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 perfor...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Nature Portfolio
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-87136-y |
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| author | Attila Salamon Ádám Miklósi László Róbert Zsiros Tímea Kovács Enikő Kubinyi Attila Andics Márta Gácsi |
| author_facet | Attila Salamon Ádám Miklósi László Róbert Zsiros Tímea Kovács Enikő Kubinyi Attila Andics Márta Gácsi |
| author_sort | Attila Salamon |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | 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 food quicker than border collies, basset/bloodhounds, golden retrievers, Labradors, and cocker spaniels. Dogs with higher Responsiveness to training personality scores were more successful, while higher training level linked to slower successful search. Activity/Excitability scores, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder scores, and owners’ rewarding style were not associated with performance. Overall, large within-breed/breed-group variabilities reflect complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors influencing performance. Given the complex nature of life-like detection tasks, the NDT may provide more information about dogs’ olfactory ability than on their potential effectiveness in detection work. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-51ef17269da04c44acbf94da23004e45 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-51ef17269da04c44acbf94da23004e452025-01-26T12:33:00ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-01-0115111410.1038/s41598-025-87136-yBreed differences in olfactory performance of dogsAttila Salamon0Ádám Miklósi1László Róbert Zsiros2Tímea Kovács3Enikő Kubinyi4Attila Andics5Márta Gácsi6HUN-REN-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research GroupHUN-REN-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research GroupNAP Canine Brain Research Group, ELTE Eötvös Loránd UniversityDepartment of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd UniversityNAP Canine Brain Research Group, ELTE Eötvös Loránd UniversityNAP Canine Brain Research Group, ELTE Eötvös Loránd UniversityHUN-REN-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research GroupAbstract 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 food quicker than border collies, basset/bloodhounds, golden retrievers, Labradors, and cocker spaniels. Dogs with higher Responsiveness to training personality scores were more successful, while higher training level linked to slower successful search. Activity/Excitability scores, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder scores, and owners’ rewarding style were not associated with performance. Overall, large within-breed/breed-group variabilities reflect complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors influencing performance. Given the complex nature of life-like detection tasks, the NDT may provide more information about dogs’ olfactory ability than on their potential effectiveness in detection work.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-87136-yOlfactionDog breedsDog personalityNatural detection TaskBayesian statistics |
| spellingShingle | Attila Salamon Ádám Miklósi László Róbert Zsiros Tímea Kovács Enikő Kubinyi Attila Andics Márta Gácsi Breed differences in olfactory performance of dogs Scientific Reports Olfaction Dog breeds Dog personality Natural detection Task Bayesian statistics |
| title | Breed differences in olfactory performance of dogs |
| title_full | Breed differences in olfactory performance of dogs |
| title_fullStr | Breed differences in olfactory performance of dogs |
| title_full_unstemmed | Breed differences in olfactory performance of dogs |
| title_short | Breed differences in olfactory performance of dogs |
| title_sort | breed differences in olfactory performance of dogs |
| topic | Olfaction Dog breeds Dog personality Natural detection Task Bayesian statistics |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-87136-y |
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