Is fear innate or learned by dogs?

Both innate and learned.

Some dogs are more prone to fear than others, depending on their breed, genetics, and individual personality traits. For example, certain breeds of dogs, such as German Shepherds and Doberman Pinschers, are often bred for their protective qualities, which can make them more likely to be fearful of strangers or perceive certain situations as threatening.

On the other hand, learned fear develops through associations the dog makes with particular objects, situations, or sounds. For instance, if a dog has a negative experience, like being attacked by another dog, it may associate that specific breed of dog with danger, leading to fear in future encounters.