Abstract
The importance of canine temperament in the selection and performance of working dogs has long been acknowledged. This short article reviews the literature on canine temperament, focusing on its role in the success of dogs in various working roles, such as assistance, therapy, search and rescue, police, and military work. Furthermore, the article explores the heritability of temperament traits and the implications of selective breeding for working dog populations. Finally, the article discusses current and emerging methods for assessing canine temperament and their applications in working dog selection and breeding programs.
Introduction
Dogs have been domesticated and bred for various working roles for thousands of years. As human societies have evolved, so too have the demands placed on working dogs. Today, working dogs are employed in a wide range of roles, from guide dogs for the visually impaired to police and military dogs trained for detection and protection duties. The success of these dogs in their roles depends largely on their temperament and behavioral traits. This article reviews the existing literature on canine temperament and its implications for working dog selection, performance, and breeding programs.
The Importance of Canine Temperament in Working Dogs
The role of temperament in the success of working dogs has been well documented in the literature. Early studies, such as Humphrey (1934), Pfaffenberger et al. (1976), and Goddard and Beilharz (1986), have highlighted the importance of temperament in selecting dogs for specific working roles, such as police work and guide dog duties. Key temperament traits that have been consistently linked to success in various working roles include:
- Trainability
- Adaptability
- Confidence
- Sociability
- Stress resilience
Understanding the role of temperament in working dogs is crucial, as it can inform selection criteria and training methodologies to optimize performance and ensure the welfare of both dogs and their human handlers.
The Heritability of Canine Temperament Traits
Research on the heritability of canine temperament traits, such as the work of Goddard and Beilharz (1986), has shown that many behavioral traits are significantly heritable. This finding has important implications for selective breeding programs, as it suggests that breeding dogs with desirable temperament traits can increase the likelihood of producing offspring with similar characteristics.
However, the heritability of temperament traits is complex and can be influenced by various factors, including breed, genetic diversity, and environmental influences. As such, it is essential for breeding programs to consider both genetic and environmental factors when selecting dogs for specific working roles.
Assessing Canine Temperament
Over the years, several methods have been developed to assess canine temperament, including standardized tests such as the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) and the Monash Canine Personality Questionnaire (MCPQ). These tests aim to provide a reliable and valid measure of canine temperament and behavioral traits, which can be used to inform working dog selection and breeding programs.
In addition to standardized tests, other methods for assessing temperament include behavioral observations, handler assessments, and performance evaluations. It is crucial to select an appropriate assessment method based on the specific requirements of the working role and the population of dogs being evaluated.
Conclusion
Canine temperament plays a vital role in the success of working dogs. By understanding the importance of temperament and its heritability, researchers, trainers, and breeders can optimize selection, training, and breeding programs to produce dogs that are well-suited for their intended working roles. Continued research and development of reliable temperament assessment methods will further enhance our ability to select and breed dogs that excel in their duties while maintaining high levels of welfare and job satisfaction.
References
- Humphrey, W. L. (1934). The Personality of Police Dogs. Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology, 25(1), 53-60.
- This early study by W. L. Humphrey examined the personality traits of police dogs, emphasizing the importance of selecting dogs with appropriate temperament for police work. The study focused on traits such as courage, intelligence, and trainability.
- Pfaffenberger, C. J., Scott, J. P., Fuller, J. L., Ginsburg, B. E., & Bielfelt, S. W. (1976). Guide Dogs for the Blind: Their Selection, Development and Training. New York: Elsevier.
- This study, led by Clarence J. Pfaffenberger, examined the temperament and trainability of guide dogs for the blind. The researchers found that certain personality traits, such as adaptability and confidence, were crucial for successful guide dog work.
- Goddard, M. E., & Beilharz, R. G. (1986). Early Prediction of Adult Behavior in Potential Guide Dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 15(3), 247-260.
- In this study, Mary Goddard and Roger Beilharz investigated the heritability of behavioral traits in working dogs, particularly in German Shepherds. Their findings suggested that traits like trainability and aggressiveness were significantly heritable, meaning that selective breeding could be used to produce dogs with desirable temperaments for specific work.
- Hsu, Y., & Serpell, J. A. (2003). Development and Validation of a Questionnaire for Measuring Behavior and Temperament Traits in Pet Dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 223(9), 1293-1300.
- Ley, J. M., McGreevy, P., & Bennett, P. C. (2009). Inter-rater and Test-retest Reliability of the Monash Canine Personality Questionnaire-Revised (MCPQ-R). Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 119(1-2), 85-90.
