Valutazione del temperamento di cani di canile e addestrati per agility

This study aimed to assess dog’s temperament by using a test that comprehensively evaluates different personality traits such as docility, sociality, obedience, reactivity, playfulness etc. The temperament test (TT) was used with dogs living in rescue shelters (n=20) and with pet dogs trained for agility (n=20). The TT consists of 7 groups of subtests scored on the basis of dogs reactions. The total score of the TT is 0-65 and depends on how many aggressive, fearful or friendly responses each dog shows. The results indicate that pet dogs trained for agility had a significantly higher total score compared to sheltered dogs (p<0,01). In particular, agility dogs are more obedient and playful than the other dogs. Among sheltered dogs, those living in the rescue shelters for longer that 2 years had a lower total score compared to those dogs living there for less than 1 year (p<0.05). Long term sheltered dogs seems less prone to play and to intraspecific social interaction than short term sheltered dogs. No differences emerged according to dogs’ gender and age.