Published in Animal Cognition, the review by M. Aria, Alessandra Alterisio, Anna Scandurra, C. Pinelli, and B. D’Aniello investigated global research activity in canine cognitive and behavioral science. Using a bibliometric approach, the authors analyzed publication patterns over 34 years to determine how scholarly interest in dogs has evolved relative to broader behavioral science fields.
The analysis revealed a marked surge in scientific output after 2005, confirming the widespread perception that dogs have become a major focus of cognitive and behavioral research. This increase substantially exceeded general trends in behavioral science, indicating a unique acceleration in canine research activity.
Between 2006 and 2018, the authors conducted an in-depth mapping of research themes, collaboration patterns, countries of origin, and institutional affiliations. Using the bibliometrix R-tool, they examined thematic evolution, co-occurrence networks, and shifts in scientific focus, highlighting both stable research lines and emerging areas of inquiry.
The results demonstrate that changing research themes and the rise of new topics played a central role in expanding the scientific landscape. This diversification includes genetics, cognition, behavior, dog–human interaction, comparative psychology, and applied research in training and welfare.
The authors conclude that the growing academic interest in dogs reflects broader scientific, societal, and interdisciplinary motivations. Their work provides a valuable resource for researchers, offering insights into past trends while supporting the strategic development of future studies in canine cognition and behavior.
Source: Aria, M., Alterisio, A., Scandurra, A., Pinelli, C., & D’Aniello, B. (2020). The scholar’s best friend: research trends in dog cognitive and behavioral studies. Animal Cognition. Published November 21, 2020.
