The Ideal Canine Companion: Re-Exploring Australian Perspectives on Ideal Characteristics for Companion Dogs.

Simple Summary: What makes 'man's best friend' a human's ideal friend? Previous studies examining ideal characteristics for companion dogs were conducted before the rise of social media and the COVID-19 pandemic, events that changed how humans live and, potentially, their preferences for the ideal dog. Over 330 Australian adults were recruited online and surveyed. The ideal dog was found to be medium-sized, with a short low- or non-shedding coat. It would be acquired as a puppy from a shelter/rescue. It would also be affectionate, healthy, non-aggressive, safe with children, housetrained, non-destructive when left alone, and would not escape the property. Differences across age, gender, perceived income in comparison to others, and number of household children were observed for desired physical and behavioural traits, but no significant differences regarding dog behaviour satisfaction were found between pandemic and non-pandemic acquisitions. Findings resemble those of a previous Australian ideal dog study, suggesting that preferences for the ideal dog are relatively stable. Breeders, prospective owners, and policymakers can benefit from this research by using the findings to guide choices, reduce relinquishment, and improve human–dog relationships. Defining the ideal characteristics of canine companions is imperative to those seeking to improve human–dog relationships. Previous investigations into the preferred traits of companion dogs were conducted before substantial recent events, such as the rise of social media and the COVID-19 pandemic, which altered human lifestyles and potentially affected canine preferences and owner satisfaction. This study surveyed Australian adults (n = 337) online to assess these shifts. The ideal dog was characterised as medium-sized, with a short- low- or non-shedding coat, and acquired as a puppy from a shelter/rescue. Desired traits included being affectionate, healthy, non-aggressive, safe with children, housetrained, non-destructive when alone, and not prone to escaping. Principal Component Analysis identified five factors: 'calm and obedient', 'inhibitory control', 'energy and drive', 'non-aggressive and safe', and 'affectionate and healthy'. Demographic variables of age, gender, perceived income, and household children influenced preferences. No significant differences in owner satisfaction with behaviour were observed between dogs acquired during versus outside the pandemic. The findings align with prior Australian research, suggesting enduring stability in preferences for the ideal companion dog. These insights offer valuable guidance for breeders, prospective owners, and policymakers to reduce dog relinquishment and improve human–dog relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]