Public perception of temperament in dogs may be influenced by working roles

Abstract

There are multi-factorial influences on people’s perception of the temperament of dogs, including a dog’s perceived role and abilities. Using a 5 point Lickert scale (very friendly – very aggressive), 463 students rated 3 dogs (Labrador, German shepherd and Airedale terrier) pictured alone and with 15 different categories of male and female handler, including assistance dog users, police, pet-owner and rough person. Identical photographs of each dog were used.

Overall the Labrador was rated as the friendliest. Dogs alone were rated as less friendly than when with a handler [Labrador (F(14,462)=8.589 P=.000), German shepherd (14,462)=6.513 P=.000), Airedale terrier (F(14,461)=7.587 P=.000)]. The type of handler also influenced the rating. Independent of handler, gender or breed of dog, dogs portrayed as assistance animals were rated as significantly more friendly than when portrayed as a police dog or owned by a rough individual. Conversely police dogs were rated as significantly less friendly.

The interesting point is that considerable significant mean differences in rating of handlers appear when adjusted for the (a) effect of the handler on the dog (b) the effect of prior rating of the dog alone on the rating of the dog with a handler and (c) the effect of a handler on rating the dog when controlling for effect of prior rating of the dog alone.

Full statistical analysis is available.

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ORCID for F. Bishop: orcid.org/0000-0002-8737-6662

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