Companion Dogs in Vietnam: Exploring Characteristics of Owned and Ideal Dogs

As the first domesticated species, dogs have been shaped by human needs, values, and social structures, resulting in culturally specific expectations of their behaviour. While much of the existing research on companion animal preferences (referred to as ideal traits) has focused on Western contexts, rapidly increasing companion dog populations in Eastern countries mean that preferences in diverse cultures are important to investigate. Considering owner satisfaction is influenced by the match between dogs' traits and owners' culturally specific ideals, understanding ideal dog traits may help minimise welfare concerns, including relinquishment and maltreatment of companion dogs. A sample of 312 Vietnamese adults (M age = 27.31, SD = 6.65) were recruited via convenience sampling through Facebook and Instagram. Participants completed translated versions of the 44-item Ideal Dog Scale. Exploratory factor analysis identified four dimensions of ideal dog traits in Vietnam: 'Calmness', 'Energy/Capability', 'Affection/Health', and 'Cleanliness'. This differs from Australia, where the ideal dog is 'calm/compliant', 'sociable/healthy', 'energetic/faithful/protective', 'socially acceptable', and 'non-aggressive', and from Italy, where the ideal dog is 'calm', 'sociable and healthy', 'well trained and adaptable', 'energetic', and 'easy to manage'. For participants with a current dog, most owned a non-desexed, mixed breed male dog. This study deepens psychological insight into how socioecological contexts may shape perceptions of ideal companion animals. It also allows Vietnamese individuals to understand traits that would lead to the best dog-owner 'match', improving dog owner wellbeing and dog welfare.