Topography of violent intraspecific aggression in a subset of dogs from directionally selected lines of Canis familiaris.

ABSTRACT: We extended well-established animal models of human violence paradigms to domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) seized from organized dogfighting operations (n = 137). Using standard metrics of frequency, latency, duration, and severity of physical attack and social behavior, we found a pattern of severe intraspecific aggression and alterations in species typical social behavior comparable to that described in the models of violence literature. Behavior was coded from archival video footage of a model conspecific screening test by a technician blind to the categorical behavior severity rating assigned to the dogs on intake. Biting attacks were initiated with short latencies and a dramatically higher prevalence in dogs rated as severe for dog-directed aggression. Furthermore, high intensity atta

SUBMITTER: Cussen VA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12629427 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature