No full-text available
To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the author.
For Pits’ Sake: Effect of Breed Labels on Perceptions of Shelter Dog Attractiveness
Abstract
Pit bulls are the most common type of dog found in shelters, and negative perceptions of their temperament are believed to reduce their likelihood of adoption. Two experiments investigated the effects of breed label on perceptions of shelter dog attractiveness. The first experiment recruited 176 participants to rate the attractiveness of a dog labeled either a Pit Bull or Mixed Breed. The second study added an unlabeled condition and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier condition, and recruited 257 participants. While the Pit Bull was rated significantly less attractive than the Mixed Breed in Experiment 1, in Experiment 2, the Mixed Breed was rated the least attractive and significantly less so than the dog in the unlabeled condition. In addition, both experiments demonstrated that younger people viewed the dog as more attractive than older people. Given the conflicting results regarding breed labels, further research is necessary.
ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any citations for this publication.
To increase the public's awareness of animals needing homes, PetRescue, Australia's largest online directory of animals in need of adoption, lists animals available from rescue and welfare shelters nationwide. The current study examined the descriptions accompanying online PetRescue profiles. The demographic data and personality descriptors of 70,733 dogs were analysed for associations with LOS in shelters-with long stays being a potential proxy for low appeal. Univariable and multivariable general linear models of log-transformed LOS with personality adjectives and demographic variables were fitted and the predicted means back-transformed for presentation. Further analyses were conducted of a subset of the dataset for the four most common breeds (n = 20,198 dogs) to investigate if the influence of personality adjectives on the LOS differed by breed. The average LOS of dogs was 35.4 days (median 18 days) and was influenced by several adjectives. Across all breeds, the LOS was significantly shorter if the adjectives 'make you proud', 'independent', 'lively', 'eager' and 'clever' were included in the description. However, the LOS was longer if the terms 'only dog', 'dominant', 'sensitive' and 'happy-go-lucky' were included in the description. Some of the association of descriptors with relatively long LOS are difficult to explain. For example, it is unclear why the terms "obedient" and trainable" appear unappealing. The confidence adopters have in these terms and their ability to make the most of such dogs merits further exploration. As expected, the LOS differed in different breeds with the Labrador retrievers having the fastest adoption rate among the most common four breeds with an average LOS of 14.5 days. Breed had interactions with four personality adjectives (gentle, active, quiet and energetic) indicating that the adoption rate of dogs with these descriptors in their online PetRescue profiles differed by breed. This highlights an important knowledge gap, suggesting that potential adopters have differing expectations according to the breed being considered. Increased awareness of the breed-specific influence of personality
Dog management in the United States has evolved considerably over the last 40 years. This review analyzes available data from the last 30 to 40 years to identify national and local trends. In 1973, The Humane Society of the US (The HSUS) estimated that about 13.5 million animals (64 dogs and cats per 1000 people) were euthanized in the US (about 20% of the pet population) and about 25% of the dog population was still roaming the streets. Intake and euthanasia numbers (national and state level) declined rapidly in the 1970s due to a number of factors, including the implementation of shelter sterilization policies, changes in sterilization practices by private veterinarians and the passage of local ordinances implementing differential licensing fees for intact and sterilized pets. By the mid-1980s, shelter intake had declined by about 50% (The HSUS estimated 7.6–10 million animals euthanized in 1985). Data collected by PetPoint over the past eight years indicate that adoptions increased in the last decade and may have become an additional driver affecting recent euthanasia declines across the US. We suspect that sterilizations, now part of the standard veterinary care, and the level of control of pet dogs exercised by pet owners (roaming dogs are now mostly absent in many US communities) played an important part in the cultural shift in the US, in which a larger proportion of families now regard their pet dogs as “family members”.
What role do companion animals play in the dating lives of single adults? As dogs and cats are increasingly viewed as family members, a person's pets may wield significant influence in partner choice. Here, we provide descriptive quantitative data on the role pets play in mate appraisal and mate selection; we also test two hypotheses regarding the role of pets in single Americans’ dating lives. We hypothesized that single women will place more value on a how a potential mate interacts with their pet, than will single men. We also hypothesized that dogs will serve more prominent roles as “social tools” in the dating arena than cats, given that dogs are more social and dogs require more constant care. Thus, dogs may be a better measure of a potential mate's caregiving capacity. Data were obtained from a 2014 survey sent to a random selection of people in the US registered on the online dating site Match.com who had indicated pet information in their dating profiles. A sample of 1,210 individuals responded, 61% of whom were women. Dogs and cats were the most common pets for both sexes. In support of our first hypothesis, on eight of 11 dependent variables (such as whether one has ever been attracted to someone because of a pet), women were more discriminating of a potential partner's associations with pets than were men. Consistent with our second hypothesis, dogs served more commonly as social barometers in the dating arena than cats did, with respect to nine of 11 dependent variables (such as whether one would date someone because of a pet). We discuss the findings with respect to changing family profiles, including lower fertility and expanded roles of companion animals as extended kin. We conclude with the limitations of this study and suggestions for future research.
Shelter staff and veterinarians routinely make subjective dog breed identification based on appearance, but their accuracy regarding pit bull-type breeds is unknown. The purpose of this study was to measure agreement among shelter staff in assigning pit bull-type breed designations to shelter dogs and to compare breed assignments with DNA breed signatures. In this prospective cross-sectional study, four staff members at each of four different shelters recorded their suspected breed(s) for 30 dogs; there was a total of 16 breed assessors and 120 dogs. The terms American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, pit bull, and their mixes were included in the study definition of 'pit bull-type breeds.' Using visual identification only, the median inter-observer agreements and kappa values in pair-wise comparisons of each of the staff breed assignments for pit bull-type breed vs. not pit bull-type breed ranged from 76% to 83% and from 0.44 to 0.52 (moderate agreement), respectively. Whole blood was submitted to a commercial DNA testing laboratory for breed identification. Whereas DNA breed signatures identified only 25 dogs (21%) as pit bull-type, shelter staff collectively identified 62 (52%) dogs as pit bull-type. Agreement between visual and DNA-based breed assignments varied among individuals, with sensitivity for pit bull-type identification ranging from 33% to 75% and specificity ranging from 52% to 100%. The median kappa value for inter-observer agreement with DNA results at each shelter ranged from 0.1 to 0.48 (poor to moderate). Lack of consistency among shelter staff indicated that visual identification of pit bull-type dogs was unreliable.
Previous research has indicated that certain breeds of dogs stay longer in shelters than others; however exactly how breed perception and identification influences potential adopters' decisions remains unclear. Current dog breed identification practices in animal shelters are often based upon information supplied by the
relinquishing owner, or staff determination based on the dog's phenotype. However discrepancies have been found between breed identification as typically assessed by welfare agencies and the outcome of DNA analysis. In Study 1, the perceived behavioral and adoptability characteristics of a pit-bull-type dog were compared with those of a Labrador Retriever and Border Collie. We also assessed whether the addition of a human handler influenced those perceptions. In Study 2, we compared lengths of stay and perceived attractiveness of dogs that were labeled as pit bull breeds to dogs that were phenotypically similar but were labeled as another breed at an animal shelter. We call the latter dogs, "lookalikes." In Study 3, we compared the perceived attractiveness in video recordings of pit-bull-type dogs and lookalikes with and without breed labels. Lastly, we analyzed data from an animal shelter that ceased applying breed labeling on kennels, and compared lengths of stay and outcomes for all dog breeds, including pit bulls, before and after the change in labeling practice. In total, our findings suggest that breed labeling influences potential adopters' perceptions and decision-making. Given the inherent complexity of breed assignment based on morphology coupled with negative breed perceptions, removing breed labels is a relatively low-cost strategy that will likely improve outcomes for dogs in animal shelters.
Bull breeds are commonly kept as companion animals, but the pit bull terrier is restricted by breed-specific legislation (BSL) in parts of the United States and throughout the United Kingdom. Shelter workers must decide which breed(s) a dog is. This decision may influence the dog's fate, particularly in places with BSL. In this study, shelter workers in the United States and United Kingdom were shown pictures of 20 dogs and were asked what breed each dog was, how they determined each dog's breed, whether each dog was a pit bull, and what they expected the fate of each dog to be. There was much variation in responses both between and within the United States and United Kingdom. UK participants frequently labeled dogs commonly considered by U.S. participants to be pit bulls as Staffordshire bull terriers. UK participants were more likely to say their shelters would euthanize dogs deemed to be pit bulls. Most participants noted using dogs' physical features to determine breed, and 41% affected by BSL indicated they would knowingly mislabel a dog of a restricted breed, presumably to increase the dog's adoption chances.
Ethnographic interviews were conducted with 28 pit bull "owners" to explore the sociological experience of having a dog with a negative image. Results indicate that the vast majority of respondents felt that these dogs were stigmatized because of their breed. Respondents made this conclusion because friends, family, and strangers were apprehensive in the presence of their dogs and because they made accusations about the breed's viciousness and lack of predictability. In the face of this stigma, respondents resorted to using a variety of interactional strategies to lessen the impact of this perception or prevent it from occurring. These strategies included passing their dogs as breeds other than pit bulls, denying that their behavior is biologically determined, debunking adverse media coverage, using humor, emphasizing counter-stereotypical behavior, avoiding stereotypical equipment or accessories, taking preventive measures, or becoming breed ambassadors.
Limited economic resources and pet overpopulation force animals shelters to consider euthanasia of adoptable animals every day. Veterinary medical schools can play a positive role in increasing pet adoption and combating overpopulation by providing free neutering for shelter animals. This retrospective cohort study illustrated that the cooperative efforts of a veterinary medicine surgical teaching program and local animal shelters decreases euthanasia of adoptable pets.
At the University of California, Davis (UCD), shelter dogs are neutered by veterinary students and then returned to the shelter for adoption. The rates of adoption and euthanasia of the dogs neutered at UCD were contrasted with a comparison shelter group to determine the effect of pre-adoption neutering. The UCD-neutered dogs had a lower rate of euthanasia than the comparison shelter group at the shelters investigated. At Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation, 73% of the UCD group but only 36% of the comparison group were adopted. At Yolo County Animal Services, 71% of the UCD group and 45% of the comparison group were adopted. The sex of an animal did not significantly affect the rate of euthanasia. Dogs that were predominantly pit bull, rottweiler, or chow chow breeds had higher rates of euthanasia than other breeds, independent of neuter status. Also, juveniles (less than one year old) had lower rates of euthanasia than adults, independent of neuter status. UCD adult dogs had lower rates of euthanasia than comparison adults.
Post-surgical UCD dogs spent a longer average time in the shelter before adoption (15 days at Sacramento; 16 days at Yolo) than the comparison dogs (11 and 12 days, respectively). UCD dogs also spent a longer average time in the shelter before euthanasia (18 and 25 days, respectively) than the comparison dogs (13 days at both shelters). Lower probabilities of euthanasia for behavioral or medical reasons were found for UCD dogs than for the comparison dogs. The probability of euthanasia for reasons of space limitations increased with time in shelter for both groups. In this study, pre-adoption neutering increased adoptions without increasing the probability of medical or behavioral euthanasia.
How do descriptive menu labels influence customers? In a six-week field experiment involving 140 customers, descriptive menu labels (such as "Grandma's zucchini cookies" or "succulent Italian seafood filet") increased sales by 27% and improved attitudes towards the food, attitudes toward the restaurant, and intentions toward repatronage. Such labels did not, however, directly increase the amount a person is willing to pay for the labeled item. If descriptive labels are used sparingly and appropriately, they can improve sales and post-consumption attitudes of the food and the restaurant.
The records of dogs in an animal shelter in Chester County, PA were analyzed for a 3 1/2 year period to describe the canine population dynamics and to identify the risk factors for dogs' failure to be reclaimed and to be euthanized. Dogs ≥1 year of age accounted for the majority (72.5%) of incoming dogs. Forty-one percent of dogs received by the shelter were purebred. The six most common breeds were Labrador Retriever (14.6%), German Shepherd (9.8%), Golden Retriever (7.5%), Beagle (7.1%), Cocker Spaniel (5.5%), and Siberian Husky (5.3%), accounting for 50% of all incoming purebred dogs. Nearly one fifth (17.2%) of the live surrendered dogs were brought in by their owners specifically to be euthanized. A similar proportion (18.8%) of adopted dogs were returned to the shelter. Fifty-two percent of surrendered dogs and 77% of stray dogs were discharged alive from the shelter (53.8% of the stray dogs were returned to their owners). The reclaim rate was lowest (10.8%) for dogs < 4 months of age, and highest (68.8%) for dogs ≥10 years of age. Over two-thirds (67.7%) of purebred dogs were reclaimed by their owners, compared with 41.2% of mixed breed dogs. More purebred dogs were reclaimed the same day they were admitted than mixed breed dogs (46.1% vs. 38.0%). Approximately 60% of all stray dogs ≥1 year old were reclaimed each month while only 23.2% of dogs less than 1 year were reclaimed. Mixed breed dogs were 1.8 times as likely to be euthanized as purebred dogs. The risk of euthanasia increased with age for mixed breed dogs, but not for purebred dogs. Purebred dogs ≥3 years old were at an increased risk of euthanasia only when compared with dogs < 4 months of age. Of the dogs that were adopted, purebred dogs < 1 year of age spent fewer days (4.27) in the shelter than mixed breed dogs < 1 year (5.94), purebred dogs ≥1 year (5.92), or mixed breed dogs ≥1 year (10.06). Approximately one fifth (19.4%) of purebred dogs were adopted through a breed rescue group.
This paper reports the finding of the first, known study of a Caribbean community's views on pit bulls. College students (375) provided their perceptions on a number of issues related to pit bull guardianship ("ownership"). Age, sex, and dog-owning status influenced some of their views. They saw pit bulls as being different from other dogs, but not all supported banning pit bulls. Some results reinforced the stereotypes associated with pit bull ownership: Most pit bull owners were under 19 years of age, and older respondents were more likely than younger ones to support a ban on pit bulls. Why different subgroups of respondents held their views would be a useful avenue for future research.
The restaurant menu sits at the core of a restaurant's strategy. A variety of suggestions have been made as to how restaurants should “manage” their menus: Some are derived empirically; others are driven intuitively without supporting evidence. This research note examines how menu description complexity can increase perceptions of item quality, expected price, and selection likelihood. It is recommended that restaurateurs would benefit significantly by carefully crafting menu descriptions that emphasize food preparation.
A partir de leur experience dans un asile pour animaux du New Jersey (Etats-Unis), les AA. examinent la representation negative des pit-bulls dans les medias. Ils proposent une theorie sur l'origine de cette representation. Ils discutent ensuite les resultats d'une etude portant essentiellement sur trois points : la perception des pit-bulls par les gens ; les attitudes envers la legislation qui restreint la possession des pit-bulls ; les variables qui affectent ces perceptions et attitudes. Ils presentent de nombreux elements qui discreditent la demonisation des pit-bulls par les medias, mettant en evidence un bias mediatique sur ce sujet. Ils proposent egalement une theorie innovante du bias mediatique qui n'est pas basee sur l'orientation politique des journalistes. Par ailleurs, ils examinent si les medias des actualites influencent effectivement les attitudes des personnes qu'ils sont censes informer. Dans l'ensemble, la perception des pitt-bulls par le public semble plus mesuree que l'etat de panique au pitt-bull que diffuse la presse ne pourrait le laisser penser.
How do descriptive menu labels influence customers? In a six-week field experiment involving 140 customers, descriptive menu labels (such as "Grandma's zucchini cookies" or "succulent Italian seafood filet") increased sales by 27% and improved attitudes towards the food, attitudes towards the restaurant, and intentions towards repatronage. Such labels did not, however, directly increase the amount a person is willing to pay for the labeled item. If descriptive labels are used sparingly and appropriately, they can improve sales and post-consumption attitudes of the food and the restaurant.
Defining generations: Where Millennials end and Generation Z begins
- M Dimock
- Dimock, M.
Mixed reactions to shelter mutts
- W Hageman
- Hageman, W.
Hageman, W. (2013). Mixed reactions to shelter mutts. Retrieved from http://www.chi
cagotribune.com/lifestyles/sc-fam-0702-purebred-mutt-20130701-story.html.
Here’s why you see so many pit bulls in shelters
- B Moore
- Moore, B.
Moore, B. (n.d.). Here's why you see so many pit bulls in shelters. Retrieved
September 23, 2017, from https://stories.barkpost.com/pit-bulls-shelters-question/.
Dr. Jean Twenge FAQ’s
- J Twenge
- Twenge, J.
Climbing out of the pit
- E Weiss
- Weiss, E.
Weiss, E. (2015). Climbing out of the pit. ASPCApro. Retrieved from https://www.asp
capro.org/blog/2015/05/27/climbing-out-pit.
Millennials are picking pets over people. The Washington Post
- A Bhattarai
Bhattarai, A. (2016). Millennials are picking pets over people. The Washington Post.
Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2016/09/13/
millennials-are-picking-pets-over-people/?noredirect=on.
An estimate of the number of dogs in US shelters
- K A Woodruff
- D R Smith
Woodruff, K.A., & Smith, D.R. (2017). An estimate of the number of dogs in US shelters.
In Proceedings of the NAVC Conference Small Animals Edition (Vol. 31).
Defining generations: Where Millennials end and Gene ration Z begins. Pew Research Center
- J Cohen
- J Richardson
Cohen, J., & Richardson, J. (2002). Pit bull panic. Journal of Popular Culture, 36(2), 285.
Dimock, M. (2019). Defining generations: Where Millennials end and Gene ration
Z begins. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact
-tank/2019/01/17/where-millennials-end-and-generation-z-begins/.