Left-pawed or Right-pawed: Does your dog have a "preferred paw"? đŸ
Updated 17 October 2026
In short: unlike humans, who are mostly right-handed, dogs split almost evenly: a meta-analysis of over 1,300 dogs found about 32% right-pawed, 31% left-pawed and 37% with no preference (Ocklenburg et al., 2019). A few studies link laterality to temperament: dogs with no preference may react more strongly to storms and fireworks, and left-pawed dogs may be more "cautious". These are trends seen in small groups, not diagnoses.
How many dogs are left- or right-pawed?
These figures come from a meta-analysis of 23 studies (Ocklenburg et al., 2019). In humans, about 90% of people are right-handed; dogs, as a species, have no dominant side. Some studies have also found that males lean left more often and females right, a result not seen in all research.
Why does paw preference say something about the brain?
Each half of the brain controls the opposite side of the body. In dogs, as in many animals, the left hemisphere seems more involved in familiar situations and approach emotions, and the right hemisphere in withdrawal, fear and novelty. The same idea shows up in asymmetric tail wagging.
Dogs with no preference are more scared of noises.
TRUEOut of 48 dogs, those with no clear preference reacted more strongly to thunder and firework sounds (Branson and Rogers, 2006).
Left-pawed dogs are more "pessimistic".
IT DEPENDSOut of 30 dogs, left-pawed dogs approached a bowl in an ambiguous position more slowly (Wells et al., 2017). An interesting trend, in a small group, with no proven cause and effect.
Laterality helps predict guide dog success.
TRUEIn 114 dogs in training, paw preference was one of the measures linked to success (Tomkins et al., 2012).
A left-pawed dog is an anxious dog.
FALSEThese are group averages: every dog is an individual, and many left-pawed dogs are perfectly calm.
How can I tell if my dog is left- or right-pawed?
Fill a hollow toy (Kong type) with food and note which paw it uses to hold it steady. It's the test researchers use most.
With your dog standing still, call it or start a walk: note which front paw moves first.
Record at least 50 observations, over several days. Clearly more on one side (say two times out of three): a likely preference. In between: your dog is "ambidextrous".
Don't bother your dog to test it (tape on its nose, for example): a filled toy is enough, and stays a nice moment for it.
What difference does it make day to day?
- Nothing serious: left, right or ambidextrous, every profile is normal.
- A dog with no preference that's sensitive to noise deserves gentle preparation before storms and fireworks.
- If your dog takes time to feel safe, let it discover new things at its own pace. See socialising your dog.
Frequently asked questions
Are dogs left- or right-pawed?
Both, almost equally: about a third right-pawed, a third left-pawed and a third with no preference.
How do I find my dog's preferred paw?
Watch which paw it uses to hold a food-filled toy, over at least 50 observations.
Is a left-pawed dog more stressed?
Some studies find trends, but in small groups. It isn't a diagnosis.
Does the dog's sex play a role?
Some studies find males lean left more often and females right, but this isn't confirmed everywhere.
Sources
- Ocklenburg S., Isparta S., Peterburs J., Papadatou-Pastou M. (2019). Paw preferences in cats and dogs: meta-analysis. Laterality 24(6), 647-677.
- Branson N.J., Rogers L.J. (2006). Relationship between paw preference strength and noise phobia in Canis familiaris. Journal of Comparative Psychology 120(3), 176-183.
- Wells D.L., Hepper P.G., Milligan A.D.S., Barnard S. (2017). Cognitive bias and paw preference in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris). Journal of Comparative Psychology 131(4), 317-325.
- Tomkins L.M., Thomson P.C., McGreevy P.D. (2012). Associations between motor, sensory and structural lateralisation and guide dog success. The Veterinary Journal 192(3), 359-367.