French bulldogs, pugs, and other short-nosed dog breeds have had a grip on dog lovers for years now. Baby-like expressions and small stature are just two of the reasons that short-nosed dog breeds like pugs are popular pets. Vicki SmithNature vs. nurtureOwners typically describe short-nosed dog breeds as interactive, friendly, and playful. They found that when only head shape is considered, short-nosed dogs appear calmer and bolder than long-nosed dogs. These factors also influence behavior, and could obscure the direct effects of head shape.