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Neophilia in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) and its implication for studies of dog cognition

Animal Cognition volume 11, pages 553–556 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

This study examined novel-object preference in dogs. In a free choice test 17 dogs were presented with a novel toy in a line up with two familiar toys. The unfamiliar object was chosen first in 38 out 50 tests suggesting a strong preference for novel over familiar items. Neophilia may be an adaptive trait for domestic dogs that has helped their adaptation towards man.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Animal Welfare and Ethology, Institute of Veterinary Physiology, University of Giessen, Frankfurter Strasse 104, 35392, Giessen, Germany

    Patricia Kaulfuß

  2. Animal Behaviour, Cognition and Welfare Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lincoln, Riseholme Park, Lincoln, LN2 2LG, UK

    Daniel S. Mills

Authors
  1. Patricia Kaulfuß
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  2. Daniel S. Mills
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Correspondence to Daniel S. Mills.

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Kaulfuß, P., Mills, D.S. Neophilia in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) and its implication for studies of dog cognition. Anim Cogn 11, 553–556 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-007-0128-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-007-0128-x

Keywords

  • Dog
  • Neophilia
  • Novelty Preference
  • Choice test
  • Word learning