Veterinary behavioral medicine services in the United States have seen a steady stream of complex canine cases over the years. A 2022 study by K. Anderson and colleagues, published in Animals, presents a comprehensive analysis of 1923 behavior cases seen at a veterinary referral hospital from 1997 to 2017. The research focused on the types of behavioral issues presented, sources of the dogs, and breed trends.
The data show that aggression dominated the behavior caseload, accounting for 72.2% of cases. Anxiety-related behaviors (fears and phobias) followed at 20.1%, with miscellaneous issues comprising just 7.4%. Over time, there was a notable shift in dog acquisition trends: the number of dogs obtained from breeders decreased, while the number adopted from shelters and rescues or found as strays increased significantly (p < 0.0001).
Analysis of breed representation between 2007 and 2016 revealed that dogs from the Herding (p = 0.0124) and Terrier (p < 0.0001) groups were overrepresented in behavioral referrals when compared to the general hospital population. These findings suggest potential genetic predispositions in certain breed groups and point to the importance of targeted behavioral support for specific dog types.
The study also calls attention to the ongoing challenge of inconsistent behavioral terminology and diagnostic approaches across veterinary cases, which complicates comparison and standardization in the field. Nevertheless, the trends identified can inform future efforts in genetic research, public education, and behavioral intervention strategies.
Source: K. Anderson, Y. Yao, P. Perry, J. Albright, K. Houpt. Animals, Volume 12, February 25, 2022.
