Dog aggression has long been studied through the lens of breed stereotypes, yet this approach oversimplifies a complex behavior. A recent study published in Estudos de Psicologia (Natal) critiques the dominance of breed-focused perspectives and proposes a more holistic framework for understanding aggression in domestic dogs.
The authors emphasize that aggression should be viewed as a social and communicative behavior, not merely a threat. They argue that factors such as skull morphology, size, weight, caretaker relationship, and cultural context must be considered to achieve a deeper understanding. By shifting from dichotomous, urban-Western views, the research promotes an inclusive approach that integrates biology, environment, and human influence.
This framework recognizes dogs as developing systems shaped by both their genetics and the environments in which they live. Such a paradigm shift can improve both scientific inquiry and practical management strategies, ultimately fostering safer and more empathetic human-dog interactions.
Moving beyond breed-based categorizations has the potential to reshape policies, training methods, and public attitudes, reducing the stigmatization of certain breeds while promoting evidence-based practices in canine behavior management.
Source: Ayrosa, F., Savalli, C., & Resende, B. (2024). Beyond Breeding: Re-Interpreting Paradigms in Domestic Dog Aggression Research. Estudos de Psicologia (Natal). Published November 12, 2024.
