Three Things to Know
Researchers surveyed both domestically reared dog owners and former street dog owners in Denmark, concluding that while former street dogs exhibited a higher level of fear and aggression, the difference was not substantial.
However, a separate survey of Danish veterinarians found that the vast majority agreed that imported dogs exhibited more problematic behaviors and opposed the import of dogs from other countries, citing concerns about disease transmission and the preparedness of Danish owners to handle former street dogs.
Researchers believe that this discrepancy could be driven by the stressful environment of vet clinics, the timing of veterinary visits (immediately after adoption), and the ethical obligations of veterinarians to protect the domestic dog population.
The Full Picture
Street dogs are a common sight in Southern and Eastern Europe, often perceived as a public health and safety risk due to potential disease transmission and aggressive behavior. To counter euthanasia and mistreatment, organizations in Northern Europe, particularly Denmark, import these dogs for adoption. As of 2019, Denmark had 29 organizations importing street dogs, primarily from Greece and Bosnia-Herzegovina, totaling over 5,000 dogs since 2001. On the other hand, Norway banned these imports in 2018 due to health concerns and unreliable health data.
Behavioral issues are prevalent in domestic dogs, often leading to relinquishment or euthanasia. Former street dogs (FS) face unique behavioral challenges stemming from their traumatic pasts, including abuse and harsh shelter conditions. As such, veterinarians often express concerns about disease transmission related to FS dog imports. However, past studies suggest that while many FS dogs initially exhibit fear, they can adapt well to family life.
This study, titled “Comparing Behavioural Problems in Imported Street Dogs and Domestically Reared Danish Dogs—The Views of Dog Owners and Veterinarians”, aimed to compare behavioral problems in FS dogs with those of domestically reared dogs (RD) in Denmark. The specific objectives were to: 1) examine a range of behavioral issues reported by owners of FS and RD dogs; 2) identify the most common behavioral issues in FS dogs as observed by veterinarians; and 3) investigate discrepancies in the reporting of FS dog behavior problems between owners and veterinarians. The researchers hypothesized that FS dogs would exhibit more behavioral problems due to their adverse past experiences compared to RD dogs in Denmark.
Study Methods
Questionnaire to Danish Dog Owners
A questionnaire was designed to compare the behavior of former street dogs (FS) and domestically reared dogs (RD) in Denmark, as reported by their owners. The survey collected data on owner demographics, dog characteristics, and specific behavioral issues, such as fear, aggression, and destructive behavior. The survey was distributed online, from November 2019 to March 2020, to dog owners, particularly those owning FS dogs.
Questionnaire to Danish Veterinarians
A questionnaire was designed to gather veterinarians’ insights into the behavior and importation of former street (FS) dogs in Denmark. The survey collected data on veterinarian demographics, practice details, and experience with FS dogs. It focused on behavioral issues observed in FS dogs, including euthanasia rates due to behavioral problems. The questionnaire was informed by interviews with experts in the field and was distributed to Danish veterinarians in June 2019.
Study Results
Questionnaire to Danish Owners
A total of 3,020 Danish dog owners participated in the survey, representing all regions of Denmark. The vast majority of respondents were women (92%). The survey compared responses for dogs reared in Denmark (RD dogs, 79% of responses) and imported former street (FS) dogs (21%). The FS group consisted mostly of mixed-breed dogs, while the RD group had a higher proportion of purebred dogs (1853 purebred, 561 mixed-breed).
Most RD dogs were acquired from small, private breeders (59%). Other sources included larger kennels (11%), private rehoming (11%), foreign breeders (5%), and Danish shelters (2%). In contrast, FS dogs were imported from 19 different countries, primarily Greece, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Portugal, Romania, and Spain. Approximately 75% of FS dogs were acquired through Danish organizations, while the remaining were obtained from foreign organizations (7%), individuals working with street dogs (4%), or directly from the streets or shelters in their origin countries (8%).
The study revealed significant differences between RD dogs and FS dogs in responses to 11 of the 45 questions. RD dogs were more likely to vocalize for attention and follow their owners closely, while FS dogs exhibited higher levels of fear and aggression, especially towards men, women, children, unfamiliar dogs, and objects. Fear of sounds was particularly pronounced in FS dogs, with 28% frequently or consistently displaying this behavior. FS dogs also showed greater signs of stress during walks and social interactions with strangers. However, the majority of both groups (79% of FS dogs and 84% of RD dogs) did not exhibit aggression towards men.
Questionnaire to Danish Veterinarians
A total of 173 veterinarians responded to the questionnaire. The majority of respondents were women (83%), and the representation was well-distributed across Denmark. These veterinarians reported examining 4,549 FS dogs in the past year, averaging approximately 26 dogs per veterinarian. Unfortunately, 193 FS dogs were euthanized due to behavioral issues during the same period.
Regarding veterinarian attitudes, 93% agreed (including “partially agree,” “agree,” or “strongly agree”) that FS dogs should not be imported into Denmark. A significant portion (86%) believed that FS dogs exhibit more behavioral problems than RD dogs. Additionally, 80% disagreed that Danish dog owners are adequately prepared to own an FS dog.
These findings indicate significant concerns among Danish veterinarians about the importation of FS dogs, particularly regarding behavioral challenges and owner preparedness.
The Differences in Attitudes
The responses from dog owners and veterinarians revealed differing perceptions of FS dogs’ behavioral issues.
Both groups agreed that FS dogs generally exhibit higher levels of fear, stress, and aggression compared to RD dogs. This aligns with findings from a Finnish study, which identified noise sensitivity and general fear as common issues in dogs.
However, discrepancies emerged in specific behavioral problems. Veterinarians frequently cited separation anxiety as a major concern for FS dogs, while owners reported fewer instances of separation-related behaviors in both FS and RD dogs. This discrepancy may reflect differences in perception or context between owners and veterinarians.
Furthermore, veterinarians reported significantly higher levels of behavioral problems in FS dogs, expressing significant concern about the issue.
Several factors could explain the discrepancy between owner and veterinarian reports. Dog owners may not always recognize or acknowledge problematic behaviors in their pets. Additionally, the owner survey only included those who currently own a dog, excluding individuals who may have surrendered or euthanized their dog due to serious behavioral or health issues. This may lead to a biased sample, as owners who continue to live with their dogs may not experience severe behavioral problems.
The veterinarian setting itself could also contribute to the higher reported levels of fear, stress, and aggression among FS dogs. Vet visits are often stressful for dogs, potentially heightening fear responses, especially in FS dogs who may not be as well-socialized. Moreover, FS dogs may be more frequently brought to veterinarians soon after adoption, during a period of adjustment to a new environment. Health issues for which FS dogs are taken to the vet may also exacerbate behavioral problems, while well-adjusted FS dogs might require less frequent veterinary care.
A separate study highlights significant concerns among Danish veterinarians about the health risks associated with FS dogs, with 83% believing these dogs have poorer health compared to RD dogs and 80% expressing worry about infectious diseases. An even greater portion, 96%, agreed that FS dogs may introduce exotic diseases into Denmark. These findings mirror those from a British Veterinary Association survey, where 93% of veterinarians shared concerns over FS dog importation and the risk of exotic diseases. In fact, 40% of British veterinarians reported encountering rare or new conditions linked to imported FS dogs, underlining the health risks that FS dogs could potentially pose. Together with behavioral concerns, these health risks likely shape the cautious attitudes veterinarians have towards FS dog adoption.
Conflicting Views
Veterinarians are often motivated by a desire to protect local dogs from potential disease risks associated with imported FS dogs. Conversely, organizations facilitating these adoptions and prospective owners are driven by a mission to rescue dogs in need, prioritizing their lives over traditional animal welfare views that might support euthanasia in the absence of local adoption options. This ethical divide shapes contrasting opinions: opponents of FS dog importation argue that these dogs should either be helped in their countries of origin or, if necessary, humanely euthanized. In contrast, advocates believe that saving these dogs aligns with a compassionate approach to animal welfare, challenging the idea that euthanasia is a necessary component of responsible animal welfare practices.
However, veterinarians’ concerns may not deter owners from adopting FS dogs; instead, veterinarians could play an essential role in supporting FS dog welfare by advising owners on risk mitigation and public health considerations. By collaborating with owners, veterinarians can help ensure a safer integration of these dogs into Danish society.
Previous studies in Turkey and the UK have shown that FS dogs generally adapt to life as companion animals, albeit with initial displays of fearful behavior. The Turkish study observed that while some dogs developed increased aggression, many FS dogs adjusted well over time. This possibly signals limited adaptability among certain dogs or reflects varied expectations among owners.
In the UK, 67.5% of FS dog owners sought professional help for behavioral issues, which aligns with Danish veterinarians’ concerns that Danish dog owners may not be adequately prepared to care for FS dogs. However, 71% of UK owners who sought assistance reported positive outcomes, suggesting that many FS dogs are trainable and adaptable with appropriate support. Furthermore, an impressive 97.4% of UK adopters of Romanian FS dogs expressed satisfaction with their adopted pets, highlighting a generally favorable experience with FS dogs post-adoption. This high satisfaction rate underscores the potential for FS dogs to thrive in new homes, provided owners are prepared to address any initial challenges.
Conclusion
This paper highlights a significant discrepancy between Danish dog owners’ and veterinarians’ perspectives on the behavioral issues in former street (FS) dogs. While owners perceive FS dogs as adaptable, veterinarians observe a higher prevalence of behavioral problems. This discrepancy may be attributed to differences in the contexts in which owners and veterinarians interact with these dogs, as well as underlying ethical and political debates surrounding the importation of FS dogs.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
Shelter Dogs > International Rescues > Behaviours, Health & Relationships
Year of Publication:
2021
External Link:
Munkeboe N, Lohse-Lind A, Sandøe P, Forkman B, Nielsen SS. Comparing Behavioural Problems in Imported Street Dogs and Domestically Reared Danish Dogs—The Views of Dog Owners and Veterinarians. Animals. 2021; 11(5):1436. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11051436