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Good Possibilities to Select Against Fearfulness in Rough Collie

Friday, August 22, 2014: 10:45 AM
Cypress Room (The Westin Bayshore)
Per Arvelius , Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
Helena Eken Asp , Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
W. Freddy Fikse , Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
Erling Strandberg , Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
Katja Nilsson , Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
Abstract Text:

Fear-related problems are common among Swedish Rough Collies. Genetic analyses were performed on 4 composite behavioral traits based on 2953 Rough Collie results from a temperament test.  Heritabilities ranged from 0.13-0.25. Validation of the test was done using a dog owner questionnaire, which generated information about everyday life behavior for 1738 Rough Collies. There were high and significant genetic correlations between traits measured in the test, and the everyday life behavior of the dogs as described by the owners. For instance, Curiosity/fearlessness in the test was negatively genetically correlated with Nonsocial fear in the questionnaire (‑0.70, SE 0.10). We conclude that data from the analyzed test is possible to use for selection to decrease everyday life fearfulness in the Swedish Rough Collie population.

Keywords:

breeding

behavior

dog

See more of: Breeding of Companion Animals
See more of: Species Breeding: Companion Animals
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