cynophobia

noun

cy·​no·​pho·​bia ˌsī-nə-ˈfō-bē-ə 

: pathological fear or loathing of dogs

If a person were attacked by a dog, that experience could prompt cynophobia, or fear of dogs.

—Becky Swartswatter

cynophobe

ˈsī-nə-ˌfōb 

noun

or cynophobic

ˌsī-nə-ˈfō-bik 

plural cynophobes or cynophobics

Playwright William Shakespeare and Roman emperor Julius Caesar are among the people throughout history who have lived in terror of cats, and a cynophobe gets skittish around dogs.

—Jennifer MacKay

cynophobic adjective

By the end, as the characters connect with each other with the help of their dogs, only the most cynophobic audience members will refuse to shed a tear or two.

—The Capital Times (Madison, Wisconsin)

Word History

Etymology

Greek kyno-, combining form of kýōn, genitive kynós "dog" + -phobia — more at hound entry 1

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

cynophobia

noun

cy·​no·​pho·​bia -ˈfō-bē-ə 

: a morbid fear of dogs