Dogs have long been beloved companions, but people’s views of them have evolved significantly. While they were once primarily considered pets or working animals, many modern dog owners now see their dogs as family members, friends, or even children. A new study from the Department of Ethology at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) explores how these evolving perceptions affect the daily lives of dogs and their human companions.

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From Pets to Family

In recent decades, a noticeable shift has occurred in how dogs are perceived, especially in Western cultures. More and more, dogs are being viewed as cherished family members, with some owners even considering them as their children. This change coincides with demographic trends such as smaller families and decreasing birth rates. As loneliness and social isolation have become more common, dogs have filled the emotional gap, providing companionship and affection.

While this societal trend has been widely observed, little scientific research has been done into how it impacts dogs themselves—until now. The researchers at ELTE aimed to explore how the roles attributed to dogs—whether they are seen as companions, guardians, or family members—affect the care and welfare of the animals.

Insights Into the Roles Dogs Play

The study, published in Scientific Reports, involved a survey of around 800 dog owners. The research team aimed to understand the different roles owners attribute to their dogs and how these perceptions influence their behavior and care practices.

The results showed that most owners had a deep emotional connection to their dogs. Nearly all participants (97.6%) valued physical contact with their dogs, 93.7% appreciated the unconditional love their dogs gave them, and 88.4% enjoyed their dogs’ appearance. However, not all owners benefitted equally from their dogs’ social interactions. 24.3% stated that they didn’t benefit much from their dog’s social interactions.

When asked to define their dog’s role, owners could choose multiple roles, such as friend, family member, child, companion, and security guard. Interestingly, three distinct owner profiles emerged:

• The Dual Role Owners: These owners viewed their dogs as practical workers (security guards or colleagues) and emotionally essential companions. These dogs were obedient and often trained using positive reinforcement methods like clicker training. The breeds of this group were typically working dogs, such as Border Collies, Belgian Shepherds, and German Shepherds.
• The “Dog Parents”: These owners treated their dogs almost like children. They formed close emotional bonds with their dogs but didn’t focus much on practical roles. “Dog parents” typically housed their dogs indoors and often preferred breeds such as Border Collies, Vizslas, Boxers, and Dachshunds.
• The Companionship Seekers: For these owners, dogs were primarily for companionship, without much expectation of functional tasks. This group tended to prefer breeds like the Mudi, English Cocker Spaniel, and Labrador Retriever. These owners spent less time with their dogs daily and were typically older.

Breeds and Their Roles

The study also highlighted the relationship between certain dog breeds and their roles in their owners’ lives. For example:

• Working Breeds: Dogs bred for specific tasks, such as Border Collies and German Shepherds, were often attributed with practical and emotional roles. These dogs were highly trainable and suited for collaborating with their owners.
• Companion Breeds: Breeds like the English Cocker Spaniel and Labrador Retriever were often seen as companions. While these dogs also formed strong bonds with their owners, they were less likely to perform functional roles like service or working duties.

The Impact of Roles on Canine Welfare

An important aspect of the study was examining whether the roles assigned to dogs affected their behavior and welfare. While some behavioral issues, such as jumping up, territoriality, or fearfulness, were reported, no direct correlation was found between these behaviors and the roles assigned to the dogs.

Interestingly, the study noted that dogs’ welfare did not appear to be negatively impacted by their being viewed as family members or children. This suggests that as long as dogs are treated with love, care, and attention, being regarded as a “dog parent” or companion does not adversely affect their health or behavior.

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The Generational Shift in Dog-Owner Relationships

The study also suggests a generational shift in how people perceive their relationship with their dogs. Younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are more likely to view their dogs as children, which could reflect broader societal changes, such as delayed parenthood and increased social isolation.

The study’s findings also emphasize that the roles dogs play do not necessarily determine their welfare—what truly matters is the love, care, and attention they receive. As the relationship between humans and dogs continues to evolve, further research will be needed to explore the long-term effects of these shifting dynamics on both animal and human well-being.

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