The largest study on dog behavior to date, involving over 47,000 pets, has revealed significant connections between various factors like breed, size, sex, and age and their implications for canine traits and health. Conducted by researchers from Virginia Tech and the University of Washington, this comprehensive analysis provides crucial insights that could aid in identifying early signs of illness and improving training and welfare for dogs.
The study utilized data from the Dog Aging Project (DAP), which tracks the health and behaviors of tens of thousands of pet dogs across the United States. The research focused on 47,444 dogs enrolled between 2020 and 2023. Owners participated by completing the Health and Life Experience Survey (HLES), which included a modified version of the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire, known as C-BARQ.
Using a statistical method called principal component analysis (PCA), the researchers categorized dog behaviors into four main domains: fear, attention/excitability, aggression, and trainability. This enabled them to evaluate how these behaviors correlated with various factors, including breed, sex, size, spay/neuter status, life stage, and year of enrollment.
Key Findings on Dog Behavior and Health
Study co-lead and corresponding author, Dr. Courtney Sexton, a postdoctoral researcher at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, emphasized the significance of the findings. “With these data, we’re excited to have a starting point to monitor changes in the behaviors of tens of thousands of dogs as they age, helping us understand how behavior and health are linked,” she stated.
One notable observation was that dogs enrolled between 2021 and 2023 displayed lower trainability scores compared to those that joined in 2020. While fear scores remained relatively stable, dogs enrolled in 2022 showed a slight increase in attention/excitability. Aggression scores only dipped significantly in 2023, indicating variability rather than consistent trends over the years.
Mixed-breed dogs were found to exhibit higher levels of fear, attention, and aggression compared to their purebred counterparts, although they did not differ in trainability. Smaller dogs, defined as those weighing under 20 lb (approximately 9 kg), were reported to be more fearful and aggressive, while also being less trainable than larger dogs.
Puppies required more attention and were generally less fearful and aggressive than adults, but they were also less trainable compared to adult dogs. Interestingly, female dogs scored higher in trainability than males, and spayed or neutered dogs were rated as more fearful and aggressive than intact dogs, challenging the common belief that these procedures reduce aggression.
Regional Differences and Pandemic Impact
The study highlighted regional differences as well. For instance, dogs in the Midwest were reported to be more attention-seeking than those in other regions. Dr. Sexton noted that despite the changes in environment and routines during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were no substantial shifts in dogs’ overall behavioral profiles from year to year.
“The difference in reported trainability between the first year and the last year was the smallest of any in the averages,” she said. “This small statistical significance could indicate that dogs, or their owners, are bouncing back from conditions imposed during the pandemic.”
While the study provides valuable insights, it also has limitations. It primarily relied on owner-reported data, which may carry biases or inconsistencies. Factors such as household training styles, family stress during the pandemic, and owner experience were not directly measured. The study also included few intact dogs, which could affect the results. Importantly, the findings suggest correlations rather than causations between traits like breed and behaviors.
Overall, this extensive research establishes a foundational understanding of how dog behavior may change over time, particularly as dogs age. Notable behavioral shifts, such as increased fear or aggression, could serve as early indicators of health issues or cognitive decline. These insights are set to benefit trainers, veterinarians, and dog owners by allowing tailored approaches based on breed, size, or life stage.
The study has been published in the journal PLOS One, further contributing to the growing body of knowledge regarding canine health and behavior. Future research is needed to explore additional factors, including geographical location and health status, that may influence canine behavior over time.