Aggressive behavior in dogs poses risks for both people and animals, making it vital to understand its origins. Sartore et al. (2025) analyzed 19 studies published between 2000 and 2024 to assess how genetic and environmental factors contribute to canine aggression.
The review found that aggression is influenced by a polygenic basis—multiple genes, rather than a single one, affect aggressive tendencies. Environmental influences, including age, sex, and housing conditions, also played a significant role. However, many studies suffered from small sample sizes and inconsistent methods of measuring aggression, limiting the strength of conclusions.
Interestingly, while certain popular breeds were frequently studied, breeds often perceived as aggressive by the public were rarely included. This bias highlights the need for wider breed representation in future research. The authors conclude that better methodologies, larger sample sizes, and consistent definitions of aggression are needed to advance the field.
Understanding the complex interaction of genes and environment could lead to improved training, breeding practices, and public safety strategies, ultimately benefiting both humans and dogs.
Source: Sartore, S., Moretti, R., Chessa, S., & Sacchi, P. (2025). Genetic and Gene-by-Environment Influences on Aggressiveness in Dogs: A Systematic Review from 2000 to 2024. Animals, 15. Published August 1, 2025.
