In a study published in Scientific Reports in **April 2021**, researchers led by **Amanda Höglin** investigated how **long-term stress in dogs** is influenced by their relationship with their human companions and the psychological traits of those companions. The team measured **hair cortisol concentrations (HCC)**—a biomarker for chronic stress—in both dogs and their owners to evaluate physiological synchrony over time.
The researchers found that while certain dog breeds, particularly those historically bred for **close cooperation with humans**, displayed inherent tendencies for stress synchrony, the **strength of the owner-dog bond** played a larger role in predicting long-term stress levels. Dogs whose owners scored high in **neuroticism** also showed elevated HCC, pointing to a **personality-linked stress transmission** effect.
Interestingly, the study revealed that **dogs mirror their owner’s stress patterns**, supporting the idea that dogs are not just reactive to immediate environments but are also sensitive to the **emotional climate shaped by their human caretakers**. Moreover, stress synchrony was more evident in situations where the **owner-dog relationship was characterized by closeness and high emotional investment**.
This research adds to a growing body of evidence that **emotional bonds between humans and dogs can have physiological impacts**, and that these impacts may be magnified in breeds selected for social cooperation. The findings also suggest that managing an owner’s own stress and emotional health could be a key factor in improving their dog’s long-term wellbeing.
Source: Höglin, A., Van Poucke, E., Katajamaa, R., Jensen, P., Theodorsson, E., & Roth, L. (2021). Long-term stress in dogs is related to the human–dog relationship and personality traits. Scientific Reports, 11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-88702-w
