Do they Play or Flirt? 'Pawsitive' Correlations of Castration Status and Social Behaviour of Male Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris): Video Analyses and Questionnaires

Abstract

Introduction In the current research, there are already many reports on the effects of castration on the behavior of dogs. However, most studies are based on questionnaires, interviews, or medical archives. Objectives In our study, the aim was to observe the dogs’ behavior directly in social contact, so we carried out video analyses in addition to questionnaires. Methods Therefore, 44 male dogs were filmed in groups of four (n=2 intact and 2=neutered), and their behavior was analyzed using an ethogram. In addition to the video analyses, the personalities of the 44 dogs were evaluated using the Budapest questionnaire. Results The neutered dogs were very intensively sexually harassed by the intact dogs (e.g., sniffing of the anal region; randomization test, p*=0.01, OD=2.59; sniffing of the genitals; randomization test, p*=0.0008, OD=4.09; and lick genitals; randomization test, p*=0.001). Accordingly, the castrates appeared stressed (“ears sideways”, randomization test, p=0.005, OD=2.24). They also showed more aggression, such as attacks (randomization test p*≤0.001, OD=1.55) and threats (randomization test p*=0.002, OD=1.74). The Budapest questionnaire revealed significantly higher values for intact dogs for the traits of emotional stability (Mann-Whitney- U-test, p<0.0005; OD=9.27) and socioability (Mann-Whitney-U-test, p=0.004; OD=5.78). Conclusion The above results suggest that, on the one hand, castration can have a significant influence on the dog’s character, social compatibility, and emotional state, which could be due to the testosterone-cortisol imbalance. On the other hand, neutering also seems to change the way neuters are perceived by other intact dogs. They may appear more sexually attractive and, therefore, be harassed more. The reason for this could lie in hormonal changes. Many factors must therefore be considered when neutering a dog. Decisions must be made on an individual basis, and the time of neutering should also be considered depending on seasonality.