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A recent study published in Scientific Reports has identified three distinct categories of dog owners based on how they perceive their relationship with their pets: parents, companions, and colleague-friends.
The study, conducted by Laura Gillet, a psychologist and PhD student at Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary, surveyed 790 Hungarian dog owners to explore how these roles influence the care and behavior of their dogs.
The researchers found that nearly half of the participants (49.5%) identified as "dog parents." These owners often view their pets as integral family members or even as substitute children, prioritizing close companionship over practical functions.
Younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, dominated this group, which tended to exhibit overprotective tendencies and inconsistencies in training, possibly due to inexperience.
Common breeds owned by this group include dachshunds, boxers, and border collies.
The second group, labeled "companions," made up 19.4% of participants.
These owners also regard their dogs as family but maintain more emotional distance compared to dog parents.
Typically older, this group tends to be more consistent with training and boundary-setting.
Breeds such as Labrador retrievers and German shepherds are popular within this profile.
Finally, the "colleague-friend" group accounted for 31.1% of participants.
These owners often view their dogs as family members while also assigning them practical roles, such as assistance or guard duties.
This dual role fosters a strong bond, as these dogs frequently spend time with their owners and are well-trained.
Popular breeds in this category include working dogs like Belgian shepherds and vizslas.
The study highlights the evolving relationship between humans and dogs, emphasizing the growing tendency to see pets as family members.
While this research sheds light on the diverse roles dogs play in people’s lives, experts caution against relying too heavily on labels.
A dog’s overall well-being—encompassing proper nutrition, training, and mental stimulation—should remain the priority, regardless of how owners perceive their pets.
Future studies are expected to further explore these dynamics across different cultures and societal contexts.
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