Overview
- Published in Scientific Reports, the Swiss-Austrian study tested 105 owner-identified, highly toy-motivated dogs and classified 33 as showing addictive-like behavior.
- Dogs meeting the criteria fixated on a favorite toy, ignored alternatives such as food or owner interaction, persisted when the toy was unavailable, and struggled to settle after removal.
- Owner surveys reported escalating play demands and continued play despite adverse effects, echoing hallmark features of human behavioral addictions.
- Working and work-derived breeds were common in the sample, including Malinois, Border Collies and Labrador Retrievers, reflecting selection for strong play drive that can challenge suitability as family pets.
- The team from the University of Bern and the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna calls for broader, population-level research on causes, prevalence and potential health consequences, noting dogs are among the few species showing spontaneous addictive-like behaviors.