February 18, 2026, 11:46 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Is your dog easily overstimulated, skittish, or extremely attached to you? What is often labeled as “problem behavior” might have an underestimated background. New research findings show: Dogs can also have hypersensitivity—and this fundamentally changes the perspective on many everyday issues.
If your dog seems perpetually stressed, struggles to relax, and reacts to every stimulus, it might be highly sensitive. Research in this area is still relatively new. As early as 2020, a study by the University of Bern scientifically proved that not only humans but also dogs can be highly sensitive. How can you recognize hypersensitivity in dogs? And what do these dogs really need?
One in Six Dogs Is Highly Sensitive
“Approximately one in six dogs is highly sensitive,” explains Dr. Christine King. This corresponds to about 20 percent of the global dog population. The veterinarian from Australia published a book last year on dealing with highly sensitive dogs. “High sensitivity is not a disease but a personality trait.” In her practice, Christine King frequently encounters highly sensitive dogs. She is pleased with the University of Bern study and writes in her book: “Many behaviors like anxiety or skittishness were previously interpreted as ‘misbehavior’ or ‘weakness,’ but they are expressions of high sensitivity, meaning deeper information processing.”1
When the “stress barrel” overflows and affected dogs suffer from sensory overload, it manifests as physical and psychological problems.
Psychological Traits of Highly Sensitive Dogs
Hypersensitivity in dogs also manifests through psychological traits. Affected dogs often have noise anxiety (thunderstorms, fireworks), which is extremely common due to the genetic component. Highly sensitive dogs also tend to form very close bonds with their caregivers—so close that they experience separation anxiety and react with massive stress to absence.
Hypersensitivity can also lead to noticeable hyperreactivity: The dog “explodes” at the smallest triggers (e.g., a passing bicycle) because its nervous system is already at its limit. Compulsive disorders can also occur during extreme stress phases in everyday life. Stereotypical behaviors include paw licking, tail chasing, or chasing shadows.
Physical Illnesses in Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity not only affects the psyche of dogs but can also cause physical ailments:
- Digestive issues: Chronic gastrointestinal inflammation (IBD), food intolerances, or nervous diarrhea are common in high sensitivity.
- Skin problems and allergies: A chronically elevated cortisol level (stress hormone) weakens the skin’s barrier function. This can lead to lick dermatitis, itching, and a tendency toward allergies.
- Autoimmune diseases: The immune system of highly sensitive dogs can be as “overreactive” as their nervous system, making them more susceptible to autoimmune processes.
- Sleep disorders: Because they process stimuli more deeply, they find it difficult to enter the deep sleep necessary for recovery. They often remain “alert” even when lying down.
Helpful Measures for Dealing with Highly Sensitive Dogs
But there is hope: Many health issues improve once the dog can relax. With some measures, you can support your dog with hypersensitivity. Create one or more safe retreats where the dog is guaranteed not to be disturbed. Fixed rituals in everyday life help regulate the nervous system of highly sensitive dogs.
Avoid crowded city centers for walks. Guide your dog with a soft voice and gentle assertiveness, rather than dominance and harshness. Be your dog’s “safe haven” and protect it when it doesn’t want contact with other people or dogs. Stimulus budgeting: If there was a stressful event like a vet visit, the rest of the day should be calm.
A short, relaxed walk with plenty of time for sniffing is ideal. Calm, mental engagement is better than playing fetch or agility: food search games, mimicry games, such as teaching “sit” and “down” through eye movement, as well as chewing and licking activities (lick mat).
Trainer: “Most People Overlook This Problem in Dogs”
Fear and Overwhelm in Dogs Can Turn Into Aggression
Where Does My Dog Stand on the Scale?
The scale from the University of Bern study ranges from 1 (does not apply at all) to 7 (fully applies).
| Score Range | Classification | Description |
| 1.0 – 3.1 | Low sensitivity | Rather “thick-skinned,” little impressed by environmental stimuli. |
| 3.2 – 4.9 | Average | Normal reaction to stimuli; typical dog behavior. |
| 5.0 – 7.0 | Highly sensitive | Strong reaction, deep processing, quick overstimulation. |
Breeds with a High Tendency Toward High Sensitivity
Indeed, according to studies, certain breeds tend to be hypersensitive. These include:
- Herding dogs (e.g., Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Sheltie)—their brains are programmed to immediately notice the slightest movements and changes in the environment.
- Sighthounds (e.g., Whippet, Galgo, Greyhound) often have a very thin “nervous constitution” and extremely high sensory perception.
- Companion dogs (e.g., Poodle, Papillon) are often extremely focused on their humans and mirror their emotions one-to-one.
- The Magyar Viszla is known as a “velcro dog,” often reacting very sensitively to its owner’s mood.
Important classification by researchers: Although these statistical differences between breed groups were found, the study authors emphasize that the influence of breed on the expression of high sensitivity is overall very low. The researchers conclude that differences within a breed are often more significant than differences between different breeds.
Dealing with hypersensitivity in dogs requires empathy, patience, and a good sense of their needs. Providing structure, security, and conscious stress reduction helps your dog live more balanced and positively express its sensitive nature.