Correlation between motor laterality, temperament and cortisol levels in dogs.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between motor lateralisation, temperament, and serum levels of cortisol. The study group consisted of 39 clinically healthy dogs: 21 females and 18 males. Lateralisation and temperament were assessed during periodic animal health checks using a standardised tape test and a proprietary assessment algorithm. The median cortisol level in the dogs was 4.6 ng/ml. The median cortisol level was 4.31 ng/ml in dogs under 3 years of age and 4.92 ng/ml in dogs over 3 years of age. The median cortisol level was 4.21 ng/ml in left-pawed dogs and 4.8 ng/ml in right-pawed dogs. Statistically significant differences were found between cortisol levels and temperament. The median cortisol level was 5.06 ng/ml in extrovert dogs and 4 ng/ml in introvert dogs.