Key points

Reflecting on the ideal canine companion helps avoid impulse dog acquisitions.

Breed-specific behavioral characteristics must be considered when choosing a dog.

Social media often distorts and downplays the challenges of certain dog breeds.

The ideal canine companion is one whose behavior aligns with owner expectations and lifestyle.

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 C

See Full Page