Old dog, new tricks: Age differences in dog personality traits, associations with human personality traits, and links to important outcomes

Publication date: Available online 15 February 2019Source: Journal of Research in PersonalityAuthor(s): William J. Chopik, Jonathan R. WeaverAbstractWork examining dog personality is relatively new, so the degree to which dog personality differs by age, predicts important dog outcomes, and is correlated with human personality is unclear. In a sample of 1,681 dogs (Mage = 6.44 years, SD = 3.82; 46.2% Female; 50% purebred) and their owners, older dogs were less active/excitable compared to younger dogs. Aggression toward people, responsiveness to training, and aggression toward other animals was highest among 6 to 8 year old dogs. Dog personality was associated with important dog outcomes—chronic health conditions, biting history, and human-dog relationships. We build on previous research by examining demographic differences in dog personality and associations between dog personality and outcomes for both dogs and humans.
Source: Journal of Research in Personality - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research