Dogs undergo personality changes across their lifespan, much like humans. Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, this large-scale study by Lisa Wallis and colleagues examined how age, breed, sex, past trauma, and obedience experience affect key personality traits in dogs.
Researchers surveyed 1,207 dogs in Hungary, using the Dog Personality Questionnaire and detailed demographic data. Five major personality traits were assessed: Activity/Excitability, Fearfulness, Aggressiveness toward animals, Responsiveness to training, and Sociability. The results revealed that Activity/Excitability and trainability decreased with age, while aggressiveness peaked between 6 and 10 years. The most pronounced changes occurred in late senior dogs, likely reflecting both biological aging and owner behavioral adjustments.
Beyond age, obedience training emerged as a powerful factor shaping personality. Dogs with higher obedience scores displayed lower fearfulness and aggression and greater responsiveness and energy. This pattern was consistent across breeds and life stages. Additionally, dogs with previous trauma tended to score higher in fear and aggression, reinforcing the long-term emotional effects of adverse experiences.
Interestingly, time spent playing and interacting with owners mediated the relationship between age and trainability—showing that regular engagement can offset age-related declines in motivation. The findings highlight the vital role of positive human–dog interactions and structured training in maintaining both emotional health and cognitive vitality throughout a dog’s life.
Source: Wallis, L., Szabó, D., & Kubinyi, E. (2020). Cross-Sectional Age Differences in Canine Personality Traits; Influence of Breed, Sex, Previous Trauma, and Dog Obedience Tasks. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 6. Published January 14, 2020.
