Breed differences in olfactory performance of dogs.

ABSTRACT: Most studies on dogs' olfactory performance focused only on some individuals pre-trained for a task or on specially selected/trained detection dogs. Here, using the Natural Detection Task (NDT) that does not require training, we assessed the effect of several potential factors on the performance of a large sample of dogs (N = 527/tested, 484/analysed). Olfactory success was associated with breeds, but breed groups (selected for olfaction, cooperation, or both) were proven non-relevant, suggesting that breed-specific traits are more influential than functional breed group characteristics. Border collies, selected for herding, reached higher success levels than golden retrievers, Hungarian/German vizslas and basset/bloodhounds, selected for hunting/olfaction tasks. Beagles found the hidden f

SUBMITTER: Salamon A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11751464 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature