Investigation of the Effects of Gender, Breed and Age Factors on Social Behavior, Wither Height and Body Weight in Dogs

Authors : Yavuzkan Paksoy, Nazan Koluman, Melis Çelik Güney, Duygu Arslan

Pages : 239-251

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Publication Date : 2025-12-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study investigates the presence of friendship behavior in dogs, examining the degree of such behavior across different breeds, age groups, and genders, and exploring the influence of body size on these behaviors. The research was conducted on a sample of 40 dogs, representing a variety of ages, genders and breeds, housed in a private kennel. Each dog was directly observed and filmed with the aid of surveillance cameras, allowing for an analysis of seven distinct behavioral categories indicative of socialization and friendship. The behaviors were continuously monitored throughout the day, and detailed data were collected for each observed instance of interaction. The key behavioral indicators assessed included play, proximity-seeking, grooming, mutual resting, and social communication (such as vocalizations). Additionally, the dogs\\\' body weight and withers height were recorded. Findings suggest that dogs exhibit a strong inclination towards forming social bonds, both with humans and conspecifics. The study further identified that friendship behaviors were generally consistent across breed, age and gender, but statistical differences were observed for withers height and body weight according to breed, age and gender (p<0.05).
Keywords : Arkadaşlık, Cidago yüksekliği, Köpek, Sosyal davranış, Vücut ağırlığı

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