Temperament tests are a great way to gain info when choosing a puppy. There are many different tests and opinions about when, where, how to conduct and which tests to do. Often, a breeder, whom the puppy is used to, is not the best choice to conduct the test. But we feel the info received and the one on one videos from the tests have helped people get some information to make their choice. Plus, the tests have been very popular and we've gotten good feedback on them. But we tell people not to take them too seriously. Good, consistent training, environment and other factors go into development of a great dog.
We mostly (and loosely) follow the Volhard test, but add some items based on our own experience and feedback from owners. Below is a paraphrased explanation of the tests and what the results mean. Scores are numbered from 1 to 6 with 1 being the most agressive and 6 being the most independent/passive/timid. Most people when choosing a puppy for a pet should aim for one in the 3-4 range. Our puppies usually score right in this range, with a few showing a bit more of the pyrenees side popping up in the 4-5 range.
| Test | Results |
|---|---|
| SOCIAL ATTRACTION: Is the puppy interested in being around people? These tests include interaction with the puppy, calling the puppy to come, following, and retrieving. | Puppies scoring a 1-2 will readily come to you, but then try to take over by jumping up, pawing, biting at hands, getting underfoot. Puppies in the 3-4 range are ideal. They come to you readily and follow well, waiting for your direction. Puppies in the 5-6 range come hesitantly or not at all. They do not follow, or they run away from you and hide. |
| DOMINANCE: How easily will this puppy submit to your authority and training? These tests include restraint of the puppy by your side in a sitting position, putting puppy on its back, and holding the puppy elevated. | Puppies scoring a 1-2 will struggle fiercely against being held in any kind of submissive position. They may flail, paw, try to bite. Puppies in the 3-4 range may struggle slightly, but settle quickly. Or they may not struggle at all. Puppies in the 5-6 range would try to get away if cuddled against you, would not struggle but strain to avoid eye contact. Or not struggle, but frozen/stiff and not relaxed. |
| TOUCH SENSITIVITY: How sensitive will the puppy be to instruction? This test includes pinching of the puppy's toes and seeing if the puppy is eager to forgive the slight pain caused. | Puppies scoring a 1-2 need higher pain stimulation before response, will struggle to get away once they feel it. Puppies in the 3-4 range only need moderate stimulation for a response and will readily forgive the pain caused. Puppies in the 5-6 range need very little simulation to react to the pain, and usually will not show signs of forgiveness. |
| SIGHT SENSITIVITY: Can the puppy see and follow an object? This test includes tossing a soft object close to the puppy and watching the puppy's reaction. | All levels are watched to make sure they can see the object. This is a good test for checking the puppy's eyesight. Puppies scoring a 1-2 will go after the object, attack and bite it. Puppies in the 3-4 range look curiously at the object and will follow it and play with it. Puppies in the 5-6 range see the object but may run away from it or hide behind the tester. |
| SOUND AND STARTLE SENSITIVITY: Can the puppy hear? How does the puppy respond to loud noises and strange objects suddenly introduced? These tests include making a loud noise by the puppy, dropping a loud or startling object close to the puppy. | All levels are watched to make sure they can hear. This is a good test for checking the puppy's hearing. Puppies scoring a 1-2 will run towards the sound/object and attack, bite or bark at it. Puppies in the 3-4 range locate the sound and watch it or calmly go to investigate. Puppies in the 5-6 range cringe, run away, and/or hide. |
| FALLING DOWN or CRASH TEST: A puppy owner from past litters kindly informed us that this is a great test for a service animal. Her dog comes over if she falls so he can help her back up. Makes sense - if you need a puppy's help, it should care and investigate if you have suddenly fallen to the ground. | Puppies scoring a 1-2 will run towards you but try to obtain a dominant position by jumping on you, attacking, crawing all over you. Puppies in the 3-4 range notice and watch you, and then calmly come over to sniff and see if you are ok. Puppies in the 5-6 range move away from you, ignore you completely or run away and hide. |