How humans perceive canine pain may depend on breed stereotypes. In a survey of 28 dog breeds identified only by pictures, Gruen, White, and Hare (2020) asked both veterinarians and members of the general public to rate pain sensitivity.
Results showed that both groups consistently rated smaller dogs as more sensitive to pain. Public respondents also viewed breeds often associated with breed-specific legislation as less sensitive to pain. Strikingly, more than 90% of respondents believed that breed-level differences in pain perception exist, despite no physiological basis currently known.
The authors warn that such beliefs could shape how pain is recognized and treated in dogs, potentially leading to under- or over-treatment depending on breed stereotypes. This highlights the importance of evidence-based veterinary practice and awareness of how human bias can influence animal welfare decisions.
Source: Gruen, M., White, P., & Hare, B. A. (2020). Do dog breeds differ in pain sensitivity? Veterinarians and the public believe they do. PLoS ONE, 15. Published March 17, 2020.
