A groundbreaking study involving more than 47,000 dogs has unveiled significant connections between canine behavior and health. Conducted by researchers from Virginia Tech and the University of Washington, this research provides a critical foundation for understanding how various factors, including breed, size, sex, and age, influence dog traits. The findings may help identify early signs of health issues and enhance training methods and overall welfare for dogs.
The research utilized data from the Dog Aging Project (DAP), which monitors the lives of pet dogs across the United States. Between 2020 and 2023, owners of 47,444 enrolled dogs completed the Health and Life Experience Survey (HLES), which included a concise version of the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). The study’s co-lead, Dr. Courtney Sexton, a postdoctoral researcher at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, expressed enthusiasm about the potential of this extensive data set.
Key Findings on Dog Behavior
The researchers employed a statistical method known as principal component analysis (PCA) to categorize dog behaviors into four main domains: fear, attention/excitability, aggression, and trainability. Statistical models assessed how these behaviors correlated with factors such as breed, sex, size, spay/neuter status, life stage, region, and year of enrollment.
The study revealed that dogs enrolled between 2021 and 2023 had lower trainability scores compared to those enrolled in 2020. While fear scores remained consistent across the years, dogs in 2022 exhibited slightly higher levels of attention/excitability. Notably, aggression scores in 2023 decreased significantly compared to 2020, though this trend was not consistent across all years.
Mixed-breed dogs generally scored higher in fear, attention, and aggression compared to purebreds, while smaller dogs—those under 20 lb (9 kg)—were reported to be more fearful and aggressive but less trainable than their larger counterparts. Puppies required more attention, were less fearful and aggressive, yet were also less trainable than adult dogs, although still more trainable than seniors. The data indicated that female dogs tend to be more trainable than males.
Implications for Dog Training and Health Monitoring
Interestingly, spayed or neutered dogs were found to be more fearful, more aggressive, and less trainable than intact dogs, challenging the common belief that such procedures reduce aggression. Service and therapy dogs reported lower aggression levels, while obedience-trained dogs outperformed pet dogs in trainability metrics.
Regional variations were also identified; for instance, dogs in the Midwest demonstrated higher attention-seeking behaviors compared to dogs in other regions. Dr. Sexton noted, “We saw that certain factors, such as a dog’s life stage, sex, and size, had some influence on their behavior.” She also highlighted that despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there were no significant changes in overall behavioral profiles year-to-year, suggesting resilience among dogs and their owners.
One limitation of the study is its reliance on owner-reported data, which may be subject to personal biases or inconsistencies. Factors such as training styles, family dynamics during the pandemic, and the experience of the owners were not directly measured. A notable absence of intact dogs in the study could also impact the generalizability of the findings.
Despite these limitations, this comprehensive study lays the groundwork for future research. Understanding behavioral shifts—such as changes in fear or aggression—could serve as early indicators of health problems or cognitive decline in dogs. Such insights will enable trainers, veterinarians, and owners to tailor their approaches based on breed, size, and life stage.
The study’s results are published in the journal PLOS One, marking a significant contribution to the field of canine health and behavior research. Further studies are necessary to explore how additional factors, including geographic location and health status, influence dog behavior over time.
