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Definition of Fear of dogs
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Fear of dogs: An abnormal and persistent fear of dogs. Sufferers of this fear experience anxiety even though they realize that most dogs pose no threat. To avoid dogs, they may barricade yards or refuse to travel except in an enclosed vehicle.
Fear of dogs is termed "cynophobia, "a word derived from the Greek "kyon" (dog) and "phobos"(fear).