Shannon McKay

Accredited Animal Behaviour Consultant© (Canine 1998) – ABC of SA Africa©
Certificate Companion Animal Behaviour – University of Pretoria (Veterinary Faculty)
Associate Member - South African Association of Dog Obedience Instructors
Full Member – Association Pet Dog Trainers (USA) Licensed Animal Wrangler #2/2008
Founder – Canine Culture Education

PUPPY TEMPERAMENT ASSESSMENT

General Comments:

All in all, this is a lovely litter of puppies with a normal range of temperaments. The general temperament tends toward that of active, confident and outgoing puppies, which appear to be very friendly and sociable to people.
None of the puppies displayed people aggression tendencies, which is important in any breed and critical in any large breed. They also all showed appropriate behaviour in the presence of an unknown dog.
The activity level of the puppies is medium/high and this should be borne in mind by the puppy buyers in terms of keeping their pups appropriately stimulated.
The puppies appear to be well socialised and extremely comfortable with novel stimulus. This litter is a credit to the breed and congratulations must be extended to the breeder on this achievement.

These puppy assessments are intended as guidelines to the dog’s genetic temperament. Interpretations are generally very accurate, but it must be borne in mind that reactions from the puppies may occasionally be environmentally influenced on the day of the assessment. If you have any questions or you need clarity on any points please feel free to contact me.

Regards Shannon McKay

TEST DESCRIPTION & SCORING RANGE

PUPPY DESCRIPTION & SCORE

Green Dog

SOCIAL ATTRACTION

Tester places puppy in test area and walks in opposite direction.

3.5

Tester turns, crouches, claps softly and calls puppy's name.

2.5

SOCIAL DOMINANCE

Tester gently rolls puppy onto its back and restrains

3

Tester releases puppy and strokes on the puppy's flanks.

3

Tester elevates puppy

2

STIMULI STABLILITY

Auditory - Tester makes sharp noise at waist level behind puppy.

4

Visual - Tester pulls large object across puppy's field of vision.

2

Tactile - Tester lures puppy across unfamiliar surface

2

Olfactory - Tester exposes puppy to unfamiliar odour

2

Tactile - Tester applies pressure to toe webbing

5

Visual - Tester sets up imitation prey foraging behaviour

2.5

PEER DOMINANCE

Tester places small visually enhanced  "animal"

2.5

Tester places puppy with unknown senior dog

2.5

WORKING APTITUDE

Prey Drive

2.5

Retrieve

4

Hunt Drive (Persistence)

3.5

Tug Response

2

Possessiveness

2.5

Attention Span

3

PROBLEM SOLVING

Tester places puppy in isolation and observes

4

Tester places treats in obstructed area and observes

3

Totals

61

Average

2.9

Standard Interpretation:

Category

Range

Description

Suitable home

Work

Pet

C Minus

2.75 - 3

Similar to a C Plus except that a puppy in this category will be more reliant on his owners due to his higher need for guidance.

A multi-dog family household with younger children would be suitable.

Possibly

Yes

Comments: This is a very nice puppy that shows a balanced approach. He can be a little cautious, but he is inherently stable. His short concentration span could prove frustrating, but he is very keen to interact and this could even out the ability to pay attention.

Picture of green male:

TEST DESCRIPTION & SCORING RANGE

PUPPY DESCRIPTION & SCORE

Yellow Dog

SOCIAL ATTRACTION

Tester places puppy in test area and walks in opposite direction.

3

Tester turns, crouches, claps softly and calls puppy's name.

2

SOCIAL DOMINANCE

Tester gently rolls puppy onto its back and restrains

2.5

Tester releases puppy and strokes on the puppy's flanks.

3

Tester elevates puppy

2

STIMULI STABLILITY

Auditory - Tester makes sharp noise at waist level behind puppy.

3.5

Visual - Tester pulls large object across puppy's field of vision.

2

Tactile - Tester lures puppy across unfamiliar surface

2

Olfactory - Tester exposes puppy to unfamiliar odour

2

Tactile - Tester applies pressure to toe webbing

5

Visual - Tester sets up imitation prey foraging behaviour

3

PEER DOMINANCE

Tester places small visually enhanced  "animal"

4

Tester places puppy with unknown senior dog

2

WORKING APTITUDE

Prey Drive

1.5

Retrieve

2

Hunt Drive (Persistence)

3

Tug Response

2

Possessiveness

2

Attention Span

2

PROBLEM SOLVING

Tester places puppy in isolation and observes

4

Tester places treats in obstructed area and observes

3

Totals

55.5

Average

2.6

Standard Interpretation:

Category

Range

Description

Suitable home

Work

Pet

C Plus

2.5 – 2.75

This pup is outgoing and friendly and will adjust well in situations in which he receives regular training and exercise. He has a flexible temperament that adapts well to different types of environment, provided he is handled correctly.

A multi-dog family household with children would be suitable. May be too much dog for a family with small children or an elderly couple who are sedentary.

Yes

Yes

Comments: This puppy is very outgoing and confident, although sometimes his bravado lets him down. He shows independence but also excellent working ability and is capable of being a very strong and active working dog provided he is taught boundaries.

Picture of yellow boy:

TEST DESCRIPTION & SCORING RANGE

PUPPY DESCRIPTION & SCORE

Blue Dog

SOCIAL ATTRACTION

Tester places puppy in test area and walks in opposite direction.

3

Tester turns, crouches, claps softly and calls puppy's name.

2

SOCIAL DOMINANCE

Tester gently rolls puppy onto its back and restrains

2.5

Tester releases puppy and strokes on the puppy's flanks.

3.5

Tester elevates puppy

2

STIMULI STABLILITY

Auditory - Tester makes sharp noise at waist level behind puppy.

2

Visual - Tester pulls large object across puppy's field of vision.

2.5

Tactile - Tester lures puppy across unfamiliar surface

2.5

Olfactory - Tester exposes puppy to unfamiliar odour

2

Tactile - Tester applies pressure to toe webbing

4

Visual - Tester sets up imitation prey foraging behaviour

2.5

PEER DOMINANCE

Tester places small visually enhanced  "animal"

2.5

Tester places puppy with unknown senior dog

3

WORKING APTITUDE

Prey Drive

2

Retrieve

2

Hunt Drive (Persistence)

2.5

Tug Response

2.5

Possessiveness

2.5

Attention Span

2.5

PROBLEM SOLVING

Tester places puppy in isolation and observes

3

Tester places treats in obstructed area and observes

3

Totals

54

Average

2.6

Standard Interpretation:

Category

Range

Description

Suitable home

Work

Pet

C Plus

2.5 – 2.75

This pup is outgoing and friendly and will adjust well in situations in which he receives regular training and exercise. He has a flexible temperament that adapts well to different types of environment, provided he is handled correctly.

A multi-dog family household with children would be suitable. May be too much dog for a family with small children or an elderly couple who are sedentary.

Yes

Yes

Comments: Although this puppy scores the same as the previous puppy, he is much “softer” and would be easier to handle. He does however have high work drives, but he is not as independent as the previous pup.

Picture of blue boy:

TEST DESCRIPTION & SCORING RANGE

PUPPY DESCRIPTION & SCORE

Pink Bitch

SOCIAL ATTRACTION

Tester places puppy in test area and walks in opposite direction.

2

Tester turns, crouches, claps softly and calls puppy's name.

2

SOCIAL DOMINANCE

Tester gently rolls puppy onto its back and restrains

2

Tester releases puppy and strokes on the puppy's flanks.

2

Tester elevates puppy

2

STIMULI STABLILITY

Auditory - Tester makes sharp noise at waist level behind puppy.

2

Visual - Tester pulls large object across puppy's field of vision.

2

Tactile - Tester lures puppy across unfamiliar surface

2.5

Olfactory - Tester exposes puppy to unfamiliar odour

2

Tactile - Tester applies pressure to toe webbing

4

Visual - Tester sets up imitation prey foraging behaviour

2.5

PEER DOMINANCE

Tester places small visually enhanced  "animal"

4

Tester places puppy with unknown senior dog

2

WORKING APTITUDE

Prey Drive

2.5

Retrieve

3.5

Hunt Drive (Persistence)

3

Tug Response

1.5

Possessiveness

2

Attention Span

3

PROBLEM SOLVING

Tester places puppy in isolation and observes

3

Tester places treats in obstructed area and observes

2

Totals

51.5

Average

2.5

Standard Interpretation:

Category

Range

Description

Suitable home

Work

Pet

C Plus

2.5 – 2.75

This pup is outgoing and friendly and will adjust well in situations in which he receives regular training and exercise. He has a flexible temperament that adapts well to different types of environment, provided he is handled correctly.

A multi-dog family household with children would be suitable. May be too much dog for a family with small children or an elderly couple who are sedentary.

Yes

Yes

  Comments: Although this bitch is a sweet puppy, she can be a little “detached” at times. She shows the potential for good working ability but she looses attention quickly so a knowledgeable handler would be required to realise her working potential. She is a little prone to being dramatic.

Picture of pink girl:

TEST DESCRIPTION & SCORING RANGE

PUPPY DESCRIPTION & SCORE

Purple Bitch

SOCIAL ATTRACTION

Tester places puppy in test area and walks in opposite direction.

2

Tester turns, crouches, claps softly and calls puppy's name.

2

SOCIAL DOMINANCE

Tester gently rolls puppy onto its back and restrains

2

Tester releases puppy and strokes on the puppy's flanks.

2

Tester elevates puppy

2

STIMULI STABLILITY

Auditory - Tester makes sharp noise at waist level behind puppy.

3

Visual - Tester pulls large object across puppy's field of vision.

2.5

Tactile - Tester lures puppy across unfamiliar surface

2

Olfactory - Tester exposes puppy to unfamiliar odour

2

Tactile - Tester applies pressure to toe webbing

5

Visual - Tester sets up imitation prey foraging behaviour

2

PEER DOMINANCE

Tester places small visually enhanced  "animal"

4

Tester places puppy with unknown senior dog

2

WORKING APTITUDE

Prey Drive

2

Retrieve

2.5

Hunt Drive (Persistence)

3

Tug Response

2

Possessiveness

3

Attention Span

3.5

PROBLEM SOLVING

Tester places puppy in isolation and observes

3

Tester places treats in obstructed area and observes

4

Totals

55.5

Average

2.6

  Standard Interpretation:

Category

Range

Description

Suitable home

Work

Pet

C Plus

2.5 – 2.75

This pup is outgoing and friendly and will adjust well in situations in which he receives regular training and exercise. He has a flexible temperament that adapts well to different types of environment, provided he is handled correctly.

A multi-dog family household with children would be suitable. May be too much dog for a family with small children or an elderly couple who are sedentary.

Yes

Yes

Comments: This puppy is very nice and shows good drive for work, but she seems to show no interest in problems solving. This would make her slightly easier to manage.

Picture of purple girl:

TEST DESCRIPTION & SCORING RANGE

PUPPY DESCRIPTION & SCORE

Grey Bitch

SOCIAL ATTRACTION

Tester places puppy in test area and walks in opposite direction.

3.5

Tester turns, crouches, claps softly and calls puppy's name.

3

SOCIAL DOMINANCE

Tester gently rolls puppy onto its back and restrains

2.5

Tester releases puppy and strokes on the puppy's flanks.

2

Tester elevates puppy

2

STIMULI STABLILITY

Auditory - Tester makes sharp noise at waist level behind puppy.

2

Visual - Tester pulls large object across puppy's field of vision.

3.5

Tactile - Tester lures puppy across unfamiliar surface

2.5

Olfactory - Tester exposes puppy to unfamiliar odour

2.5

Tactile - Tester applies pressure to toe webbing

5

Visual - Tester sets up imitation prey foraging behaviour

4

PEER DOMINANCE

Tester places small visually enhanced  "animal"

4.5

Tester places puppy with unknown senior dog

2

WORKING APTITUDE

Prey Drive

3

Retrieve

3

Hunt Drive (Persistence)

3

Tug Response

3

Possessiveness

3

Attention Span

3.5

PROBLEM SOLVING

Tester places puppy in isolation and observes

3.5

Tester places treats in obstructed area and observes

3.5

Totals

64.5

Average

3.1

Standard Interpretation:

Category

Range

Description

Suitable home

Work

Pet

D Plus

3 – 3.5

This is an easily controlled, adaptable puppy whose submissive nature will make him look to his master for leadership. This pup is easy to train and reliable with children.

Virtually any home.

Possibly

Yes

Comments: This puppy is very sweet and although she takes a while to get started once she does her drives are quite impressive. She can be a little reserved and she is quieter than the other puppies – she would do well as a companion in a family home.

Picture of grey girl:

TEST DESCRIPTION & SCORING RANGE

PUPPY DESCRIPTION & SCORE

Cream Bitch

SOCIAL ATTRACTION

Tester places puppy in test area and walks in opposite direction.

3.5

Tester turns, crouches, claps softly and calls puppy's name.

3.5

SOCIAL DOMINANCE

Tester gently rolls puppy onto its back and restrains

2

Tester releases puppy and strokes on the puppy's flanks.

2.5

Tester elevates puppy

2

STIMULI STABLILITY

Auditory - Tester makes sharp noise at waist level behind puppy.

4

Visual - Tester pulls large object across puppy's field of vision.

2

Tactile - Tester lures puppy across unfamiliar surface

2.5

Olfactory - Tester exposes puppy to unfamiliar odour

2

Tactile - Tester applies pressure to toe webbing

5

Visual - Tester sets up imitation prey foraging behaviour

3

PEER DOMINANCE

Tester places small visually enhanced  "animal"

3

Tester places puppy with unknown senior dog

2

WORKING APTITUDE

Prey Drive

2.5

Retrieve

2

Hunt Drive (Persistence)

2

Tug Response

2

Possessiveness

3

Attention Span

3

PROBLEM SOLVING

Tester places puppy in isolation and observes

3

Tester places treats in obstructed area and observes

3

Totals

57.5

Average

2.7

Standard Interpretation:

Category

Range

Description

Suitable home

Work

Pet

C Plus

2.5 – 2.75

This pup is outgoing and friendly and will adjust well in situations in which he receives regular training and exercise. He has a flexible temperament that adapts well to different types of environment, provided he is handled correctly.

A multi-dog family household with children would be suitable. May be too much dog for a family with small children or an elderly couple who are sedentary.

Yes

Yes

Comments: This was my favourite puppy. She is calm, but with high drives and she would certainly be a wonderful candidate for a working dog required in a family home. She showed incredible persistence, which may prove to be a little daunting!

Picture of cream girl:

Standard Interpretations

Category

Range

Description

Suitable home

Work

Pet

A Plus

 

Under 1

This is an extremely self-assured and potentially aggressive dog which who can easily be provoked to bite. His overriding nature will attempt to resist human leadership/guidance.

Only the most experienced of handlers – no children and no other animals. Not suitable as a pet.

Yes

 

A Minus

1 - 2

Similar to an A Plus except that he would be less inclined to take charge in every situation.

Only an experienced handler. May be suitable with opposite gender dogs in an adult home.

Yes

 

B Plus

2 – 2.25

This pup is self-assured and he can be provoked to bite; however he readily accepts human leadership that is firm, consistent and knowledgeable.

This is not a dog for a tentative, indecisive individual. This puppy would be suitable for an adult household with older children and opposite gender dogs.

Yes

Possibly

B Minus

2.25 – 2.5

A tamer version of a B Plus, however still requiring a firm hand.

A family household with older children and opposite gender dogs would be suitable. May be too much dog for a family with small children or an elderly couple who are sedentary.

Yes

Yes

C Plus

2.5 – 2.75

This pup is outgoing and friendly and will adjust well in situations in which he receives regular training and exercise. He has a flexible temperament that adapts well to different types of environment, provided he is handled correctly.

A multi-dog family household with children would be suitable. May be too much dog for a family with small children or an elderly couple who are sedentary.

Yes

Yes

C Minus

2.75 - 3

Similar to a C Plus except that a puppy in this category will be more reliant on his owners due to his higher need for guidance.

A multi-dog family household with younger children would be suitable.

Possibly

Yes

D Plus

3 – 3.5

This is an easily controlled, adaptable puppy whose submissive nature will make him look to his master for leadership. This pup is easy to train and reliable with children.

Virtually any home.

Possibly

Yes

D Minus

3.5 - 4

He bonds very closely with his owner and requires regular companionship and encouragement to bring him out of himself. Though he lacks self-confidence, he makes a high-quality family pet.

Virtually any home.

 

Yes

E

Over 4

This is a pup that is extremely submissive and lacking in self-confidence. If handled incorrectly, this pup will grow up very shy and fearful.

He will do best in a predictable, structured lifestyle with owners who are patient and not overly demanding, such as an elderly couple.

 

Yes