Several functions have been hypothesized (see below for a more detailed analysis) including digging, mating displays or combat, and defense from predators.

[3] Ceratogaulus horns are positioned on the posterior ends of the nasal bones and extend dorsally, perpendicular to the plane of the palate.

The expectation is that an animal using its horns anteriorly (rather than dorsally) would have the occipital plate positioned vertically or tilted posteriorly.

Dragging such a broad tool through the soil would create immense resistance, proportional to the large surface area presented to the substrate.

Their orientation and position and the morphology of the rest of the skull make it exceedingly difficult to bring them to bear on an opponent of similar size.

However, a sexually selected use of the horns is unlikely in Ceratogaulus, as the optic foramen is very small, roughly one-half to two-thirds the size of that of the mountain beaver, Aplodontia rufa, which itself has very poor vision.

The horns are broad and robust, and their dorsal orientation and relatively posterior position makes them well suited to protecting the vulnerable eyes and neck.

[3] By elevating the head dorsally, the horns would be snapped backward, protecting the areas most commonly attacked by predators.