From time to time, debates resurface about what the “ideal dog” would be. Not the prettiest or the most photogenic, but the one who fits harmoniously into the lives of the people she lives with. The question, which may seem simple, has been examined using science. A team from La Trobe University (Australia) analyzed What traits do humans value most? about their canine companions and what expectations lie behind these preferences. The result, beyond the anecdotal, says a lot about how we understand coexistence with other species.
The study asked more than 300 adults which describe the characteristics of the ideal dog. The responses, which largely coincide with previous research, paint a picture of a calm, predictable and “safe” animal. Participants particularly appreciated the dogs calm and obedient (able to walk without pulling on the leash or causing drama in the car), with good self-control abilityA moderate energythe absence of aggressive behavior and affectionate disposition.
In short, what the participants captured is what we might call a ‘good canine citizen’someone who behaves reliably both at home and in public spaces, who does not generate conflicts or shocks and whose company is comfortable, even in complex human contexts.
When expectations collide with reality
The problem, as the authors remind us, is not to aspire to peaceful coexistence, but to believe that these traits constitute a standard. A good part of the abandonments or returns to shelters can be explained precisely by a gap between what people expect and what the dog really is. When an animal is acquired impulsively, without being informed of the typical behavior of the breed or individual, disagreement is almost inevitable. A border collie who requires hours of mental activity will not easily adapt to being left alone for hours and sedentary routines, regardless of his condition.
The study also highlights that, even if behavioral characteristics weigh more than physical characteristics in choosing the “ideal dog”, appearance always has its influence. On average, respondents described the perfect dog as medium sized, with short fur and little shedding, preferably adopted as a puppy and from a shelter or rescue. A portrait which also reveals a cultural change, where a purebred dog is no longer sought after for prestige, but rather as a functional companion, easy to maintain and emotionally manageable.
Social networks and mirages
However, Australian researchers point to a recent phenomenon that distorts this equation: social networks. Accounts dedicated to dogs with a neat fluffy appearance or miniaturized and expressive breeds have increased the perception that certain animals are easier to care for and more tender than the others. Hyper-edited images and short videos reinforce an infantilized aesthetic, which hides the real issues of taking care of them. As the authors warn, this visual romanticization can be misleading, because behind those enormous eyes and apparent docility lie breeds with genetic predispositions to anxiety, physical frailty, or excessive dependence.
On the other hand, the influence of nostalgia also weighs. Research mentions how many people tend to choose dogs that remind them of their childhoodreproducing emotional connections rather than rational decisions. This is not a minor phenomenon, as illustrated by the case of a dog-assisted therapy laboratory, the BARK Laboratory at the University of British Columbia, where it was observed that students frequently choose to interact with dogs that evoke images of the dog they grew up with, as if seeking a familiar emotional anchor. This connection can be powerful, but it also shifts the choice away from emotion and not compatibility.
The ideal dog is nowhere to be found: he is built
If the Australian research shows anything clear, it’s that the perfect dog, as a concept, does not exist. What exists is potential. Animals do not come home with an instruction manual or with all the desirable traits already developed. Obedience, calmness or security are not innate attributes, but skills that They are cultivated with time, patience and understanding.
The study invites us to change our approach. It is not a question of looking for a dog that meets a list of requirements, but rather of recognizing in it a capacity for learning and adaptation. As the authors point out, much of the pleasure of living with a dog comes precisely from the process of shared growth, from seeing how an insecure or impulsive animal learns, trusts and transforms with the right support.
This perspective also helps deconstruct the dangerous idea that canine behaviors must automatically conform to human expectations. Docility, calm or the absence of annoying behaviors are not natural attributes, but the result of a respectful and coherent relationship. And when this basis is not given, the problem is not with the dog, but with the lack of understanding between the species.
Reference:
- The ideal canine companion: re-exploring Australian perspectives on ideal companion dog characteristics. Emma S. Power, Jessica Dawson and Pauleen C. Bennett. Animals (2024)
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