The Influence of Breed, Sex, Origin and Housing Conditions on Undesirable Behaviors in Ancient Dog Breeds

Simple Summary Abnormal, repetitive behaviors often pose a problem for dog owners. Such behaviors are considered undesirable if they pose a nuisance or a danger to humans. This study aimed to identify factors (breed, sex, origin, housing conditions) and situations that contribute to undesirable behaviors, such as aggression towards humans and other dogs/animals, separation anxiety, excessive vocalization, and oral and locomotion behaviors in the ancient dog breeds Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Basenji, Samoyed and Siberian husky. Undesirable behaviors were analyzed based on the results of a survey involving dog owners. Undesirable behaviors were most frequently reported in Akitas, Siberian huskies and Samoyeds, and they were more prevalent in males than in females and dogs living indoors with or without access to a backyard. Aggressive behaviors towards other dogs and animals, excessive vocalization and undesirable motor activities posed the greatest problems in ancient dog breeds. Abstract Abnormal repetitive behaviors often pose problems for dog owners. Such behaviors are considered undesirable if they pose a nuisance or a danger to humans. Ancient dog breeds are intelligent, sociable, active, boisterous and need regular outdoor exercise, but are also independent and reluctant to follow commands. This study aimed to identify factors (breed, sex, origin, housing conditions) and situations that contribute to undesirable behaviors, such as aggression towards humans and other dogs/animals, separation anxiety, excessive vocalization, and oral and locomotion behaviors in Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Basenji, Samoyed and Siberian husky. Undesirable behaviors in dogs were analyzed based on the results of 897 questionnaires. Breed influenced aggressive behavior towards other dogs/animals, aggression towards humans, undesirable oral and locomotion behaviors, and excessive vocalization. Aggressive behaviors were more prevalent in females than in males. Housing conditions were linked with aggression towards other dogs/animals, aggression at mealtime, and excessive vocalization. Undesirable behaviors were most frequently reported in Akitas, Siberian huskies and Samoyeds, and they were more prevalent in males than in females and dogs living indoors with or without access to a backyard. Aggressive behaviors towards other dogs and animals, excessive vocalization and undesirable motor activities posed the greatest problems in ancient dog breeds.


Introduction
Abnormal repetitive behaviors often pose a problem for dog owners [1]. Such behaviors are considered problematic if they pose a nuisance or a danger to household members [2]. In turn, behaviors that are unacceptable for dog owners are described as undesirable, even if they are consistent with an animal's ethogram of normal behavior [3][4][5]. Examples of undesirable behavior include excessive activity, excitation, vocalization or unprovoked aggression [6,7]. Stereotypies are repetitive, constant acts that serve no obvious purpose [8]. In turn, compulsive behaviors are defined as repetitive acts that exceed normal Table 1. Undesirable behaviors analyzed in the study.

Undesirable Behavior (Yes/No) Description of Undesirable Behavior (the Respondents Could Select Multiple Answers)
Aggression towards other dogs/animals -When walking on a leash -When walking off-leash -When eating -When playing -On own territory -Other Aggression towards humans -When playing -When eating -When being groomed -Towards visitors -On own territory -Other Aggression at mealtime -Guards food bowl -Guards food -Other Separation anxiety -Vocalizes -Eliminates in the house -Damages furniture and other objects -Scratches doors and windows -Other Oral and locomotion behaviors -Chews leg or other body parts -Self-licks excessively -Chases own tail -Runs along the fence line -Chases cars/bicycles -Other Excessive vocalization -When home alone -When meeting another dog during a walk -When responding to a command -Towards visitors -When guarding own terrain-Other The respondents could describe other behavioral problems by selecting the "other" option.

Statistical Analysis
The results of the questionnaire survey were analyzed using Pearson's chi-squared test in the Statistica 13.3 program (TIBCO Software Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA) [35]. The relationships between the following variables: breed, sex, origin, previous and present housing conditions, vs. undesirable behaviors: aggression towards other dogs/animals, aggression towards humans, aggression at mealtime, separation anxiety, undesirable oral and locomotion behaviors, excessive vocalization (yes/no) were analyzed. The results were regarded as significant at p ≤ 0.05. The percentage of undesirable behaviors and the situations in which undesirable behaviors occurred were listed in the Excel spreadsheet program (MS Office 365). The percentage of undesirable behaviors in each breed, each category of undesirable behaviors and housing conditions was calculated relative to the total number of reported undesirable behaviors and relative to undesirable behaviors in each sex. The percentage of situations in which undesirable behaviors were reported and specific behaviors in each category was calculated relative to undesirable behaviors reported separately for each dog breed.

Results
The conducted survey revealed differences in undesirable behaviors in the analyzed ancient dog breeds. Breed influenced five of the six analyzed undesirable behaviors ( Table 2). Aggressive behavior towards other dogs/animals was reported in 58.89% of Akitas, 46.55% of Alaskan Malamutes and 54.69% of Basenjis (χ 2 = 122.739, p ≤ 0.001). Aggressive behavior towards other dogs and animals was least prevalent in Samoyeds and Siberian huskies (11.47% and 34.96%, respectively). Samoyeds were also least aggressive towards humans (5.5%) (χ 2 = 12.997, p ≤ 0.011). Aggressive behavior towards humans was most frequently displayed by Alaskan Malamutes (17.24%) and Akitas (13.04%).
Undesirable behaviors in dogs include oral and locomotion behaviors as well as excessive vocalization. Breed exerted a significant effect on these behaviors. Stereotypic motor behaviors were most prevalent (χ 2 = 10.018, p ≤ 0.040) in Samoyeds (29.36%) and Akitas (27.27%) and were least prevalent in Siberian huskies (17.89%). Aggression at mealtime (χ 2 = 23.231, p ≤ 0.001) was less frequently reported than undesirable motor activities, excluding Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian huskies. These behavioral problems were noted in 29.31% of Alaskan Malamutes and 20.33% of Siberian huskies.
The incidence of separation anxiety was similar in the analyzed breeds, ranging from 9.88% in Akitas to 17.89% in Samoyeds.
An analysis of the relationship between sex and undesirable behaviors (Table 3) revealed that sex significantly contributed (χ 2 = 4.821, p ≤ 0.028) to aggression towards other dogs and animals. Aggressive behaviors were more prevalent in females (64.76%) than in male dogs (57.51%).
The incidence of the remaining undesirable behaviors was similar in both sexes.  The results of the questionnaire survey were analyzed using Pearson's chi-squared test (χ 2 ). The results were regarded as significant at p ≤ 0.05.
An analysis examining the extent to which a dog's origin contributed to undesirable behaviors did not reveal differences between groups (Table 4). Previous housing conditions were not linked with behavioral problems (Table 5).
An analysis examining the influence of present housing conditions on undesirable behaviors (Table 6) confirmed that this factor contributed to aggressive behavior towards other dogs and animals (χ 2 = 15.236, p ≤ 0.002), aggression at mealtime (χ 2 = 8.509, p ≤ 0.037) and excessive vocalization (χ 2 = 9.601, p ≤ 0.022). Aggressive behavior was most prevalent in dogs living outdoors without confinement (53.85%) and dogs living indoors with backyard access (43.36%). This behavioral problem was reported in 33.89% of dogs living indoors without backyard access. Dogs living outdoors in kennels were the least aggressive (14.29%). Aggression at mealtime was most prevalent in dogs living indoors with backyard access (21.33%) and dogs living outdoors (17.95%). This problem was least frequently noted in dogs living indoors without backyard access (13.74%).
An analysis of the relationships between housing conditions and excessive vocalization produced the opposite results. Dogs kept in outdoor kennels (35.71%), and dogs living indoors without backyard access (31.71%) tended to be most vocal. Excessive vocalization was less prevalent in dogs living in a more stimulating environment, including dogs kept outdoors and dogs living indoors with access to a backyard (22.75% and 25.64%, respectively).
Undesirable behaviors in ancient dog breeds were also examined in a situational context. The respondents reported a total of 1939 undesirable behaviors (1062 in males and 877 in females). Many dogs displayed multiple behavioral problems.
The highest number of undesirable behaviors was reported in Akitas (29.91%), Siberian huskies (25.01%) and Samoyeds (21.4%) ( Figure 1). The smallest number of undesirable behaviors was observed in Basenjis (7.79%) and Alaskan Malamutes (15.88%). The most prevalent behavioral problems were aggression towards other dogs/animals (33.47%), excessive vocalization (20.27%) and undesirable oral and locomotion behaviors (16.92%) ( Figure 2). An analysis examining the impact of housing conditions on behavioral problems in ancient dog breeds revealed that undesirable behaviors were most common in dogs living indoors without backyard access (47.19%) and dogs living indoors with backyard access (46.98%) (Figure 3), which could be attributed to limited living space and low levels of physical activity. The results of the questionnaire survey were analyzed using Pearson's chi-squared test (χ 2 ). The results were regarded as significant at p ≤ 0.05.  The results of the questionnaire survey were analyzed using Pearson's chi-squared test (χ 2 ). The results were regarded as significant at p ≤ 0.05.  The results of the questionnaire survey were analyzed using Pearson's chi-squared test (χ 2 ). The results were regarded as significant at p ≤ 0.05.
most prevalent behavioral problems were aggression towards other dogs/animals (33.47%), excessive vocalization (20.27%) and undesirable oral and locomotion behaviors (16.92%) ( Figure 2). An analysis examining the impact of housing conditions on behavioral problems in ancient dog breeds revealed that undesirable behaviors were most common in dogs living indoors without backyard access (47.19%) and dogs living indoors with backyard access (46.98%) (Figure 3), which could be attributed to limited living space and low levels of physical activity.    able behaviors was observed in Basenjis (7.79%) and Alaskan Malamutes (15.88%). The most prevalent behavioral problems were aggression towards other dogs/animals (33.47%), excessive vocalization (20.27%) and undesirable oral and locomotion behaviors (16.92%) ( Figure 2). An analysis examining the impact of housing conditions on behavioral problems in ancient dog breeds revealed that undesirable behaviors were most common in dogs living indoors without backyard access (47.19%) and dogs living indoors with backyard access (46.98%) (Figure 3), which could be attributed to limited living space and low levels of physical activity.     The incidence of aggressive behavior towards other dogs and animals was analyzed when dogs were walked on a leash, walked off-leash when eating, playing, on their territory, and in other situations ( Figure 4). In more than 30% of the examined cases, aggressive behavior was displayed when the dog was walked on a leash. The above scenario accounted for more than 50% of undesirable behaviors in Basenjis. The incidence of aggressive behavior ranged from 2.44% (Samoyeds) to 9.71% (Akitas) when dogs were walked off-leash. Aggressive behaviors towards other animals were also common on a dog's territory, and they accounted for more than 30% of the cases in Akitas and more than 25% of the cases in Alaskan Malamutes. When asked about other forms of aggression towards other dogs and animals, the respondents claimed that their dogs were aggressive only in response to aggressive behavior displayed by other dogs. In some cases, dogs were aggressive to strangers who approached the owner (for example, during a walk), which was perceived probably as a potential threat by the dog.  A k i t a A l a s k a n M a l a m u t e B a s e n j i S a m o y e d S i b e r i a n h u s k y % When walking on a leash When walking off-leash When eating When playing On own territory Other The incidence of aggressive behavior towards other dogs and animals was analyzed when dogs were walked on a leash, walked off-leash when eating, playing, on their territory, and in other situations ( Figure 4). In more than 30% of the examined cases, aggressive behavior was displayed when the dog was walked on a leash. The above scenario accounted for more than 50% of undesirable behaviors in Basenjis. The incidence of aggressive behavior ranged from 2.44% (Samoyeds) to 9.71% (Akitas) when dogs were walked off-leash. Aggressive behaviors towards other animals were also common on a dog's territory, and they accounted for more than 30% of the cases in Akitas and more than 25% of the cases in Alaskan Malamutes. When asked about other forms of aggression towards other dogs and animals, the respondents claimed that their dogs were aggressive only in response to aggressive behavior displayed by other dogs. In some cases, dogs were aggressive to strangers who approached the owner (for example, during a walk), which was perceived probably as a potential threat by the dog.  The incidence of aggressive behavior towards other dogs and animals was analyzed when dogs were walked on a leash, walked off-leash when eating, playing, on their territory, and in other situations (Figure 4). In more than 30% of the examined cases, aggressive behavior was displayed when the dog was walked on a leash. The above scenario accounted for more than 50% of undesirable behaviors in Basenjis. The incidence of aggressive behavior ranged from 2.44% (Samoyeds) to 9.71% (Akitas) when dogs were walked off-leash. Aggressive behaviors towards other animals were also common on a dog's territory, and they accounted for more than 30% of the cases in Akitas and more than 25% of the cases in Alaskan Malamutes. When asked about other forms of aggression towards other dogs and animals, the respondents claimed that their dogs were aggressive only in response to aggressive behavior displayed by other dogs. In some cases, dogs were aggressive to strangers who approached the owner (for example, during a walk), which was perceived probably as a potential threat by the dog.  A k i t a A l a s k a n M a l a m u t e B a s e n j i S a m o y e d S i b e r i a n h u s k y % When walking on a leash When walking off-leash When eating When playing On own territory Other Aggressive behavior towards humans was analyzed during playing, eating, grooming, guest visits, on own territory and in other circumstances ( Figure 5). In Akitas, aggression towards visitors and aggression on their territory accounted for more than 70% of all aggressive behaviors towards humans in this breed. Aggression towards humans on the dog's territory accounted for 42.86% of the cases, and aggression towards visitors accounted for 28.57% of the cases in Akitas. Aggressive behaviors towards visitors were also frequent in Basenjis (36.36%) and Alaskan Malamutes (21.21%). The respondents who were asked about other reasons for aggression towards humans pointed out that ancient dog breeds are aggressive not only towards strangers but also towards people they know. An analysis of aggressive behaviors during grooming indicates that ancient dog breeds, particularly Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds and Siberian huskies, experience discomfort while being groomed (24.24%, 31.25% and 20%, respectively). Aggressive behavior towards humans was analyzed during playing, eating, grooming, guest visits, on own territory and in other circumstances ( Figure 5). In Akitas, aggression towards visitors and aggression on their territory accounted for more than 70% of all aggressive behaviors towards humans in this breed. Aggression towards humans on the dog's territory accounted for 42.86% of the cases, and aggression towards visitors accounted for 28.57% of the cases in Akitas. Aggressive behaviors towards visitors were also frequent in Basenjis (36.36%) and Alaskan Malamutes (21.21%). The respondents who were asked about other reasons for aggression towards humans pointed out that ancient dog breeds are aggressive not only towards strangers but also towards people they know. An analysis of aggressive behaviors during grooming indicates that ancient dog breeds, particularly Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds and Siberian huskies, experience discomfort while being groomed (24.24%, 31.25% and 20%, respectively). Problematic behaviors that could indicate separation anxiety included vocalization, elimination in the house, damaging furniture and other objects, scratching doors and windows, and other ( Figure 6). The most prevalent behavioral problems in this category were vocalization (from 27.42% in Siberian huskies to 50% in Alaskan Malamutes) and damaging furniture and other objects (from 11.76% in Alaskan Malamutes to 47.73% in Basenjis). According to the respondents, other behaviors indicative of separation anxiety were observed in early life. These problems disappeared after training and when dogs became accustomed to being left alone at home or in the backyard.  Problematic behaviors that could indicate separation anxiety included vocalization, elimination in the house, damaging furniture and other objects, scratching doors and windows, and other ( Figure 6). The most prevalent behavioral problems in this category were vocalization (from 27.42% in Siberian huskies to 50% in Alaskan Malamutes) and damaging furniture and other objects (from 11.76% in Alaskan Malamutes to 47.73% in Basenjis). According to the respondents, other behaviors indicative of separation anxiety were observed in early life. These problems disappeared after training and when dogs became accustomed to being left alone at home or in the backyard.
Undesirable motor activities included self-chewing, excessive licking, tail chasing, running along the fence line, chasing cars, and other ( Figure 7). The first three behaviors were most often reported in the survey. They were least prevalent in Basenjis, where car and bicycle chasing was most frequently reported (46.15% of the cases). Other undesirable behaviors included hunting, spinning or chewing on the leash during walks. Undesirable motor activities included self-chewing, excessive licking, tail chasing, running along the fence line, chasing cars, and other ( Figure 7). The first three behaviors were most often reported in the survey. They were least prevalent in Basenjis, where car and bicycle chasing was most frequently reported (46.15% of the cases). Other undesirable behaviors included hunting, spinning or chewing on the leash during walks. Aggression at mealtime included food or food bowl guarding and other undesirable behaviors (Figure 8). The reported cases of food guarding ranged from 53.45% in Akitas to 72% in Samoyeds. Other undesirable feeding behaviors included eating every other day or eating at night. Such behaviors could be caused by health problems, and in such cases, the owner should consult a veterinary practitioner. 30 A k i t a A l a s k a n M a l a m u t e B a s e n j i S a m o y e d S i b e r i a n h u s k y % Chews leg or other body parts Self-licks excessively Chases own tail Runs along the fence line Chases cars/bicycles Other Undesirable motor activities included self-chewing, excessive licking, tail chasing, running along the fence line, chasing cars, and other ( Figure 7). The first three behaviors were most often reported in the survey. They were least prevalent in Basenjis, where car and bicycle chasing was most frequently reported (46.15% of the cases). Other undesirable behaviors included hunting, spinning or chewing on the leash during walks. Aggression at mealtime included food or food bowl guarding and other undesirable behaviors (Figure 8). The reported cases of food guarding ranged from 53.45% in Akitas to 72% in Samoyeds. Other undesirable feeding behaviors included eating every other day or eating at night. Such behaviors could be caused by health problems, and in such cases, the owner should consult a veterinary practitioner. 30  Aggression at mealtime included food or food bowl guarding and other undesirable behaviors (Figure 8). The reported cases of food guarding ranged from 53.45% in Akitas to 72% in Samoyeds. Other undesirable feeding behaviors included eating every other day or eating at night. Such behaviors could be caused by health problems, and in such cases, the owner should consult a veterinary practitioner. Excessive vocalization is a frequent problem in dogs. In this study, Samoyeds were the most vocal breed ( Table 2). Samoyeds were excessively vocal towards visitors (26.01%) and when meeting other dogs during walks (20.23%) (Figure 9). In 60% of the cases, Basenjis vocalized excessively when left at home alone. Excessive vocalization and behaviors that indicate separation anxiety suggest that Basenjis could be more susceptible to stress resulting from loneliness ( Figure 6). In turn, Akitas were most vocal when guarding their territory (51.61%). In this breed, territorial aggression was also linked with aggression towards other dogs/animals ( Figure 4) and humans ( Figure 5). Other situations that provoked excessive vocalizing included overexcitement during walks, excitement when the owner returned home and attempted to elicit play or a treat from the owner. Many respondents believed that ancient dog breeds vocalize without an obvious reason.  A k i t a A l a s k a n M a l a m u t e B a s e n j i S a m o y e d S i b e r i a n h u s k y % When home alone When meeting another dog during a walk When responding to a command In the towards visitors When guarding own terrain Other Excessive vocalization is a frequent problem in dogs. In this study, Samoyeds were the most vocal breed (Table 2). Samoyeds were excessively vocal towards visitors (26.01%) and when meeting other dogs during walks (20.23%) (Figure 9). In 60% of the cases, Basenjis vocalized excessively when left at home alone. Excessive vocalization and behaviors that indicate separation anxiety suggest that Basenjis could be more susceptible to stress resulting from loneliness ( Figure 6). In turn, Akitas were most vocal when guarding their territory (51.61%). In this breed, territorial aggression was also linked with aggression towards other dogs/animals ( Figure 4) and humans ( Figure 5). Other situations that provoked excessive vocalizing included overexcitement during walks, excitement when the owner returned home and attempted to elicit play or a treat from the owner. Many respondents believed that ancient dog breeds vocalize without an obvious reason. Excessive vocalization is a frequent problem in dogs. In this study, Samoyeds were the most vocal breed (Table 2). Samoyeds were excessively vocal towards visitors (26.01%) and when meeting other dogs during walks (20.23%) (Figure 9). In 60% of the cases, Basenjis vocalized excessively when left at home alone. Excessive vocalization and behaviors that indicate separation anxiety suggest that Basenjis could be more susceptible to stress resulting from loneliness ( Figure 6). In turn, Akitas were most vocal when guarding their territory (51.61%). In this breed, territorial aggression was also linked with aggression towards other dogs/animals ( Figure 4) and humans ( Figure 5). Other situations that provoked excessive vocalizing included overexcitement during walks, excitement when the owner returned home and attempted to elicit play or a treat from the owner. Many respondents believed that ancient dog breeds vocalize without an obvious reason.  A k i t a A l a s k a n M a l a m u t e B a s e n j i S a m o y e d S i b e r i a n h u s k y % When home alone When meeting another dog during a walk When responding to a command In the towards visitors When guarding own terrain Other Figure 9. Situations that elicit excessive vocalization (%).

Discussion
Aggressive behavior towards other dogs, animals and humans are one of the most common behavioral problems in dogs [4,20,[36][37][38]. An Australian study demonstrated that aggression (37%) and excessive vocalization (14%) were the most prevalent behavioral problems in dogs of various breeds living in the area of Brisbane and Gold Coast [4]. Ancient dog breeds (Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian husky) accounted for only 0.43% and 1.40% of the studied population, respectively, but they displayed the same behavioral problems as dogs of more popular breeds.
Our results revealed certain differences in aggressive behaviors towards other dogs/ animals in the studied ancient dog breeds. Aggressive behaviors were reported in 50% of Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes and Basenjis, a high and worrying number. Aggressive behavior can be attributed to the specific character traits of ancient dog breeds and their close genetic relationship to wolves [31], but it could also point to the lack of proper socialization and training. Obedience training is often recommended for preventing and eliminating aggression in dogs [39].
The influence of a dog's previous housing conditions on aggressive behavior was not confirmed in this study. However, present housing conditions were linked with aggressive behavior. The incidence of aggression was highest in dogs kept outdoors without confinement and in dogs kept indoors with backyard access. These behaviors indicate territorial aggression, which is a natural canine instinct resulting from the need to guard own territory against other dogs and animals [49]. Dogs naturally protect their territory where they feel safe and where their basic needs are met. Some owners unwittingly encourage territorial aggression, thus making their dogs overconfident and possessive of their territory [50]. These dogs are more likely to display territorial behaviors and act aggressively towards other animals. Beerda et al. [51] demonstrated that dogs kept in confined spaces with a limited number of environmental stimuli, including limited contact with humans, were more aggressive, excitable and anxious.
In this study, aggressive behaviors accounted for 41.41% of all undesirable behaviors (803 cases of aggression in a total of 1939 undesirable behaviors), including aggression towards other dogs/animals (33.47%, 649 cases) and humans (7.94%, 154 cases). These problems were most frequently encountered in dogs living indoors (in houses) with backyard access (120 cases of aggression) and dogs living indoors (in apartments) without backyard access (114 cases). Such behaviors are indicative of defensive aggression, which is fueled by fear and anxiety [50]. Dogs kept on a short leash do not feel confident, and the leash prevents the dog from defending itself against a perceived aggressor [50,52]. Dogs kept on a tight leashes probably also respond to the caretaker's emotions [53]. In some cases, aggressive behavior is an expression of the dog's innate need to defend the owner.
Other aggressive behaviors displayed during off-leash walking, playing or eating can be classified as competitive aggression [50,52]. In turn, aggression directed towards humans during play could be a sign of possessive aggression [50,52]. Dogs are strongly motivated to guard an important resource, such as a toy. Possession of an important resource asserts the dog's status in the pack. Owners who enable such behaviors promote possessive instincts, and they risk being bitten when attempting to take away the toy [50,52].
The surveyed respondents also reported aggressive behaviors during grooming, which could be attributed to the fact that dogs were not familiar with the grooming routine or that grooming was painful. Ancient dog breeds have a thick hair coat, which needs to be regularly groomed [32]. Aggressive behaviors during grooming could result from irritation or fear [50]. A groomer invades a dog's personal space; the dog is often immobilized and is unable to escape; therefore, aggression towards the groomer is the only mode of defense.
Separation anxiety is increasingly reported in dogs [54][55][56][57][58]. A survey involving American dog owners revealed that 17% of dogs that remain under veterinary care display clinical symptoms of separation anxiety [57]. A dog experiences acute stress when the owner is absent, which intensifies anxious behavior [58,59]. Separation anxiety is most often manifested by vocalization, destructive behavior, elimination in the house, salivation, licking and self-harm [60]. Behavioral symptoms also include pacing, spinning and other repetitive behaviors. However, vocalization, elimination and destruction of household items are sufficient to diagnose separation anxiety.
In this study, separation anxiety was not significantly influenced by breed, sex, origin or housing conditions. However, symptoms of separation anxiety were somewhat more prevalent in Alaskan Malamutes and Samoyeds than in Siberian huskies and Akitas.
The destructive behaviors reported in dogs that were left alone at home are indicative of separation anxiety. The most common undesirable behaviors were excessive vocalization, damage to furniture and other household objects, and scratching doors and windows. Alaskan Malamute was the most vocalizing breed, whereas Basenjis, Samoyeds and Siberian huskies engaged mostly in destructive behavior. These undesirable behaviors are indicative not only of separation anxiety but also of boredom. Dogs whose individual needs are not met, animals left home alone for long periods, and dogs that are not physically (exercise, walking, play) and mentally stimulated may display undesirable behaviors indicative of separation anxiety [4,61].
Most dogs vocalize in response to external stimuli, when guarding their territory, during interactions with other dogs and during play [62]. However, excessive and uncontrolled barking, whimpering and growling at night or during daytime can be classified as undesirable behavior. Excessive vocalization could be caused by medical, cognitive, psychological and behavioral problems [63].
In this study, Samoyeds were the most vocal breed, which vocalized excessively towards visitors, during interactions with other dogs, in response to commands, and when left alone at home. Similar to Samoyeds, many Basenjis also vocalized excessively when left home alone. Basenjis do not bark [50], and vocalization in the owner's absence could imply that this breed is more prone to separation anxiety. Excessive vocalization was also reported in dogs living indoors or in outdoor kennels. Limited living space can lead to frustration [28,30,50]. Dogs living indoors are exposed to unknown sounds that reach the interior through windows and doors. Dogs housed in kennels can also see and smell people, animals and vehicles. In these cases, excessive vocalization could be a symptom of territorial behavior [50].
In the present study, the following behaviors were classified as undesirable locomotion behaviors: chewing legs or other body parts, excessive licking, tail chasing, running along the fence line, chasing cars and bicycles, and other behaviors. According to many researchers, excessive self-grooming, such as licking and chewing body parts, is a compulsive behavior [10,13,51,64]. When dermatological problems and pain are ruled out, excessive self-grooming could be a sign of a psychobiological condition, and it is often accompanied by anxiety and psychomotor agitation [6,16]. Severe compulsions point to serious behavioral problems, and they could indicate that the dog's welfare has been compromised [28]. The most common undesirable motor behaviors observed daily include fence running when people, animals or vehicles pass by. Such behaviors are a manifestation of a natural hunting instinct rather than motor stereotypies. Motor stereotypies have been reported in dogs living in shelters [27] and kennels [64]. Spinning and jumping are the only types of physical activity that are available to dogs in confinement. In the absence of physical and mental stimulation, dogs engage in such activities to combat stress and boredom [4,5]. In the current study, undesirable motor activities were also more prevalent in dogs living indoors (in apartments) and animals kept in kennels.
In the present study, the incidence of undesirable behaviors differed across the examined ancient dog breeds. Undesirable behaviors were less prevalent in Siberian huskies than in the remaining breeds. In Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds and Siberian huskies, self-aggression and compulsive tail-chasing were more prevalent motor activities than fence running and chasing moving vehicles. Car and bicycle chasing as a symptom of hunting aggression were particularly prevalent in Basenjis, and it accounted for 46.15% of all undesirable motor behaviors reported in this breed.
Dogs guard food and food bowls to protect resources that play an important role in their lives. Animals that feel threatened are more inclined to protect important resources, such as food [50]. Dogs are more likely to aggressively protect their resources if they are punished or intimidated by their owners. Previous housing conditions could also play a role. Animals that were homeless for long periods and had to compete for food with rivals are more likely to protect their resources in an aggressive manner [50].
The study confirmed that breed and present housing conditions affected undesirable behaviors in dogs. Aggression at mealtime was most prevalent in Alaskan Malamutes, followed by Siberian huskies, Akitas, Basenji and Samoyeds. An analysis of present housing conditions revealed that dogs living indoors with backyard access and dogs kept outside without confinement were most likely to develop undesirable feeding behaviors.

Conclusions
In the present study, breed, sex and housing conditions were linked with undesirable behaviors in ancient dog breeds. The breed was associated with aggression towards other dogs/animals, aggression towards humans, undesirable oral and locomotion behaviors, and excessive vocalization. Sex was linked only with aggressive behavior towards other dogs/animals, and aggressive behaviors were more prevalent in females than in males. Housing conditions were associated with aggression towards other dogs/animals, aggression at mealtime, and excessive vocalization.
Undesirable behaviors were most prevalent in Akitas, Siberian huskies and Samoyeds, and they were more frequent in males than in females. The incidence of undesirable behaviors was highest in dogs living indoors with and without backyard access. The most frequently reported behavioral problems in ancient dog breeds were aggression towards other dogs and animals, excessive vocalization, and undesirable motor activities.
Funding: Project financially supported by Minister of Science and Higher Education in the range of the program entitled "Regional Initiative of Excellence" for the years 2019-2022, Project no. 010/RID/2018/19, amount of funding 12,000,000 PLN.

Institutional Review Board Statement:
Polish law: Act of 15.01.2015 on the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific and Educational Purposes, specifies terms and conditions on the protection of animals used for scientific or educational purposes, including conditions when an Ethical Approval is required. Ethical Approval is not required when, in accordance with the practice, the procedures performed do not cause pain, suffering, distress or permanent injury to the animals equal to or more severely needle-pricked. In this study: the animals were kept in standard domestic conditions, no one animal has been treated in any way or submitted to any experimental protocol. Thus, ethical approval was not required.

Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: Not applicable.

Conflicts of Interest:
The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.