This document summarizes a research article that reviewed scientific studies on behavioral differences between dog breeds. The summary finds that while some studies have found behavioral differences, particularly in aggression, the research has been inconsistent and most breeds have not been sufficiently explored. More standardized and controlled experiments are needed to better understand breed behaviors and how genetics and environment impact traits like aggression. The research to date has limitations and cannot make definitive conclusions about behavioral stereotypes of breeds.

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Behavioral differences among breeds of domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris):
Current status of the science
(Mehrkam, & Wynne, 2014)
Kasandra E. Keenan
Animal Behaviour
Durham College

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Abstract
It is common knowledge that all breeds of dogs are very different. In most cases it is the
behaviour of each that stands out. The article stated “that breeds of dogs differ
behaviourally in substantial, consistent and predictable ways” (Mehrkam & Wynne,
2014). It has always been a questionable topic whether behaviour differences exist
between different breeds of dogs. The article I have chosen, Behavioural differences
among breeds of domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), and reviews the findings of
breed differences in behaviour through methodologies including temperament traits and
cognitive abilities. Scientific evidence has shown there is some behavioural difference in
dog breeds and breed groups, especially in the area of aggression, temperament, and
reactivity. There has been within-breed differences measured that show behavioural
aggression as well. Scientific literature has examined behaviour from an aggression point
of view comparing breed to breed, and breed within-breed. The experiments done have
been based on the traits of a breed and the methodology used to assess these traits. There
is enough evidence to indicate that different breeds have different traits, and behaviours.
There has not been enough consistency in the experimental findings and the recognized
breed standards. This brings us to another topic of discussion. How do we recognize a
breed standard? This article discusses both the strengths and weakness on the behavioural
research. It also points out that further research is necessary. If we are to understand
behaviour among dogs, then more experimentation and research must be completed and
there must be a common ground for the comparison.
Keywords: dog, behavioural, aggression, breeds, scientific, experiment

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Behavioral differences among breeds of domestic dogs
Lindsay R. Mehrkam, & Clive D.L. Wynne (2014). Behavioral differences among breeds of
domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris): Current status of the science. Applied Animal Behaviour
Science
Introduction
This article studies many different areas in dog behaviour. “It is obvious that breed
differences in behaviour are both real and important in magnitude” (Mehrkam & Wynne, 2014).
National and International Kennel Clubs have helped establish the division of canines into proper
breed groups according to their behavioural traits and historical roles. Over the past century dog
breeds have grown, but they still have not done enough research on the behavioural
characteristics that make these breeds. Dog breeding has become an art! Humans have
selectively chosen dogs with different behaviours, and bred these dogs to give them a new breed.
Breeders feel they have come up with a unique canine that has characteristics that are favorable.
What really is happening is over the years the breeds that are crossbred are producing new
breeds. Domestic dogs and the breeds that make up the subspecies are now being researched in a
much broader sense. Subspecies is the production of an offspring, genetically, who is seen below
the original breed. Human selection has produced new breeds of dogs, but it has also produced
new problems in behavioural traits. Canis lupus familiaris basically means and comes from the
historical saying mans best friend. Different breeds have different and consistent behavioural
problems due to human’s selection.
The goal of this article is to research and find information that will discuss the differences
between breeds of dogs in temperament and cognitive abilities. Scientific research and the

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findings need to be examined on the behavioural changes in the different breeds and whether or
not the breeds differ considerably or systematically. To prove behavioural differences exist based
on the different dog breeds, you have to consider the breed’s origin, the different methods used
for measuring the behaviour, the scientific literature, whether it has been validated and is
appropriate, the history of the breed tested, and how much the breed has been explored.
The hypothesis is when comparing the behavior of dogs within the same breed group and
comparing different breed groups. There is a significant, notable difference in the behaviour with
in the same breed. Secondly, there is a scientific conclusion for the trait that is being measured.
The trait must be by the breed standard. The final area of the hypothesis states areas of research
that need more investigation based on breed differences in behaviour. All creditable findings are
important as behaviour has never been totally understood. Possibly now a lot of our questions
will be answer based on scientific data that has been completed, a comparison of the data, and
most importantly they must use a common ground and appropriate method. Stereotyping of
breeds will hopefully someday be replaced by scientific data generated by behavioural
comparisons of all the studies.
Methodology
This article is based on empirical studies, Veterinary Databases, owner C-BARQ surveys,
Behaviourist, Obedience Judges, American Kennel Club (AKC), Fédération Cynologique
Internationale (FCL), literature novels (scientific), dog bite statistics and websites. All of the
articles experiments were collected, compared, and in some cases charted. Data collected was
compiled to form the article I am now discussing. From all the surveys and data that was
collected and compared, the researchers were looking for consistencies, and areas of strength. If

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some of the data on behaviour, based on a breed, was scientifically proven, this would allow
further investigation to continue and thus, answer meaningful questions regarding aggression and
how to work with it or the dominant trait. The technique used was science and the evaluation of
most breeds.
Conclusions were drawn from the comparison of breeds, aggression, cognitive ability,
emotional reactivity, and trainability. The AKC has divided behavioural research dogs into seven
groups based on the canine’s historical role and behavioural traits. The FCI also divided canine
according to their designated traits that make the breed popular, into ten group titles. This helped
categorize these dogs. The empirical studies showing breed differences in behaviour have been
based on the categories put forth from the AKC and FCI. This has allowed researchers to find
accurate analysis based on their traits, under proper group titles. The conclusion based on all the
data proved that more scientific, investigated research is needed to aid the professionals
attending to the breeds. Many are in agreement that dog breeds differ in their behaviour and it is
measureable and at times predictable.
Results
Canine aggression is definitely a major problem, and has scientifically been proven to be
one of the largest areas of concern in canine behavior. They found aggression to be worse when
it was compared in specific breeds. A lot of the testing and test results that were compared are
irrelevant due to the fact that the professionals used different methologies on different behaviour
traits. There must be more research done, but all research done must follow the same protocol
(same technique).

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One of the largest studies in temperament and personality involved data from 48
veterinarians and 48 obedience judges, “they ranked seven breeds chosen randomly from 56
breeds of dogs on 13 behavioral traits. A subsequent cluster analysis revealed that of 13 these
traits, aggression, emotional reactivity and trainability were found to account for the most
variance between breeds” (Draper, 1995; Hart and Hart, 1985). Not only did researchers look for
positive links among the breeds explaining aggression, but genetically they had hoped to find
some answers that explained serious temperaments. It seems that the behaviour of aggression is
more noticeable when comparing dogs within the same breed. This could be from over stimuli
and overbreeding, or environmental factors. The history of the canine is also a factor in results.
Categorizing breeds based on aggression, temperament factors, has not been scientifically proven
and at this point it cannot be considered. Conclusions will continue to evolve as long as we
continue to investigate and in time perhaps eliminate further stereotype conclusions.
Stereotyping behaviour is based solely on fictional results, rather than the true knowledge of
science.
Discussion
The article was done to investigate an ongoing and serious problem facing us today,
aggression! There are many types of aggression including Owner-directed aggression, Stranger-
directed aggression and Dog-directed aggression. When studying the aggression among different
breeds, and using all data comparing dog bite statistics, surveys from dog owners, surveys from
veterinarians and animal behaviourists, researchers have to consider where the aggression comes
from. Is the aggression worse when we compared breed to breed or within the same breed? All
the scientific information shows that within the same breed the aggression is much worse.
Owner based surveys using the C-BARQ in the USA, Japan and Taiwan have shown there is a

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huge difference in breeds that show owner-directed aggression. The highest level of owner-
directed aggression and dog bites was seen in small to medium dogs. This included snapping at
children. The information is not reliable, as the children could have been taunting the dog in
some way. Breeds that ranked high for stranger-directed aggression, were consistent using the C-
BARQ by owner surveys, but were not consistent through experimental results. Dog related
aggression has been documented clearly and most experiments found that breeds were likely to
develop linear dominance hierarchy. This represents the strong, will minded dog that is called
the Alpha. Surveys done on aggression that were completed by dog owners were not consistent
with the stereotype percentage on the traits from a particular breed.
Research also looked at the trainability of our canine friends. Trainability is how well the
dog listens and learns activities we want them to succeed at. Aggression and emotional reactivity
has had more attention in the research area, but experimental studies and surveys have shown
that the research that was done has not been completely accurate or consistent. Trainability is
very important because we use these canines daily as working dogs. An example being dogs
assist the physically impaired or are police dogs. It is very cost effective when you can predict
behavioural traits. Training is also important because it gives working dogs a great amount of
responsibility and respectable roles in the working field. Extraversion and training focus were the
only differences detected between the seven breed groups that are recognized by Australian
National Kennel Council. The easiest breeds to train and work with are the herding breeds.
Cognition is the way an animal understands, and their abilities. Cognition is studied
through experiments. This area has also had less research attention, compared to temperament.
Canines cognitive abilities have been studied in domestic dogs in two areas “the tasks that
involve non-human stimuli and tasks that involve human interaction or response to human cues”

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(Mehrkam & Wynne, 2014). Among the dogs that were studied, Cocker Spaniels performed the
worst on a constant basis. Wire-Haired Fox Terriers, Beagles, and Shetland sheepdog performed
at a higher rank. To prove cognitive ability when comparing breed to breed, the subject must be
as similar as possible. There should be a standardized test that all breeds should take.
Through surveys and indirect assessment methods, breed differences will more than
likely be reported and discussed, than investigative experimental studies. This applies to
temperament traits being easier to assess versus cognitive abilities. Survey and indirect
assessment studies normally are done when trying to measure temperament, aggression and
trainability, while direct assessments using startle tests are done to measure the temperament at
dog shows. The studies done on aggression, trainability and emotional reactivity are not ideal
for showing the differences between dog breeds.
A lot of these studies have been helpful in some ways. Some of these studies show huge
differences or similarities in behavior within dog breeds. This could be caused by environmental
differences and experiences throughout the dog’s life. Different geographic areas and the
environment play a major roll on how the dog’s temperament traits will be. An example of this is
“a personality questionnaire for dog owners and trainers in Hungary, that looked at stranger-
directed sociability, activity, aggressiveness and trainability. Hungarian Vizsla and the German
Shepherd Dog had no differences between them” (Mirko et al, 2012). Also, a dog`s
temperament will differ among dogs that have been bred for field work, or show. To date,
published data on breed differences in temperament traits has had large numbers to observe, but
they used indirect methods. More research needs to be conducted in this area to look at the
inconsistencies reported among the popular owner-based surveys.

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The hypothesis stated that the behaviour between dogs of the same breed showed more
aggression and also the difference measuring certain breed traits was scientific, accurate and
within the breed standard for a given breed. I feel and the author has stated that contrary to the
hypothesis, breed standards are largely unconfirmed. The majority of breeds haven`t been
explored and very little is actually known about certain breeds. You cannot judge a breed if you
know very little about the breed. Known literature about breed differences and behaviour shows
that gene grouping breeds are not validated by behavioural research. The data that has been
illustrated and compared will indeed led to further investigation. The fact that I am addressing
this article proves that individuals are interested in our number one concern, aggression. We as a
group can make a difference and offer a resolution to this ongoing problem among all canine.
From this article I have observed different behaviour based on many issues. Aggression
is a definite problem in today`s society. We see it daily walking our own dogs. Within breed
aggression seems to be quite obvious, but further scientific research is needed. Survey- based
studies seem to be much easier to acquire information to compare and account for. But, if we
use this form of data to make assumptions, there must be a baseline to measure new statistics
from. There also must be uniformity in all studies so that statistics are comparable and done
relatively the same so that the information being shared is accurate. Moreover, in order for any
scientific research or study to make a statement on its own, be comparable and accurate,
common means must be used. Also, I noticed of all the breeds used, we know very little about
every breed. Thus, aggression, temperament, cognitive ability and trainability cannot be accurate
or assessed without using all of the breeds. Breed distinction is important and there should be a
uniform category for each breed. Scientific research using a proper number of dogs, proper
grouping, proper stimuli, and close observation is necessary to ensure our data is complete.

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Using owners can be bias and all like to think their dog is the best. All canines are unique, the
best. Possibly forming a research board made up of professionals, thinking, acting along the
same lines, could benefit us when comparing data. More time and energy is needed to truly get
to the true meaning of aggression. I would encourage scientists to do more experiments using
proper professionals. Neurological issues can be a true point as to aggressiveness. It also needs
further investigation. I do feel that if most of the studies were in a controlled atmosphere and
monitored more closely, with relatively ideal circumstances, the data compiled could stand firm
and be more accurate. Perhaps a behaviourist could directly make a proper chart for assessments
regarding aggression among the same breed and when comparing different breeds. This
definitely would be worth addressing.
Critique
A noted consistent problem was that very little data was measured and most tests were of
different durations and had little similarities. They repeatedly stated that further investigation
was necessary. As stated in my prior paragraph, perhaps there should be a governing body of
specialists brought forth on behalf of the professionals to address the aggression based on breed
diversity, and breed standards. The results would indeed be very conclusive and measured. All
tests, scientific research, scientific experiments must have proper guide lines and rules.
Scientific research at Universities and Colleges would be an asset if part of their
curriculum. This could have great advantages for all dogs. The fact that it was a learning centre
and compiled documentation reviewed by professionals, this would be better and scientifically
might stand on its own. Financially this would be beneficial to. Using proper technique will
allow us to determine major factors that set aggression as one of our biggest concerns.

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Conclusion
Reviewing literature, scientific data, veterinary and public safety records indicate that
there is indeed a behaviour difference among different breeds. Through scientific proof there are
behavioural issues such as aggression, among the dogs within the same breed. The breed
differences regulating behaviour are indeed genetic and environmental. It is obvious that breed
groups are different in many ways, but there is not enough scientific data to say this for certain.
Genetics, history, terrain, geographical locations are a few reasons why aggression is hard to
measure and report on. Although experiments done here are important, it is important for other
countries to work and share their information with us. All professionals who work with canine
need to agree on matters that concern the public with regards to safety from behavioural
disturbances. Having an International Study compiled is a wonderful idea and a way of studying
all worldly breeds. Also certain breeds are only available in certain countries. Animal lovers
must work together to have a positive reaction and understanding. Professionals must educate
owners, who in return will be able to work closely with their canine to properly correct
aggression dominance and problems properly, and safely. A happy, healthy canine is a happy
owner.
It is the responsibility of professionals to examine and make true statements. The
professionals must work in a unison manner for any scientific results to stand and make a
difference. Behaviourists, dog owners, veterinarians, obedience trainers, animal handlers, animal
legislatures are to name a few who need to step up and be the voice so more data is available and
that the data is accurate and reliable.

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References
Lindsay R. Mehrkam, & Clive D.L. Wynne (2014). Behavioral differences among breeds
of domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris): Current status of the science. Applied Animal
Behaviour Science

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Appendix