Vicious Dogs: The Antisocial Behaviors and Psychological Characteristics of Owners

  1. Laurie Ragatz M.A.,
  2. William Fremouw Ph.D.,
  3. Tracy Thomas M.A.,
  4. Katrina McCoy B.S.

Article first published online: 3 MAR 2009

DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01001.x

Issue

Journal of Forensic Sciences

Journal of Forensic Sciences

Volume 54, Issue 3, pages 699–703, May 2009

Additional Information

How to Cite

Ragatz, L., Fremouw, W., Thomas, T. and McCoy, K. (2009), Vicious Dogs: The Antisocial Behaviors and Psychological Characteristics of Owners. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 54: 699–703. doi: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01001.x

Author Information

  1. West Virginia University, Department of Psychology, 53 Campus Drive, 1124 Life Sciences Building, PO Box 6040, Morgantown, WV 26506-6040.

*Additional information and reprint requests: Laurie Ragatz, M.A. West Virginia University Department of Psychology 53 Campus Drive 1124 Life Sciences Building P.O. Box 6040 Morgantown, WV 26506-6040 E-mail: laurie.ragatz@mail.wvu.edu

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 21 APR 2009
  2. Article first published online: 3 MAR 2009
  3. Received 6 May 2008; and in revised form 16 June 2008; accepted 21 June 2008.
Corrected by:

Erratum

Vol. 54, Issue 5, 1206, Article first published online: 1 SEP 2009

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Keywords:

  • forensic science;
  • vicious dogs;
  • antisocial behaviors;
  • psychopathy

Abstract:  Each year, 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs. Of those bitten each year, 386,000 are seriously injured and some killed. Consequently, many insurance companies refuse to issue homeowners insurance to owners of specific breeds of dogs considered “vicious” or high risk of causing injury. This study examined whether vicious dog owners were different on antisocial behaviors and personality dimensions. A total of 869 college students completed an anonymous online questionnaire assessing type of dog owned, criminal behaviors, attitudes towards animal abuse, psychopathy, and personality. The sample was divided into four groups: vicious dog owners, large dog owners, small dog owners, and controls. Findings revealed vicious dog owners reported significantly more criminal behaviors than other dog owners. Vicious dog owners were higher in sensation seeking and primary psychopathy. Study results suggest that vicious dog ownership may be a simple marker of broader social deviance.

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