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Updated: May 8, 2026

Olfactory Assays for Mouse Models of Neurodegenerative Disease

Olfactory Assays for Mouse Models of Neurodegenerative Disease

Published on: August 25, 2014

Breed differences in olfactory performance of dogs.

Attila Salamon^1,2,3,4, Ádám Miklósi^5,6, László Róbert Zsiros^7,6

¹HUN-REN-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary. dr.attila.salamon@gmail.com.

Scientific Reports

|January 21, 2025

Summary

This study reveals that a dog's breed and responsiveness to training significantly impact olfactory performance in natural detection tasks. However, extensive training may paradoxically slow down search times.

Keywords:

Bayesian statistics Dog breeds Dog personality Natural detection Task Olfaction

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Area of Science:

Canine Ethology
Animal Olfaction
Behavioral Genetics

Background:

Previous canine olfactory research often relied on trained dogs or specific individuals.
The Natural Detection Task (NDT) offers a novel approach to assess olfactory performance without prior training.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate factors influencing olfactory performance in a large, diverse dog population using the NDT.
To determine the impact of breed, personality traits, and training level on natural detection success.

Main Methods:

Assessed 484 dogs using the Natural Detection Task (NDT).
Analyzed the influence of breed, functional breed groups, personality scores (Responsiveness to training, Activity/Excitability, ADHD), and training level.
Correlated performance with owner's rewarding style.

Main Results:

Olfactory success varied significantly by breed, with Border Collies outperforming breeds selected for hunting/olfaction tasks.
Beagles exhibited faster search times than several other breeds.
Higher Responsiveness to training scores correlated with greater success, while advanced training levels were linked to slower searches.
Breed groups were not significant predictors; breed-specific traits were more influential.
Activity/Excitability, ADHD scores, and owner's rewarding style showed no association with performance.

Conclusions:

Breed-specific traits, rather than functional breed groups, are key influencers of canine olfactory performance.
Individual differences in trainability and personality play a role, but extensive training may not enhance natural detection abilities.
The NDT provides valuable insights into dogs' inherent olfactory capabilities, highlighting complex genetic and environmental interactions.