Dogs ‘prefer reggae and soft rock’ to other music genres, research suggests
Dogs appear to prefer reggae and soft rock over other genres of music, according to researchers.
The Scottish SPCA and the University of Glasgow have published a paper which suggests music affects dogs’ behaviour.
Researchers played a variety of music to dogs at a rehoming centre in Dumbarton and assessed physiological and behavioural changes.
Prof Neil Evans said the most positive behaviour changes were seen when the dogs were played reggae and soft rock.
All though these genres stood out, he said the study suggested each dog had its own music tastes.
Prof Evans said: “Overall, the response to different genres was mixed highlighting the possibility that like humans, our canine friends have their own individual music preferences.”
The dogs were played five different genres of music: soft rock, Motown, pop, reggae and classical.
The study suggested that dogs spent “significantly more time lying and significantly less time standing” when music was played, regardless of genre.
By measuring the dogs’ heart rate, researchers said they showed a decrease in stress levels when played music – particularly when it was soft rock or reggae.