Volhard Test (PAT) in Puppies: Complete Evaluation of Temperament and Aptitudes
A Puppy's Character Is Not Always What It Seems
Imagine two seven-week-old puppies. Both walk up to a stranger. At first glance, they appear to be doing exactly the same thing.
But one does it because it is curious. The other… because it doesn't want to be left alone. The behaviour is identical.
The reason behind it is completely different.
And that was precisely the question that Jack and Wendy Volhard asked themselves in the 1970s.
Is it possible to understand a puppy's character by observing not only what it does, but also why it does it?
Much More Than Ten Exercises
Unlike many tests of its time, the Volhard Test does not draw conclusions from a single reaction. A puppy can surprise you.
It may appear very confident in one exercise and cautious in the next. It may ignore a loud noise yet become uncomfortable when someone tries to hold it. That is why the test consists of ten very short exercises, each designed to observe a different aspect of behaviour.
What really matters is what emerges when all those pieces begin to fit together like a puzzle.
What Does It Try to Discover?
The exercises evaluate different aspects of a puppy's character, including: interest in people; independence; self-confidence; initiative;
willingness to follow a leader; sensitivity to physical handling; reaction to an unexpected situation; ability to recover from stress.
No single exercise can answer the big question on its own.
It is the combination of all the results that makes it possible to build a behavioural profile of the puppy.
Why Seven Weeks?
Jack and Wendy Volhard chose this age because, by seven weeks, a puppy is already walking, playing, exploring its surroundings, and interacting with people, yet it has still been influenced very little by training. In a way, it is a fairly accurate snapshot of the puppy's natural temperament. Of course, it is not a crystal ball.
A dog's character will continue to develop under the influence of genetics, life experiences, and education.
But this brief window of time provides remarkably valuable information.
Volhard Test Exercises
1. Social Attraction
This observes whether the puppy seeks human contact when called.
Interpretation:
-Approaches confidently → sociable and confident.
-Hesitates → more sensitive.
-Does not approach → independent.
2. Following
This evaluates whether the puppy follows the evaluator.
Interpretation:
-Follows actively → strong connection.
-Follows but gets distracted → moderate temperament. -Does not follow → independence.
3. Response to Restraint
The puppy is placed on its back for a few seconds.
Interpretation:
-Relaxes → balanced temperament.
-Resists → strong personality.
-Becomes stressed → high sensitivity.
4. Social Dominance
This evaluates the puppy’s response to physical contact.
Interpretation:
-Accepts it → stable.
-Seeks more → very sociable.
-Avoids → independent.
5. Elevation
The puppy is gently lifted.
Interpretation:
-Remains calm → good adaptability.
-Moves → active.
-Becomes stressed → sensitive.
6. Touch Sensitivity
This evaluates the puppy’s reaction to light pressure.
Interpretation:
-Low reaction → tolerant.
-Moderate reaction → normal.
-Strong reaction → sensitive.
7. Sound Sensitivity
An unexpected sound is introduced.
Interpretation:
-Curiosity → good balance.
-Hesitation → moderate sensitivity.
-Fear → high sensitivity.
8. Response to Visual Stimuli
This observes the puppy’s reaction to a moving object.
Interpretation:
-Engages in play → active instinct.
-Observes → balanced.
-Avoids → insecure.
9. Overall Stability
This assesses the puppy’s ability to recover after exposure to stimuli.
Interpretation:
-Recovers quickly → balanced.
-Takes time → more sensitive.
-Does not recover → needs additional support and work.
What We Like Most About This Test
The Volhard Test reminds us of something we sometimes forget: there are no perfect puppies. There are simply different puppies.
One may be highly curious. Another may be more cautious. One learns by exploring everything around it. Another needs a few seconds to think before taking action. And neither one is necessarily better than the other. The purpose of the test is not to give grades, but to help us better understand each puppy's personality and find the environment where it can develop its full potential.
Does It Have Limitations?
Of course. Like any behavioural assessment, the Volhard Test describes a puppy at a specific stage of its development.
It cannot predict with complete certainty what the dog will be like as an adult.
That is why experienced breeders never base their decisions on a single exercise—or even on a single test.
Daily observation, practical experience, and a thorough knowledge of the breeding line remain just as important.
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