Cynophobia, or fear of dogs, is an extremely common specific phobia. Although snake and spider phobias are even more prevalent, the average person is far more likely to encounter dogs in daily life. A phobia of dogs can be devastating, limiting contact with dog-owning friends and relatives, and curtailing normal activities. Causes of Cynophobia

Cynophobia is the irrational fear of dogs. The term cynophobia comes from the Greek words “cyno”, which means dog, and “phobia”, which means fear. It is considered to be a “specific phobia” and is quite common among those who suffer from phobias, along with fearing other animals like sharks or spiders for example.

Cynophobia, pronounced (sy-no-phobia), is a phobia or a fear of dogs. It is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a phobia under the “animal” specifier. Most people develop Cynophobia at a young age. This could be attributed to a traumatic experience with a dog, if a close family.

Cynophobia is the abnormal fear of dogs. Cynophobia is classified as a specific phobia, under the subtype "animal phobias". According to Dr. Timothy O. Rentz of the Laboratory for the Study of Anxiety Disorders at the University of Texas, animal phobias are among the most common of the specific phobias and 36% of patients who seek treatment report being afraid of dogs or cats.