Chapman University researchers are calling into question the traditional selection criteria for police and military dogs, suggesting that the physical features typically linked to scent-detection abilities may not be as influential as previously thought.
For years, it has been widely assumed that dogs with long snouts, like German Shepherds, Labradors, and Belgian Malinois, are best suited for tasks such as drug detection, bomb sniffing, and bite work due to their skull and nose shape. However, a new study led by Assistant Professor Lindsay Waldrop and postgraduate fellow Nicholas Hebdon challenges this assumption.
The study, recently published in Science Advances, examined hundreds of CT scans of canine skulls to determine whether certain anatomical traits make some breeds better equipped for scent-related tasks. The research team, which also included Justin Gladman from Duke University and five undergraduate students from Chapman, found unexpected results.
Waldrop’s team analyzed a variety of skulls from museum collections across the U.S. to assess whether the shape of a dog’s skull could be linked to its effectiveness in specific scent-detection roles. Surprisingly, the team found no significant differences in skull shapes between breeds traditionally known for scent detection, such as bloodhounds, and smaller dogs like Chihuahuas or pugs.
“We didn’t find any differences between the skulls, regardless of breed,” Waldrop explained. “This means that even dogs like Chihuahuas and pugs could perform scent work just as well as German Shepherds and bloodhounds. The shape of their skulls didn’t predict their performance in scent-related tasks.”
These findings raise a significant question: If dogs of various sizes and shapes, including smaller breeds, can excel in scent work, why are traditional breeds like German Shepherds still predominantly used in police and military settings?
The researchers suggest that personality and motivation play a crucial role in breed selection. German Shepherds, for example, are known for their high drive and motivation to work. In contrast, other breeds, like greyhounds, are more focused on running, and pugs are often motivated by affection, not work. Additionally, size is an important factor, as smaller dogs may lack the stamina required for demanding law enforcement roles.
Breed selection is also influenced by historical associations and public perception. For instance, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prefers dogs with less intimidating appearances, such as beagles and Labradors, over those with sharp, pointed ears.
“I hope our research leads police departments and organizations like the TSA to consider a broader range of breeds for scent-detection roles,” Waldrop said, suggesting that breeds like Springer Spaniels, which are well-suited for public-facing tasks and possess excellent scent-detection abilities, could be considered.
The study also highlights the exceptional role Chapman University undergraduates played in the research process. Unlike many labs, where research is typically conducted by graduate and post-graduate students, Chapman offers undergraduates a chance to engage in high-level research. The students, from diverse fields such as biology, psychology, pharmacy, and mathematics, contributed significantly to the study, handling large data sets and ensuring meticulous data management.
“It’s rare for undergrads to participate in such groundbreaking research,” Hebdon noted, praising the students for their commitment and attention to detail throughout the study.
Waldrop expressed pride in the undergraduates’ work, noting their impressive contributions despite the complexity and intensity of the research process. “They did an excellent job maintaining data sets and taking meticulous notes. It was a lot of work, but they handled it brilliantly,” she said.
The study’s findings could have a profound impact on future police dog selection processes, challenging long-standing conventions and encouraging a more inclusive approach to breed selection based on temperament and abilities, rather than just physical traits.
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