Clinical, zootechnical and behavioral evaluation of litters of dogs born in the guide dog program of the ‘Instituto Federal Goiano’, Campus Urutaí, Brazil

Abstract

The Brazilian population with low vision or blindness is approximately six and a half million people. This scenario is intricate because of the existence of only six Guide Dog Training Centers and, consequently, few Guide Dogs performing the role of assistive therapy as a guide for blind people in Brazil. The objective was to comparatively characterize the clinical, zootechnical, and behavioral profile of three litters of dogs born at the Guide Dog Training Center of the Federal Institute of Goiás, Campus of Urutaí, Brazil, from conception to the forty-ninth day of life. The number of live births, stillbirths, average daily weight gain, the incidence of congenital diseases, and acquired diseases were surveyed. The performance of puppies obtained in the Volhard and Behavior Checklist tests was also obtained. Litter B presented higher stillbirths. A higher average daily weight gain was also observed in litter B and, consequently, a higher weight of pups at all evaluation moments. Litter E differed from the others regarding the behavioral parameters, showing better results in terms of hyper-attachment, fear of strangers, and anxiety in unknown places. Therefore, a difference was observed between litters regarding the evaluated zootechnical and behavioral aspects. Furthermore, an evolution was observed over time, with the last litter, whose parents were animals from the kennel, presenting the best behavioral profile.