The aggressive behavior of dogs is often viewed critically - but it plays an important role in social interaction. The behavioral biologist Dr. Dorit Urd Feddersen-Petersen has studied the social behavior of various dog breeds and comes to a clear conclusion: The breeding of the German Shepherd Dog seems to be going in the right direction. A decisive factor here is the protection work:

The aggressive behavior of German Shepherds is influenced by targeted breeding. While wolves pass on their behavioral strategies through natural selection, humans largely decide which characteristics are passed on to domestic dogs. This leads to major differences in the behavior of different dog breeds. Aggressive behavior in particular plays an important role, as it regulates social coexistence within the group.

Domestic dogs are designed to live in social groups, which requires both cooperation and competition with the same social partners. A stable social status within a group, especially between humans and dogs, helps to avoid conflicts and reduce stress. Unstable hierarchies, on the other hand, can be problematic and relevant to animal welfare.

In order to better understand the social behavior of domestic dogs, behavioral biologist Dr. Dorit Urd Feddersen-Petersen compared it with that of their wild ancestors. Her studies show that German Shepherds very rarely display aggressive behavior in their first year of life (and beyond) – similar to young wolves. Other breeds, such as miniature poodles or retrievers, communicate aggressively more often, and their arguments are more likely to escalate. Miniature poodles in particular have difficulty establishing a stable hierarchy when kept in groups. They often even attack a pack member together. In families, on the other hand, they are easy to lead. Their lack of expressive behavior could be one reason for their difficulties in social life.

German Shepherds, on the other hand, have developed a variety of strategies for conflict resolution and live in stable hierarchies. Their social behavior is well balanced. Their aggressive behavior has a natural, regulatory function.

Dr. Dorit Urd Feddersen-Petersen concluded that selective breeding in German Shepherds appears to work well and is versatile. The protection service was deliberately developed in such a way that it should not be confused with training methods that make dogs overly aggressive or negatively influence their behavior. Such methods would be unnatural, one-sided and contrary to animal welfare. One-sided selection based on (dubious) beauty criteria while neglecting behavior has produced animals that are described as "cruel breeding" under the Animal Welfare Act. Dr. Dorit Urd Feddersen-Petersen considers the protection work (carried out in a playful manner, strictly in accordance with the examination regulations) to be indispensable.

The full article can be found here: Schutzdienst-Studie