History of Puppy and Dog Temperament Assessment Systems

For thousands of years, choosing a puppy was surprisingly simple. A breeder would watch the litter for a few minutes and say, "I'll take that one." Surprisingly... they were often right. But when guide dogs, police dogs and search-and-rescue dogs became increasingly important, intuition alone was no longer enough. A more scientific approach was needed.

 

1930s • The First Tests (United States)

The first temperament tests were developed to select guide dogs for people who were blind. Training a dog required enormous amounts of time and money. It was far better to discover at a few weeks of age that a puppy was unsuitable than after a full year of training.

What did they contribute? The idea that temperament could be evaluated at a very early age.

 

1950s • Scott and Fuller (United States)

Researchers John Paul Scott and John L. Fuller brought canine behaviour into the laboratory.

For years they studied how genetics and environment influence puppy development and discovered that certain stages of growth are especially important for evaluating behaviour.

What did they contribute? The scientific foundation of modern temperament testing.

 

1960s • Pfaffenberger (United States)

Clarence Pfaffenberger applied these findings to guide dog breeding programs. His goal was no longer simply to study behaviour, but to use it to make better selection decisions.

What did he contribute? He demonstrated that temperament testing could save years of unsuccessful training.

 

1970s • Campbell (United States)

Psychologist William Campbell focused on breeders. He created a quick, practical test that anyone could perform without laboratories or specialised equipment.

What did he contribute? The first truly practical temperament test for everyday breeders.

 

Late 1970s • Volhard (United States)

Jack and Wendy Volhard realised that no puppy can be understood through a single exercise.

Instead of interpreting each test separately, they proposed looking at all the responses together as one complete picture. What did they contribute? A much more comprehensive way of evaluating temperament.

 

1980s • John Fisher (United Kingdom)

British dog trainer and behaviour specialist John Fisher helped change the way people understood canine behaviour. Until then, many temperament tests focused mainly on classifying puppies. Fisher argued that test results only make sense when combined with an understanding of how dogs learn and why they respond differently to different situations. What did he contribute? Temperament tests began to be interpreted alongside learning theory and canine psychology.

 

1990s • MH and BPH (Sweden)

While other countries continued refining puppy tests, Sweden chose a different path.

Instead of trying to predict the temperament of a puppy, the Swedish Kennel Club developed standardised systems to evaluate the behaviour of adult dogs in realistic situations. First came MH (Mentalbeskrivning Hund), followed later by BPH (Behaviour and Personality Assessment in Dogs), which is now used across many breeds.

What did they contribute?

An objective and standardised behavioural assessment to support responsible breeding and genetic selection.

 

21st Century • Avidog (United States)

The creators of Avidog took another step forward. A temperament test is still valuable—but so is observing a puppy over several days, knowing its parents, and understanding how it has been raised.

What did they contribute? Context matters too.

 

Puppy Culture (United States)

Puppy Culture challenged another common assumption. Temperament is not determined by genetics alone. Early experiences, socialisation and the environment also play a major role in shaping the adult dog.

What did they contribute? Early development and socialisation became part of temperament evaluation.

 

Today • Neuroscience and Ethology

Today the question is no longer simply: "What is this puppy like?" We also ask: "Why does this puppy behave this way?" Neuroscience, genetics and modern ethology now study how genes, hormones, stress and the environment interact throughout development. What do they contribute?

A better understanding that no test can predict the future with complete certainty. Temperament will always be a combination of genetics, life experiences... and a small touch of individual canine personality.

And here's some good news for puppies: after nearly a century of research, scientists still haven't invented a test that can explain why some dogs head straight for the nearest muddy puddle just five seconds after having a bath.