Risk factors for behavior-related euthanasia among dominant-aggressive dogs: 110 cases (1989-1992)

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1994 Sep 15;205(6):855-63.

Abstract

Establishing a prognosis for dogs with dominance-related aggression is difficult. Some dominant-aggressive dogs respond well to treatment; others continue to be serious risks for their owners. A study was performed to identify characteristics of dominance-related aggression and to identify risk factors associated with whether the aggressive behavior led to euthanasia. Medical records of 110 dogs with dominance-related aggression were examined retrospectively; characteristics of owner-directed aggression and eventual outcome of the dogs were recorded. By means of logistic regression, 2 different models were found to describe the association between behavior characteristics and outcome. In the first model, severe aggression in response to benign dominance challenges and body weight > 18.2 kg were associated with outcome. In the second model, unpredictability of aggression and a history of being purchased were associated with outcome. We concluded that dominance-related aggressive behavior can be subclassified according to severity and type and that outcome (ie, euthanasia) may be predictable in some cases.

MeSH terms

  • Aggression*
  • Animals
  • Behavior Therapy
  • Behavior, Animal*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Dogs / psychology*
  • Dominance-Subordination*
  • Euthanasia / statistics & numerical data
  • Euthanasia / veterinary*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors