title: Neophilia in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) and its implication for studies of dog cognition.
abstract: This study examined novel-object preference in dogs. In a free choice test 17 dogs were presented with a novel toy in a line up with two familiar toys. The unfamiliar object was chosen first in 38 out 50 tests suggesting a strong preference for novel over familiar items. Neophilia may be an adaptive trait for domestic dogs that has helped their adaptation towards man.
authors.affiliation: Animal Welfare and Ethology, Institute of Veterinary Physiology, University of Giessen, Frankfurter Strasse 104, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kaulfuss
authors.forename: Daniel S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Mills
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003071:Cognition; D004285:Dogs; D005106:Exploratory Behavior; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010551:Personality