Performance of Pugs, German Shepherds, and Greyhounds (Canis lupus familiaris) on an odor-discrimination task.

Abstract

Public opinion and the scientific literature alike reflect a widespread assumption that there are differences in behavior between dog breeds. Direct empirical behavioral assessments of such differences, however, are rare and have produced mixed results. One area where breed differences are often assumed is olfaction, where German Shepherds, hounds, and Labradors are commonly used for odor-detection work, whereas toy breeds and brachycephalic dogs, such as Pugs, are not. Choice of breed for scent detection work, however, may be driven more by historical choices than data. In this article we directly assessed the ability of German Shepherds, Pugs, and Greyhounds to acquire a simple olfactory discrimination, and their ability to maintain performance when the target odorant was diluted. Our results show that contrary to expectations, Pugs significantly outperformed the German Shepherds in acquiring the odor discrimination and maintaining performance when the odorant concentration was decreased. Nine of 10 Greyhounds did not complete acquisition training because they failed a motivation criterion. These results indicate that Pugs outperformed German Shepherds in the dimensions of olfaction assessed. Greyhounds showed a general failure to participate. Overall, our results highlight the importance of direct behavioral measurement of assumed behavioral breed differences.

Using Scent Detection Dogs in Conservation Settings: A Review of Scientific Literature Regarding Their Selection

“…These may be most suitable as CDDs, as dogs which are too large or small may struggle during extreme weather conditions (47). While Pugs, for example, appear capable of performing scent detection tasks to a similar standard to German Shepherd Dogs (48), they are not able to maintain body heat in extreme cold. It is also generally thought that smaller dogs with short, flat snouts have limited olfactory capabilities compared with their larger counterparts (49).…”

Integrating exhaled breath diagnostics by disease-sniffing dogs with instrumental laboratory analysis

“…Furthermore, each dog needs to be individually trained for his job (group training of dogs is out of the question); this can take months; and refresher training may be important. Finally, dogs must be continually evaluated for performance using known (prior) and new challenge samples to assure stability of results (Moser and McCulloch 2010, Johnen et al 2013, Elliker et al 2014, Hall et al 2015, Polgar et al 2016). …”

Improving wildlife detection dog team selection and training

“…It is important to highlight that whilst dog breeds have no personality, personality traits obtained from individuals within a specific breed are commonly used to characterise an entire breed or breed grouping (Miklósi 2015). The selection of specific dog breeds is therefore often more a result of personal preference, than scientific reasoning (Hall et al 2015;Minhinnick et al 2016). For wildlife detection work, behavioural and physical traits that are viewed as ideal are: medium sized agile individual with an elongated nose that is highly play motivated, obedient and intelligent (Jamieson et al 2017).…”

“…Previous studies have explored breed variation for trainability and working suitability (Scott & Fuller 1965;Serpell & Hsu 2005;Adamkiewicz et al 2013;Hall et al 2015). No study, however, has explored dog breeds' training times to specific field-relevant competencies and determined its relationship with the dogs' overall odour discrimination ability.…”

“…Certain breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds and English Springer Spaniels, however, are typically favoured for detection work (Rooney & Bradshaw 2004;Maejima et al 2007;Jezierski et al 2014). The preference of dog breeds for working purposes is often a personal choice, however, rather than scientific justification (Hall et al 2015;Minhinnick et al 2016).…”