Are whippets and Italian Greyhounds “breedist” when deciding whether to join other dogs in play? A survey among Italian caretakers

Abstract

Dogs modulate their social behaviour in response to the species of the other partner(s) and to the situation or context of the interaction. In the present study, reluctance to join other dogs in play, exhibited by whippets and Italian greyhounds (two sighthound breeds) was investigated, with regard to breed. The effects of the possible canine play partner being another sighthound vs other breed/type, and of being in a fenced vs an unfenced area, was considered with regard to caretaker perception. Data on a convenience sample of 75 dogs (38 Italian greyhounds, 37 whippets) were analysed using a generalized estimated equation with breed, age, sex as factors, the dog as individual, and the area, the breed/type of other dog and the interaction area*partner as within subject predictive variable. The dependent variable was the rating given to the dog by the caretaker regarding the reluctance of a dog to join other dogs in play in the four different situations resulting by the combination of area and partner. Overall, the sighthounds in the present study’s sample were quite willing to join other dogs in play, showing little reluctance (median 3 out of 10). Both investigated breeds (Italian greyhounds were more hesitant than whippets) and the breed/type of other dogs playing (dogs hesitating more if the prospective partner(s) was/were not (a) sighthound(s)) significantly influenced the hesitation, whereas the other factors in the model had no effect. Given the importance of play in the development of behaviour and for maintaining positive welfare, further studies investigating factors influencing willingness to play in animals are needed.