Campbell Test in Puppies: How to Evaluate a Toy Poodle’s Temperament
The Campbell Test is one of the most widely known tools for evaluating a puppy’s temperament. It allows you to observe how a puppy reacts in different situations and better understand its character.
This type of assessment is especially useful in intelligent breeds like the Toy Poodle, where temperament directly influences training and future coexistence.
On this page, we show you how the Campbell Test is performed, what each reaction means, and how to interpret the results in practice.
What Is the Campbell Test?
The Campbell Test is a behavioral assessment designed to evaluate a puppy’s response to human interaction, dominance, independence, and adaptation to the environment.
It is typically carried out between 6 and 8 weeks of age, in a calm setting and without the presence of the mother or other stimuli that could influence the puppy’s behavior.
Origin of the Campbell Test
The Campbell Test was developed by canine behavior specialist William E. Campbell, who dedicated much of his work to studying temperament in puppies.
His research was based on observing thousands of dogs, analyzing how they reacted to different situations from an early age. From these studies, he created a simple set of tests that allows breeders and professionals to evaluate a puppy’s temperament in a practical way.
The goal of the test was not to label dogs, but to help understand their behavior and, to some extent, anticipate how they might respond in the future—especially in relation to training and everyday life.
Over time, the Campbell Test became one of the most widely known and used tools among breeders and canine professionals.
Today, although more modern systems exist, the Campbell Test remains a key reference in puppy evaluation.
THE CAMPBELL TEST EXERCISES
1.Social Attraction
This test evaluates the extent to which the puppy seeks human contact.
The evaluator kneels down and calls the puppy in a gentle voice, without forcing it. The response is observed: whether the puppy approaches, how it does so, and what attitude it shows.
Interpretation:
-Approaches quickly and confidently → sociable, confident puppy.
-Approaches but hesitates → more sensitive or cautious temperament.
-Does not approach or avoids → more independent or insecure.
A highly sociable puppy is usually easier to train, but may also demand more attention. A more independent one may require a more patient approach.
2.Following
This evaluates whether the puppy naturally tends to follow a person.
The evaluator stands up and begins to walk slowly, observing whether the puppy follows and what attitude it shows.
Interpretation:
-Follows actively → strong connection with people.
-Follows but gets distracted → more easily distracted temperament.
-Does not follow → greater independence.
This test gives insight into how easy the puppy may be to train, especially in recall and bonding exercises.
3.Response to Handling
(Restraint)
The puppy is gently placed on its back for a few seconds, without excessive pressure, to observe its reaction.
Interpretation:
-Relaxes → balanced temperament.
-Resists slightly → stronger personality.
-Struggles intensely or becomes stressed → higher sensitivity.
This is not about “dominance” in the old sense, but about tolerance to handling and physical.
4. Social Dominance
The puppy’s reaction is observed while the evaluator gently but firmly strokes it from the head down to the back.
Interpretation:
-Accepts the contact calmly → stable temperament.
-Seeks more contact → very sociable.
-Avoids or shows discomfort → more sensitive or independent.
This test helps understand how the puppy responds to human contact in everyday situations.
5. Elevation (Suspension)
The puppy is gently lifted, supporting it under the chest for a few seconds.
Interpretation:
-Remains calm → good tolerance to handling and control.
-Moves slightly → more active temperament.
-Struggles intensely or becomes stressed → lower tolerance.
This test evaluates the puppy’s response to a situation it cannot control, which is important for everyday handling and care.
How to Interpret the Test as a Whole
No single test defines the puppy. What matters is observing the full set of responses and understanding the overall behavior pattern.
A puppy may be more active, more independent, or more sensitive, and each of these profiles can be suitable depending on the environment and the person.
The goal of the test is not to choose “the best puppy,” but to find the most suitable one for each situation and adapt its training from the very beginning.
You may also be interested in other tests and systems about puppy behavior 👇