They have been loyal companions for up to 40,000 years, earning the nickname “man’s best friend.”
However, a new study suggests that not all dog species are equal when it comes to getting along with humans.
The University of Helsinki researchers have identified the dog varieties with the highest and lowest levels of human sociability.
According to their findings, bull-type terriers, teacup dogs, and golden retrievers are officially “man’s best friend.”
In contrast, livestock guardian canines, primitive Asian breeds, and primitive sighthounds are the least enthusiastic about our company.
The purpose of the study was to examine the personality differences between dog varieties.
Dr. Milla Salonen, the study’s main author, stated that the breed of the dog is the most significant factor underlying personality differences.
Each dog is an individual, and each breed has unique characteristics, but the breeds vary in the type of personality that the majority of canines within each breed possess.
The team compiled a massive behavioral survey database containing data on 11,000 canines of 300 distinct breeds.
The data revealed a strong correlation between seven personality traits and breed.
These were anxiety, training focus, aggressiveness/dominance, vitality, dog sociability, human sociability, and persistence.
Bull-type terriers topped the list for human friendliness, followed by teacup dogs, Golden Retrievers, Jack Russell Terriers, and Dachshunds.
In contrast, livestock guardian dogs, Asian primitive varieties, primitive sighthounds, and Northern hunting spitzes were found to be the least social with humans.
