Dog behavior is often misunderstood, especially when it comes to how different breeds are perceived by the public. Many people assume certain breeds are naturally aggressive, while others are seen as friendly or safe, often based on media, movies, or personal anecdotes rather than facts. However, recent research challenges these assumptions by showing that behavior can vary widely not just between breeds, but within them—and that mixed-breed dogs may show higher levels of aggression and fear than commonly expected. This article explores what the latest studies reveal about dog personality traits, the role of human influence, and why it’s time to move past breed stereotypes toward a more thoughtful, evidence-based understanding of our canine companions.
Why People Care About Dog Behavior
People have always been fascinated by how dogs behave. Our beliefs about different breeds often come from:
- The media (TV, news stories)
- Books and movies
- Personal experiences with certain dogs
Today, most purebred dogs are kept as pets rather than being used for their original working roles (like herding or hunting). Over time, people have selected dogs with certain personalities, which is why many breeds have consistent behavior traits.
What the Research Found
A study using questionnaires asked dog owners about how their dogs behave. The researchers looked at five specific traits:
- Aggression toward people
- Aggression toward other animals
- Fearfulness
- Responsiveness to training
- Activity or excitability
Breeds of dogs were categorized into six groups: guarding breeds, herding breeds, companion breeds, hound breeds, mix-breeds, and potentially aggressive breeds. Clustering the dog breeds into groups was based on similarities among breeds regarding their original function, the perception of various breeds in the public, and partly on the status of modern breeds of dogs
Key Results:
- Breeds labeled as “aggressive” were often less aggressive than expected.
- Mixed-breed dogs tended to show more aggression and more fear than many purebred dogs.
- Guarding breeds were more aggressive than breeds often seen as “potentially aggressive.”
- Male dogs were more aggressive than females—toward both people and animals.
What This Means
The research shows that common stereotypes about dog breeds may not be true. Instead of labeling certain breeds as dangerous, the study suggests using a broader and more informed approach that includes:
- Proper training
- Education for dog owners and the public
- Selective breeding
- Awareness of how people influence dog behavior
By understanding that context and environment matter, we can create better relationships with dogs and safer communities.
Source: Peťková, B., Skurková, L., Florián, M., Slivková, M., Kasičová, Z., & Kottferová, J. (2024). Variations in Canine Behavioural Characteristics across Conventional Breed Clusters and Most Common Breed-Based Public Stereotypes. Animals : an Open Access Journal from MDPI, 14 https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14182695
🐕 Understanding Dog Aggression: Key Findings from Casey et al.*
Learned Behavior, Not Just Genetics
Research by Casey et al. suggests that:
- Aggression in dogs often develops as a learned response to certain situations.
- It is not necessarily an inherent trait present in all individual dogs.
Age as a Risk Factor
- Aging in dogs may increase the risk of aggression.
- Older dogs showed a higher likelihood of aggressive behavior, especially toward strangers both inside and outside the home.
Breed-Specific Observations
- Hound dogs, in particular, may pose a greater risk of aggression toward family members.
Limitations of the Study
- The studied factors explained less than 10% of the differences between aggressive and non-aggressive dogs.
- This low percentage highlights that individual experiences and environment play a much larger role in the development of aggression.
Takeaway Message
- While general traits of certain dog breeds and their owners can influence aggression at a group level, it is not accurate or fair to predict aggression risk in individual dogs based solely on their breed.
*Casey, R.A.; Loftus, B.; Bolster, C.; Richards, G.J.; Blackwell, E.J. Human Directed Aggression in Domestic Dogs (Canis Familiaris): Occurrence in Different Contexts and Risk Factors. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2014, 152, 52–63. [Google Scholar]
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Sara is a passionate writer and an avid lover of Havanese dogs. With several years of experience in dog training, breeding, and care, she has developed a deep understanding and admiration for the Havanese breed. Sara’s mission is to provide valuable insights, resources, and tips to help Havanese dog owners provide the best possible care and nurturing for their beloved pets.
