – called “mesocephalic” (Golden Retrievers or Beagles)
HEIGHT –
Shorter dogs were found to be generally more aggressive than taller dogs. The taller dogs tended to show more affection, cooperation, and playfulness with humans.
WEIGHT –
Heavier dogs tended to be bolder, more inquisitive and attentive. Lighter dogs tended to be more cautious and fearful.
HEAD SHAPE –
- Brachycephalic dogs – seem to be more engaged with their owners and have a higher interest in human play. More defensive when faced with a difficult situation to interpret ( like coming in contact with a human dressed like a ghost). #cantsayIblamethem
- Dolichocephalic dogs – seem less likely to engage in object play, especially with people they do not know! Not easily startled and recovers quickly when an unexpected event occurs.
While these are just the major findings, the overall conclusion showed – height, weight and the shape of a dogs head can predict certain aspects of aggression, fearfulness, sociability and affection.
All this information is fascinating, but for me? I just know Jaxson is my big head dog…
And that’s fine with me…
To calculate the “Cephalic Index” (a technical way to measure the skull) to determine the shape of your dog’s head or to check out the brief list of dog breeds classified by their head shape, visit A Dog’s Size and Head Shape Predicts Its Behavior in Psychology Today.
My dog is my everything ❤️
*I am not a veterinarian nor a scientist. I’m a pet parent always interested in understanding more about my dogs.
January 24, 2018
Love the nose!
January 28, 2018
It’s sort of big too! When he sits on the bed in the early morning looking down on me, I always start my day with a smile and a laugh. I love this big head Dood!
January 24, 2018
We think his head is just the right size. Mom says I have a big head, but it has nothing to do with the size of my head…makes no sense to me.
January 28, 2018
Unfortunately I know exactly what your Mom is referring to – I feel the same way about Harley. And it’s not about the size of his head either!
January 24, 2018
What a fascinating article! No matter the size, that head and nose are pawsome!
January 28, 2018
His nose is what I see first thing in the morning! He sits on the bed and watches me sleep when he’s ready for me to get up – cracks me up.
January 25, 2018
That is interesting! I wonder if the size of ears say anything about our dogs? As far as I am concerned, Misha is still trying to grow into hers.
January 28, 2018
Now that’s an interesting question too Melody – now I will have to go back and see what I can find out about the size of their ears.
January 25, 2018
Ruby has kind of an in between head. She is on the short side and but not aggressive – though sometimes she barks at joggers and bikers (not a big fan of exercise, I guess)
February 4, 2018
I’m sure all dogs have the appropriate size head, but sometimes I worry that Jaxson’s head is still growing LOL
January 26, 2018
I love that his head takes up all of the space in each picture. He’s gorgeous. None of my dogs have an abnormally big head, but I am endlessly amazed that their head today was the size of their entire body when we brought each of them home. And their heads are so hard – I’ve already had my first black-ish eye of the year – thanks, Scout.
February 4, 2018
Jaxson’s head takes up the whole EVERYTHING. It’s the first thing I see staring at me early in the morning – love it!
January 28, 2018
Big head, big heart, right? 🙂
February 4, 2018
Most def!