Ethogram of the predatory sequence of dogs (Canis familiaris)

Abstract

Predatory behaviour is a relevant part of the behavioural repertoire of dogs, which often entails negative or desirable implications, depending on the context and target to which it is directed. It also considered one of the most characterising aspects of breed-specific behaviour. Despite its relevance, there is surprisingly little scientific knowledge about the topic. In the present study we sought to develop an ethogram of the predatory sequence of dogs, with the aim of providing a sufficiently general structure to be applicable to dogs at large, without eluding peculiar aspects of the species’ specific behaviour. Sixty videos of dogs of different breeds expressing predatory acts, including both videos obtained from public internet repositories and videos made on purpose, were described in detail by two different observers. From descriptions, a general sequence was identified, consisting of four functional phases, i.e. search, approach, chase and bite. The descriptions of the behaviours included in each phase were organised into three levels, characterised by different levels of detail and focussing on different aspects of the behaviour. When appropriate, these descriptions highlighted differences in behaviour expressed by dogs belonging to different working groups. The ethogram proposed in the present paper could represent a useful starting point for improving knowledge about the predatory behaviour of dogs and answering relevant questions about both its evolution and ontogeny.