[Animals] The scariest dog breeds you can find, according to a study

[Wassim]

Social fear in dogs is particularly associated with fear related to unfamiliar humans and dogs.

Fear is one of the most common behavioral disorders in dogs. But when the fear is excessive and disturbs the life of the dog, it is called a behavioral problem.

That feeling in excess can significantly affect the well-being of the dog and is also known to weaken the relationship between the dog and the owner. Social fear in dogs is particularly associated with fear related to unfamiliar humans and dogs.

Risk factors that predispose dogs to social fear were investigated at the University of Helsinki with the help of a data set of almost 6,000 dogs.

The data set was selected from a larger data set, a behavioral survey that covered almost 14,000 dogs.

According to the survey, which was published in Nature, inappropriate socialization of puppies to various situations and stimuli had the strongest link to social fear. The living environment also seems to make a difference, as dogs living in urban settings were observed to be more fearful than dogs living in rural settings.

“This hasn't actually been previously investigated in dogs. What we do know is that human mental health problems occur more frequently in the city than in rural areas. However, more studies are needed before more can be said about causes related to the living environment," says Jenni Puurunen, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Supporting evidence from previous research, social fear was shown to be more common among neutered females and small dogs.

Along with size and gender, activity is another factor associated with fear. The fearful dogs were less active than the bolder ones, and their owners also engaged them in training and other activities much less frequently.

Professor Hannes Lohi of the University of Helsinki speculates whether this is a cause or a consequence.

“Activity and stimuli have already been found to have a positive effect on behavior, both in dogs and humans. Of course, the lesser activity of fearful dogs may also be because their owners want to avoid exposing their dogs to stressful situations. It may be that people just aren't as active with fearful dogs,” Lohi says.

In addition, the study identified significant differences between races.

Spanish Water Dogs and Shetland Sheepdogs expressed the most social fear, while Wheaten Terriers were among the bravest breeds.

The Cairn Terrier and Pembroke Welsh Corgi expressed very little fear of other dogs.

 

The scariest dog breeds

Labrador retriever, Spanish Water Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, Lagotto Romagnolo.

Wheaten Terrier, Long-haired Collie, Staffordshire bull terrier, Shetland Sheepdog.

German Shepherd, Miniature Schnauzer.

 

"Differences between races support the idea that genes have an effect on fear, as well as many other mental health problems," Lohi summarizes. "Overall, this study gives us tools to improve our best friend's well-being: Diverse puppyhood socialization, an active lifestyle, and carefully selected parenting choices can significantly decrease social fear," she adds.

 

https://www.eluniverso.com/larevista/sociedad/las-razas-de-perros-mas-miedosos-que-puedes-encontrar-segun-un-estudio-nota/