Three Things to Know
Researchers reviewed academic studies on the dog acquisition process, including the decision to acquire a dog, selecting a dog type, choosing an individual dog, and selecting a source. They examined the factors influencing these decisions.
Socioeconomic factors and prior dog ownership history significantly impact the decision to acquire a dog. When choosing a dog breed or type, physical appearance, size, and social trends influence the decision-making process.
Physical appearance and behavior influence the choice of an individual dog. Interestingly, studies have shown that owners often select purebred dogs that resemble themselves. Individuals without a breed preference may opt for adoption from a shelter, although they may be turned off by negative perceptions of shelter dogs and barriers to adoption.
The Full Picture
Dog ownership is widespread, particularly in countries like the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. The process of acquiring a dog involves several stages, from the initial decision to the final purchase or adoption. Prospective dog owners must consider factors such as breed, type, individual characteristics, and the source of acquisition. However, not all dog acquisitions are carefully planned; some are impulsive decisions made without thorough consideration.
This report, “Acquiring a Pet Dog: A Review of Factors Affecting the Decision-Making of Prospective Dog Owners,” examines the motivations and behaviors that influence dog acquisition decisions. It explores how demographic and socioeconomic factors shape these choices, identifies limitations in current research, pinpoints knowledge gaps, and suggests future research directions.
The report focuses on four key stages of the dog acquisition process:
- Deciding to Acquire a Dog: Understanding the factors that motivate individuals to choose dog ownership.
- Selecting a Dog Type: Examining the criteria used to select a specific breed or type of dog.
- Choosing an Individual Dog: Exploring the factors influencing the choice of a particular dog from a litter or shelter.
- Selecting a Source: Investigating the preferences for acquiring a dog from a breeder, seller, or rescue organization.
It is important to note that while these stages are presented sequentially, the actual acquisition process can vary widely among individuals. Some stages may be skipped entirely, especially in cases of impulsive decisions.
1. Deciding to Acquire a Dog
Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors
Household Structure: Households with larger numbers of people, particularly those with children, are more likely to own dogs. However, the age of children may influence this trend. Families with younger children (under 5 or 10 years old) are less likely to own dogs compared to those without young children.
Accommodation Type: Individuals living in detached houses are more likely to own dogs than those living in other housing types. Homeowners are also more likely to own dogs than renters. However, some studies have yielded inconsistent results, possibly due to variations in study designs and sample sizes. The dog ownership experiences of homeless populations, who may have unique acquisition pathways, remain under-researched.
Socioeconomic Status (SES): The relationship between SES and dog ownership is complex and varies across studies. While higher household income is sometimes associated with greater pet ownership, other studies have found no such association or even an inverse relationship. Education level can also influence dog ownership, with higher education levels often linked to lower ownership rates. The impact of occupation on dog ownership is inconsistent, with some studies finding no association and others suggesting that lower SES occupations may be linked to higher dog ownership rates.
Ethnic Variation: Studies suggest that dog ownership is more prevalent among individuals of white ethnicity compared to other ethnic groups, particularly in the UK and the US. Cultural, historical, and religious factors likely contribute to these differences. Further research is needed to understand the role of ethnicity and cultural beliefs in shaping attitudes towards dog ownership.
Prior Dog Ownership
Past experiences with pets, particularly during childhood, significantly influence adult pet ownership decisions. Individuals with a history of pet ownership are more likely to own pets as adults.
A survey of UK university students found that those who had pets as children were more likely to aspire to own pets as adults. Similarly, a study of dog owners in Washington, USA, revealed that prior experience with dogs was a key factor in the decision to acquire a dog, with 43% of participants citing this as the primary influence. Furthermore, 57% of participants indicated that their breed choice was influenced by their previous experiences with specific dog breeds.
Future research should examine how demographics, socioeconomic factors and prior dog ownership interact to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the dog acquisition process.
2. Selecting A Dog Type
Dog-Related Characteristics
Physical appearance plays a significant role in dog breed selection. Some owners prioritize aesthetics over health, leading to the popularity of breeds with distinctive but often problematic features. For example, brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs and Pugs are highly sought after despite their predisposition to serious health issues. In shelter settings, one survey of 1,491 adopters revealed that 75% rated appearance as important, compared to only 49% who prioritized health.
The preference for certain breeds can be influenced by various factors, including size, anthropomorphism, infantilization, social and media trends, and owner personality. The importance of specific physical traits varies across cultures and individuals. For instance, preferences for size differed, with Australians favoring medium-sized dogs and Italians preferring larger breeds.
Anthropomorphism involves favoring dogs with human-like features, while infantilization refers to the attraction to puppy-like characteristics. Social media and celebrity endorsements can shape public perception of certain breeds, and owner personality can influence breed preferences, with intrinsically motivated owners prioritizing a dog’s inherent qualities and extrinsically motivated owners seeking out breeds with specific appearances.
Trends in Breed Popularity
Trends in dog breed popularity are often driven by fashion and social factors, similar to cultural phenomena like baby names. Certain breeds experience periods of rapid popularity followed by decline, on average lasting 14 years. This trend can negatively impact canine welfare, as owners may acquire dogs unsuited to their lifestyle and breeders may prioritize profit over animal well-being. Media exposure, such as the 1985 re-release of 101 Dalmatians, can significantly impact breed popularity, although the effects can be variable.
Pre-purchase behavior is another crucial factor influencing dog acquisition. Approximately 40% spend less than a week researching, and about 20% conduct no research at all. Many prospective owners rely on personal experience or impulse purchasing. The internet has become a popular source of information, particularly among younger age groups. However, the accuracy of online information and its impact on decision-making require further investigation.
Overall, various factors, including physical appearance and social trends, influence dog acquisition decisions. Owners of certain breeds, such as French Bulldogs, may prioritize appearance over health, driven by an attraction to infantile features or social motivations. To promote responsible pet ownership, it is essential to address the impact of fashion trends, media influence, and the quality of pre-purchase information on dog acquisition decisions.
3. Choosing an Individual Dog
The decision to acquire a specific dog is influenced by a combination of factors, including physical appearance, temperament, and the psychological connection between owner and pet. Studies have shown that owners often select purebred dogs that resemble themselves in physical traits. However, this resemblance is less evident in non-purebred dogs, likely due to their unpredictable appearance.
Younger dogs, particularly puppies, are generally more popular than older dogs. This preference may be driven by factors such as infantilization, practical considerations, and social factors. However, the preference for puppies may also be influenced by a lack of awareness about the benefits of adopting older dogs. Older dogs often require less training and may be better suited to certain lifestyles.
Canine behavior and temperament are also crucial factors in dog acquisition. Potential adopters are drawn to dogs exhibiting desirable behaviors, such as being quiet, engaging, or playing with toys. Conversely, behaviors indicating low sociability can extend a dog’s stay in a shelter. During direct interactions, dogs that approach potential owners, wag their tails, or initiate play are more likely to be adopted. Dog owners also highly value traits such as being safe with children, housetraining, and displaying affection.
Future research should explore the reasons behind the owner-dog resemblance observed in purebreds and the role of physical appearance in non-purebred adoptions. Additionally, studies could investigate how dogs’ behaviors impact those who don’t ultimately adopt them and whether preferred behaviors are consistent across different acquisition contexts. Examining gender differences in acquisition preferences and conducting longitudinal studies to link stated intentions with actual outcomes are also important areas for future research.
4. Selecting A Source
Most UK and US dog owners acquire their pets from breeders, rescue centers, private sellers, friends, or relatives. According to studies, approximately 28-44% of UK owners purchase from breeders and 20-22% adopt from rescue centers. In the US, around 25% of owners obtain dogs from breeders, 25% from friends or relatives, and 22% from animal shelters.
When choosing a dog, a strong preference for a specific breed or type often influences the acquisition method. Those without such preferences may prioritize ethical considerations, leading them to adopt a dog in need rather than purchasing from a breeder.
Socioeconomic and demographic factors also shape acquisition choices. Women are more likely to adopt than men, and younger, lower-income individuals are more likely to adopt from shelters. Older, higher-income individuals often favor purebred dogs.
However, negative perceptions of shelter dogs and barriers to adoption can deter potential adopters. These barriers include difficulties in finding suitable pets, slow communication, and cumbersome application processes.
Conclusion
The reviewed studies highlight several key factors that influence dog acquisition decisions. These include demographic characteristics like gender, age, and income, as well as social factors such as breed popularity trends. Dog-related factors, such as physical appearance, temperament, and behavior, also play a significant role.
While these studies provide valuable insights, further research is needed to better understand the complex interplay of these factors. Additionally, a deeper understanding of environmental factors influencing behavior is crucial for crafting effective interventions. By improving our understanding of these factors, we can help shelters attract suitable adopters and improve canine welfare.
Ultimately, the goal is to foster positive outcomes for both dogs and their owners. By bridging the gaps in our knowledge, we can develop evidence-based approaches to support ethical decision-making in the dog acquisition process.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
–
Year of Publication:
2019
External Link:
Holland KE. Acquiring a Pet Dog: A Review of Factors Affecting the Decision-Making of Prospective Dog Owners. Animals. 2019; 9(4):124. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9040124