Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research最新文献

{"title":"Owner reported prevalence and severity of canine aggression in the United States: A descriptive study","authors":"Bonnie V. Beaver","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.04.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.04.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Canine aggression is a behavior problem of significance for the safety of people and other animals. The prevalence of various aggressive actions has been reported by various authors, but there is a considerable range of values given. In addition, data was determined is several ways, using a variety of questions, and comes from numerous countries where different breeds and ways of raising dogs exist. For that reason, the data from 43,517 dogs enrolled in the Dog Aging Project (DAP), entered by their owners, was used to understand the extent of owner perceived agonistic behavior in dogs living in the United States. Ten behavior questions were used under the section of titled “Aggression” and were divided into four multi-question categories (i.e., aggression to unfamiliar people, familiar people, unfamiliar dogs, and familiar dogs). All questions were rated by the owner on a five-point Likert-type scale between 0 (no aggression), 1 and 2 (moderate aggression), and 3 and 4 (serious aggression). Data were analyzed to determine the prevalence of dogs showing all levels of agonistic behavior by category in response to the ten questions. Overall, 57.5% of all dogs in the study received at least one rating of level 2 (moderate) or higher in severity. Aggression towards unfamiliar people was shown by 38.8% of dogs, towards familiar people was shown by 5.4% of dogs, towards unfamiliar dogs was shown by 49.9% of dogs, and towards familiar dogs was approximately 14.5%.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"79 ","pages":"Pages 1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143854992","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A pilot study evaluating self-perceived competence in behavioral medicine of recent veterinary graduates","authors":"Pei Lin Soo,&nbsp;Ingrid F. van Gelderen","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.04.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.04.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Behavioral problems can be a significant cause of concern for pet owners, and veterinarians play a key role in supporting the human-animal bond by working with owners to manage them. However, veterinary schools offer relatively limited training opportunities in behavioral medicine, and veterinarians worldwide often do not feel prepared to manage behavioral problems in clinical practice. This study aimed to assess the self-perceived competence of recent veterinary graduates in Australia regarding behavioral medicine, with a focus on recognizing and distinguishing normal and abnormal behavior, diagnosing, treating, and preventing behavioral problems. An online survey of graduating veterinary students and veterinarians with up to 3 years of experience in companion animal practice (<em>n</em>=54) found that respondents felt most competent in recognizing and distinguishing normal and abnormal behavior, and least competent in treating behavioral problems. Notably, 74.1% of respondents felt inadequately prepared by their veterinary curriculum to handle behavioral problems. Graduates who had completed further training in veterinary behavior reported significantly higher self-perceived overall competence scores compared to those who had not. These findings highlight the need for enhanced training in veterinary behavior within the Australian veterinary curricula and the importance of continuing education in equipping veterinarians to effectively manage behavior cases in practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"79 ","pages":"Pages 19-24"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143854998","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rectal temperature in Capra hircus, involvement of the daily rhythm of thyroid hormones, uncoupling protein 1 and clock gene Per2","authors":"Claudia Giannetto ,&nbsp;Francesca Arfuso ,&nbsp;Elisabetta Giudice ,&nbsp;Annalisa Guercio ,&nbsp;Vincenza Cannella ,&nbsp;Laura Perillo ,&nbsp;Stella Agradi ,&nbsp;Giuseppe Piccione","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Thermal homeostasis is one of the principal indexes of animal welfare; the circadian rhythm of body temperature is well established and its disruption or alteration are signals of stress. The present study investigated the daily rhythm of 3,5,3’-triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), and clock gene <em>Per2</em> in <em>Capra hircus</em> to improve the knowledge in this field. Camosciata delle Alpi goats (7 female, 2 years old, 67±2 kg, clinically healthy), were housed in a stable under natural environmental conditions. Blood sample collections were performed every 4 h for a 48-h period. Serum concentrations of T3, T4, UCP1, and clock gene <em>Per2</em> were determined. Before the blood sample collection rectal temperature was recorded at all data points. Two-way for repeated measure analysis of variance showed a statistically significant effect of time of day on all studied parameters. T3, T4, <em>Per2,</em> and rectal temperature showed a robust daily rhythm. The acrophases observed in the investigated parameters were statistically different. In particular, T3 acrophase was observed between 20:15 and 21:45; T4 acrophase was between 02:41 and 03:35; <em>Per</em> 2 acrophase was between 7:18 and 08:11; RT acrophase was between 17:45 and 19:55. <em>Per2</em> expression was correlated with T3 and T4 serum levels, and the rectal temperature values were correlated with T3 and T4 serum levels and <em>Per2</em> In conclusion, in goats housed in boxes, the rectal temperature daily rhythm was linked to the daily rhythm of thyroid hormones and <em>Per2</em> clock gene expression in the peripheral blood. In goats not subjected to thermal stress UCP1 did not show a daily fluctuation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 57-62"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143548423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Stress and burnout in dogs involved in animal assisted interventions: A survey of Italian handlers’ opinion","authors":"Beatrice Chiara Cortesi ,&nbsp;Clara Palestrini ,&nbsp;Debra Buttram ,&nbsp;Silvia Mazzola ,&nbsp;Simona Cannas","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Animal assisted interventions (AAI) are widely recognized for their benefits to humans, but what about the welfare and stress experienced by the animals involved? Although interest in this subject is increasing, the existing literature reveals inconsistencies, particularly between physiological indicators and observed behavioral responses. In this survey, which examines the opinions of 52 handlers, we explore the occurrence of acute stress and the potential for burnout in AAI, as well as the associated behavioural patterns. The results indicate that handlers possess skills in recognizing stress, and training should continue to provide tools for stress identification and ways to reduce stressful situations or remove animals from the setting. Acute stress appears to occur most frequently during AAA sessions with children, where unexpected events often trigger stress responses such as changes in posture, heightened alertness, and facial expressions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 63-69"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143548355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the profile, management, and care of horses in equine-assisted services in Brazil","authors":"Francisco José Fornari Sousa ,&nbsp;Saulo Henrique Weber ,&nbsp;Bianca Barbosa ,&nbsp;Ruan Rolnei Daros ,&nbsp;Edvaldo Antonio Ribeiro Rosa ,&nbsp;Pedro Vicente Michelotto","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>There is limited research on the profile and care of horses used in equine-assisted services (EAS), as well as the underlying causes of health issues in these animals. An online survey was sent to all 369 equine therapy centers affiliated with the Brazilian Association of Equine Therapy between September and December 2022. The survey included questions on the EAS program (10), horse health management (10), and horse demographics (6). A total of 65 centers (17.6%) responded, representing 393 horses (6.0 ± 5.1 per center): 65.4% were castrated males, 32.8% mares, and 1.8% stallions, aged 6.3–22.5 years. The most common breeds were saddle horses (60%), Quarter Horses (31%), draft horses (4%), ponies (3%), and Thoroughbreds (2%). Of the horses, 43% were purchased for EAS, 41% were donated, and 15.4% were rented. Respondents reported moderate to weak correlations between back pain and front (P &lt; 0.01, r = 0.511) and hind limb lameness (P &lt; 0.01, r = 0.411), hoof abscess (P = 0.020, r = 0.256), hoof cracks (P = 0.033, r = 0.229), and mean age (P = 0.014, r = 0.271). A weak negative correlation was observed between back pain and the frequency of odontological care (P = 0.018, r = −0.261). This survey provides initial insights into the health and management of EAS horses in Brazil, identifying key areas for further investigation to improve welfare and practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 70-77"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143548356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reduction of repetitive tail chasing in a mixed breed dog using multimodal therapy","authors":"Fiia Jokela","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.03.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.03.001","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;A 29.5 kg, 2.25 year old, neutered, male, Rhodesian Ridgeback crossbreed dog presented for excessive spinning and tail chasing. These behaviors occurred exclusively indoors, only when people were present, with 4 different adopters, and in at least 6 different housing situations. The repetitive behaviors ranged from invariant spinning with no apparent function to more goal-directed tail chasing, the latter being the predominant behavior. Approximately 50% of the time, there was a notable trigger, but the other 50% of the time, the behavior appeared to start spontaneously without a discernable trigger.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Physical and neurological examinations were unremarkable. A minimum diagnostic database, including a complete blood count, chemistry profile, total thyroxine level, and common tick-borne disease serology, did not reveal any abnormalities. Further diagnostic testing was recommended to rule out potential medical causes or contributors to the abnormal repetitive behavior (ARB). Additional testing recommendations included spinal and tail radiographs, a pain medication trial, and referral to a veterinary neurologist for advanced diagnostics, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. The clients declined further testing due to financial constraints.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;The patient was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive/compulsive disorder (OCD/CD). Pharmaceutical options included pain and anxiolytic medication trials. The clients elected to initially treat the OCD/CD with anxiolytic medication, with a plan to add a pain medication trial if the response was minimal. Trazodone was chosen for its profile of fast calming and/or mildly sedative effects. Reducing the duration and frequency of the behavior quickly was important as the clients indicated they were contemplating rehoming or euthanizing the patient if improvement could not be promptly demonstrated. Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). It is often used as a hypnotic and atypical anxiolytic medication. Two weeks after initiating trazodone, the clients reported a 25% reduction in the ARB frequency and intensity, with minimal to no sedation. The selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), fluoxetine, was added because of its anti-anxiety and anti-obsessional/compulsive/anxiety effects.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Behavioral management strategies were also implemented, including avoiding aversive interactions, minimizing identified triggers of the behavior, and enhancing environmental enrichment to improve overall welfare. Behavior modification using treats and food toys was used to counter-condition the dog to triggers such as noises or stressful situations. The clients were advised to preempt the behavior by redirecting the dog to alternate, incompatible activities for which he was rewarded. If the behavior had already begun, the clients were instructed to ignore the behavior and calmly leave the room. If the dog stopped spinning or foll","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 106-112"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143799287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Before, during and after the pandemic: Effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on the welfare, behavior and body condition of domestic cats (Felis catus)","authors":"Maíra Ingrit Gestrich-Frank ,&nbsp;Maria João Ramos Pereira ,&nbsp;Stela Maris de Jezus Castro ,&nbsp;Kevin Gomes ,&nbsp;Flávia Pereira Tirelli","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Domestic cats (<em>Felis catus</em>) living indoors need a series of resources that allow them to express their natural behaviors in a similar way to how they would in the wild environment. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes in the routine of many people and their pets, which can affect the environment and well-being of domestic cats and generate changes in their behavior and Body Condition Score (BCS). Thus, we aimed to investigate the effect of the lockdown and social interaction between cats and their owners on the environment, behavior, BCS and welfare of domestic cats and compare these variables in three periods related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil (pre-pandemic - confinement - post-confinement). To this end, a questionnaire was developed for cat caregivers and information was collected from 1064 cats, following the pandemic, of which 873 met the selection criteria and were included in the analyses. Three scores were used to assess the cats' environment, behavior and body condition (the Environment Score, Behavior Score and Body Condition Score [BCS]), the first two of which were developed during this study. As expected, the cats' environment varied between the three periods, indicating an improvement in the Environmental Score over time. We also found variations in the Behavioral Score, which was higher in the period before the pandemic when compared to the following two periods, indicating an increase in the frequency of some behavioral problems, such as restlessness. We observed a reduction in overweighted cats (BCS 4 or 5) associated to free access to the outdoors and more physical activities. During confinement, cats spent more time with their owners, which was the main change in routine observed in our study. However, cats that spent more time alone had lower Environmental Score. We also observed an increase in the cats’ BCS (number of overweight cats) during and after confinement, as well as an increase in attention-seeking behavior. In summary, we found variations in the environment, routine and some behaviors exhibited by cats, as well as in their BCS, when comparing the three periods. Our study adds new insights into how changes in routine and the increased presence of caregivers can affect the environment, behavior and body condition of cats, and shows how a population of cats responded to these changes arising from the three periods related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 45-56"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143534539","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association between behavioral factors and recurrence rate in cats with feline \"idiopathic\" cystitis","authors":"Marianne Caudron ,&nbsp;Pascale Laroche ,&nbsp;Isabelle Bazin ,&nbsp;Marion Desmarchelier","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is a lower urinary tract disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality in cats. The aim of our study was to detect potential associations between behavioral parameters and recurrence rates in cats diagnosed with FIC. Our main hypothesis was that anxiety-related behaviors could be overrepresented in cats that will experience a recurrence, compared to cats with a single episode. For this retrospective study, we recruited cats diagnosed with FIC who presented to the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire (CHUV) from March 2019 to February 2022. Cats with concurrent systemic diseases or with any other condition that could explain the urinary signs were excluded. Cat owners were sent an online survey to collect data on their cat’s behavioral parameters, potential recurrences, and whether they complied or not with provided environmental recommendations. Thirty-three surveys from 23 neutered male and 10 spayed female feline patients were received and analyzed. We found a significant association between fear of unfamiliar people and recurrence of FIC: 94% of cats who had recurrences were reported by their owners to show fear of strangers had recurrences compared to 59% of cats in the single episode group (P=0.04). Cats with reported fearful behavior in the presence of familiar people also tended to be overrepresented in the group with recurrences (P=0.08). Factors that did not differ between the two groups include displaying aggression towards humans and other animals, being a victim of aggression, displaying urine marking, owner compliance with the prescribed environmental modifications (P&gt;0.05). Identifying cats with fear and anxiety-related problems and treating them may help decrease the recurrence rate of FIC and may decrease associated mortality. Further larger scale prospective studies are needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 90-96"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143548358","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cat owners’ perception towards feline chronic kidney disease: A behavioral study","authors":"Kuan Hua Khor ,&nbsp;Kuan Siew Khor ,&nbsp;Chun Hoong Choong ,&nbsp;Hor Yan Chee ,&nbsp;Norhidayah Noordin","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Feline chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an incurable, progressive disease and requires long-term medical attention. However, factors that affect owners’ intention to treat their pets are unknown. This study conducted a quantitative survey to determine cat owners' awareness of CKD, and barriers they experienced in seeking treatment. It also investigated the predictors of cat owners’ intention to treat if their cats are diagnosed with CKD. Based on the theory of planned behavior, an online questionnaire was generated and distributed via a convenient sampling approach, using social media platforms, and sending invitations via e-mail to cat owners. A total of 300 respondents were recruited. Most respondents (86.3 %) were aware that cats are susceptible to CKD, and the main barrier in seeking treatment for CKD was cost-related (70.4 %). All three significant TPB items, namely attitude (β = 0.379, p &lt; 0.01), subjective norms (β = 0.147, p &lt; 0.05), and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.348, p &lt; 0.01) of the cat owners are significant predictors towards intention to treat cats with CKD. Additionally, the results showed that anticipated regret (β = 0.522, p &lt; 0.01) and empathic concern (β = 0.125, p &lt; 0.05) positively influence cat owners' attitudes toward treatment. This study also identified that the veterinarian plays a vital role, as 98 % of the respondents agreed that approval from a veterinarian is essential when seeking treatment for their cats. Therefore, improved veterinarian-client communication would provide better motivational support towards the intention to treat, aiming to improve the quality of life in affected cats. However, further study is necessary to investigate factors affecting the manifestation of the intention into behavior, i.e. deciding to treat.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 97-105"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143563649","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Behavioral genetic analysis on dogs","authors":"Anne Dorthe Nygaard Sødal Tygesen ,&nbsp;Björn Forkman ,&nbsp;Peer Berg","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim of this study is to describe personality traits in eight dog breeds using the Behaviour and Personality Description in Dogs (BPH) test, and subsequently to assess their heritability. The study population comprises 7425 individual dogs across eight different breeds. Factor analysis was used to identify five fundamental behavioral traits: 1) Playful behavior; 2) Flight and distancing behavior; 3) Sociality; 4) Socially threatening and fearful behavior; 5) Submissive behavior. The genetic analysis used the five identified phenotypic behavioral traits and the pedigree data recorded in the Swedish Kennel Club’s database for each of the eight breeds. Complete pedigree information was available for between 1514 and 8916 individuals. A mixed linear model was used to calculate the heritability estimates of the traits for each of the breeds. The research explores breed differences, revealing unique profiles for each breed while emphasising substantial within-breed variability. Behavioral genetics analysis indicates low to intermediate heritabilities, suggesting a genetic influence on these traits. In addition, the study highlights the effect of environmental factors—particularly test day—on canine behavior. There was a general lack of pattern in heritability estimates within each of the breed groups and when considering the breeds individually. High heritability values were found for factors 2 and 3 (Flight/distancing behavior and Sociality) in some breeds, but factor 3 was also associated with some of the lowest values. The most consistent trait was factor 2 (Flight and distancing behavior), hence it has the highest average <span><math><msup><mrow><mi>h</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msup></math></span> estimate. Heritability can offer useful insights into the breeding potential for desired traits, such as sociability, playfulness and reduced aggression in animals. These findings provide a comprehensive insight into the complexity of canine behavior, offering valuable implications for breeding practices, training and understanding the diverse behavioral landscapes within and between dog breeds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 78-89"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143548357","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}