New research out of La Trobe University has confirmed the characteristics we seek in the ideal companion dog. Power and colleagues surveyed over 300 adults to explore the preferred traits and characteristics sought in the ideal dog companion. Participants were asked to rate the importance of behaviors reflecting the following characteristics of dogs:

Calm and Obedient (the dog travels calmly in the car or walks without pulling)
Inhibitory Control (the dog is not overly excitable, does not dig inappropriately, and does not eat other animals’ faeces)
Energy and Drive (enjoys a lot of exercise, is constantly attentive to me)
Non-Aggressive and Safe (the dog does not growl at strangers, does not fight with other dogs)
Affectionate and Healthy (the dog enjoys being cuddled, shows affection, and lives to be at least 10 years old)

Their findings, which replicate previous research, revealed that the ideal dog is described by participants as:

My ideal dog is not destructive when left alone for long periods
My ideal dog is physically healthy
My ideal dog is fully housetrained
My ideal dog does not escape from my property

My ideal dog is safe with children

Taken together, participants are seeking a dog that has reliable “citizenship,” they’re able to behave in both home and public contexts in predictable and reliable ways. Their behavior doesn’t create additional hardship for the owner and allows the owner to trust their dog will not be destructive or cause harm.

When Dogs Are Relinquished

Findings from previous studies suggest that we prioritize a dog’s behavioral traits over their physical features. Physical characteristics, however, still carry weight in the decision to add a dog to one’s family. As Powers and her team remark: “The ideal dog was identified as medium-sized, with a short, low- or non-shedding coat, and acquired as a puppy from a shelter or a rescue organization.”

Things often go awry when dogs are acquired impulsively and with disregard for the breed and the known characteristics of the breed that might present challenges (a French Bulldog who has chronic respiratory issues or the hyperactive Border Collie struggling to adapt to apartment life). Further, we see owner misconceptions about the breed creating and contributing to unrealistic expectations. Added to this, hyperactive, anxious, and or aggressive dogs are quick to be returned.

Social Media Distorting Preferences for Dogs

In contextualizing their research, Powers and her colleagues discuss how social media plays a role in shaping (and distorting) our preferences for dog companions. Discussing the rise of dog profiles on social media and the prevalence and popularity of certain small breed dogs, they write: “Audiences may be attracted to these breeds due to perceiving them as toy-like or infantile-looking, but the curated portrayal of pets on social media can mislead consumers and may cause them to underestimate the associated care demands.”

Our notion of the ideal dog is undoubtedly shaped by social media, combined with other factors. In our work in the B.A.R.K. lab at the University of British Columbia, where we have 70+ therapy dogs supporting the well-being of college students, we often see students drawn to a dog resembling their childhood dog when given the option to interact with multiple dogs. We’ll often hear students share statements such as, “This reminds me of being back home and in the living room with my dog.” Might our experiences with childhood dogs unwittingly influence how we select a new dog?

Seeing Potential in New Dogs

Absent from our discussion so far is the notion that when one seeks out a canine companion, one must look for potential. Does the dog have the potential to develop and build the characteristics and skills one is seeking in a dog? Let’s admit, it is highly unlikely that a newly acquired dog (regardless of the source) will possess all the ideal or desired characteristics outlined in this study. However, the characteristics identified by Power and colleagues serve as informative guidelines that can shape how people evaluate the dogs they’re considering adding to their family. Notably, one would ask: “Does this dog have the potential to develop into an ideal dog companion?” A great deal of joy can be derived from seeing a dog learn and thrive in response to training, care, and love as they work toward embodying the characteristics identified in this post.

Our canine companions, like us, have their quirks and habits (albeit some that are tough and resistant to change), and their companionship doesn’t always arrive within the context of neatly packaged behavioral patterns. Rather, behaviors can be initially absent, clunky in their development and delivery, and can require ample understanding, patience, and encouragement to refine. Those of us with dogs know this already, but for those considering adding a dog to the family, especially a first dog, rest assured that the rewards outweigh the inconveniences. Readers considering adding a new canine family member are encouraged to leverage the characteristics identified by Power and her colleagues as they seek out, evaluate, and consider applicants for the position of “the ideal canine companion.”