Photo of a black labrador running across a field with a fetch toy in its mouth.
RESEARCH PROJECT

Physiological metrics as indicators of dog behavior and personality

Updated: August 2025

Project overview

Project manager: Eva Sandberg
Contact: Eva Sandberg
Funded by: Agria och Svenska kennelklubben (SKK)

Participants

Project members:

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Short summary

In this research project, we study whether the mentality and personality of dogs can be more accurately assessed by combining behavioral tests with physiological measurements.

Mentality is important for a dog's well-being, both for the dog itself and for how the dog is viewed and treated by its environment. A very fearful or aggressive dog often causes great inconvenience in everyday life. The project consists of different sub-studies that aim to get a better picture of how physiological changes and behavior in dogs interact in different types of situations.

Urine samples are collected in the dog's home environment and in connection with the Behavioral and Personality Description of Dogs (BPH). The urine samples are analyzed for several different hormones and the results are compared with the dogs' behavior during BPH.

Sample collection

Sample collection is still ongoing and results are being processed. Thank you to all the dog owners and dogs who are participating in this study!

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