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Simple Summary: Ovariohysterectomy is a common elective surgical procedure performed on companion animals. This study aimed to determine whether lidocaine, a topical anaesthetic agent splashed onto the ovarian ligament, followed by a localised massage of the ligament, could provide sufficient analgesia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. A total of 38 bitches were allocated to two groups. The lidocaine group received 0.5 mL of lidocaine 2% on the suspensory ligaments of the ovaries followed by a one-minute massage, while the placebo group received 0.5 mL of saline followed by a one-minute massage. If signs of pain were observed, rescue analgesia with fentanyl was administered. The outcome of the study revealed that irrigation with lidocaine resulted in fewer painful reactions during ovarian manipulation, reducing the need for rescue analgesia, while anaesthesia was smooth, with no complications. The use of topical irrigation of lidocaine onto the suspensory ligaments of the ovaries is a low-cost, easy-to-perform technique that provides sufficient intraoperative analgesia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomies. The administration of lidocaine as part of multimodal analgesia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomies demonstrates variable analgesic efficacy. The aim of this prospective, double–blinded clinical study was to evaluate the effectiveness of lidocaine 2% irrigation on the ovarian suspensory ligament, followed by localised massage, in achieving sufficient intraoperative analgesia. Thirty-eight female dogs were randomly divided to two groups and received either a splash block of 0.5 ml lidocaine 2% on each ovarian suspensory ligament (GL) or an equal volume of saline (GNS). All dogs were premedicated with dexmedetomidine (5 μg·kg−1) and buprenorphine (20 μg·kg−1) intramuscularly and meloxicam (0.2 mg·kg−1) subcutaneously. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane. The surgical procedure was initiated after an adequate depth of anaesthesia was achieved. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (fR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were continuously monitored. Fentanyl (2 μg·kg−1) was administered as rescue analgesia in case of a 30% increase in HR, fR, or MAP, compared to their values before manipulation of the ovaries. Data were analysed using a mixed model for repeated measures ANOVA and Pearson's Chi-Square test. The need for rescue analgesia differed significantly between the two groups (p < 0.0005). In GNS, 89.47% (17/19) of the dogs required rescue analgesia, compared to 10.53% (2/19) of the dogs in GL. The relative risk of rescue for the GNS compared to the GL was approximately 8.5. In conclusion, intraoperative analgesia during ovariohysterectomies in dogs can be enhanced using a lidocaine 2% splash block combined with massage of the ovarian suspensory ligament. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: While dogs will rescue their owners in distress, no study has investigated whether or not dogs may do the same for strangers. This study explores this question by recording dogs' behaviors, heart rate variability, and approach in response to a trapped calm or distressed stranger. The results show that whether the unfamiliar human was distressed or not did not affect whether the dog opened the door. Additionally, there was no difference in heart rate variability, how they approached the stranger through the door, or time near the door between dogs who were presented with a distressed or calm stranger. Dogs that did open the door to approach the unfamiliar human were described as less fearful by their owners. Dogs that opened also showed less aggression and fear when they approached the human behind the trapped door compared to dogs that did not open. These results show that dogs may not be able to show emotional contagion or respond differentially to distressed unknown humans. It also may be vital for dog owners to be present in order for complex behaviors such as emotional contagion and helping to occur towards strangers. Empathy is a complex cognitive ability that has been studied in many social animals, including dogs. Previous studies have found that dogs would rescue their distressed owner more quickly than a calm owner and that dogs respond physiologically and behaviorally to the sound of crying strangers. However, no studies have explored the empathetic and emotional contagion capabilities of dogs towards strangers in rescue paradigms. In the present study, a stranger was placed behind a clear door and was told to cry (distress) or hum (neutral). The dogs' door opening, stress behaviors, tone of approach, and physiological responses were measured. Dogs did not open more frequently or more quickly for the stranger in the distressed condition compared to the neutral condition. Additionally, there was no significant difference between the behavioral or physiological indicators of stress across conditions. It was also found that non-openers were reported by owners to have more fear and, in the empathy test, were more aggressive and fearful in their tone of approach. These results suggest that dogs may be less likely to exhibit empathy-like behaviors to unknown humans in an unfamiliar environment and that owners may be necessary to moderate a dog's stress to show empathetic behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dogs with lymphoma that fail cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone chemotherapy (CHOP) before completion of their protocol are commonly thought to have poor long‐term outcome, but no previous studies have evaluated the effect of early relapse on progression‐free interval (PFI) or overall survival time (OST) for patients undergoing rescue chemotherapy. Objective: Correlate rescue treatment outcomes in dogs with multicentric lymphoma with outcomes after 1st‐line CHOP chemotherapy. Methods: Data were collected from 6 previous retrospective or prospective studies in 187 dogs with multicentric lymphoma that received 1st‐line CHOP chemotherapy and then received either lomustine (CCNU), L‐asparaginase and prednisone (LAP), or rabacfosadine (RAB, Tanovea), with or without prednisone or L‐asparaginase. Results: The PFI after initiation of CHOP chemotherapy was significantly associated with response rate postprogression, PFI, and postrescue survival time (ST) for both rescue protocols. Immunophenotype (B‐ vs T‐cell) was not significantly associated with response, PFI or OST for LAP but was significantly associated with response and PFI for RAB. Conclusion: Dogs that experience short PFI during or after 1st‐line CHOP chemotherapy had lower response rates to rescue treatment, with shorter PFI and ST. Immunophenotype did not significantly affect outcome with LAP but was associated with PFI for RAB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Working dogs, specifically search and rescue dogs, represent a fundamental resource in the social field for their activities carried out both in daily life and in disaster conditions. Canine well-being must therefore represent an obligation for the governance of a country as well as veterinary clinical research. Our aim was to verify the use of accurate tools for monitoring cardiac activity during operating in the field. The study conducted with electrocardiogram and Holter methods highlighted, in 31 healthy dogs, the presence of few electrical alterations during work with the use of the Holter or, immediately afterwards, with the use of the electrocardiogram. The aim of this study was to observe electric cardiac activity in real working conditions, with the application of Holter and the electrocardiogram in search and rescue dogs. Thirty-one handlers of search and rescue dogs voluntarily participated in this study. Nine dogs were selected to wear the Holter, and twenty-three were submitted to electrocardiographic recordings (one dog, excluded by Holter examination, was then included in the ECG group). Our results showed few cardiac rhythm alterations, such as escape beats, premature ventricular beat, and depression and elevation of the ST segment, particularly during the working phase in the Holter group and during recovery time immediately after activity in the electrocardiographic group. Detected alterations in real working conditions may provide more information than routine checks, and Holter monitoring can be more functional. However, not all dogs tolerate wearing the Holter harness, and more time is thus needed to apply the equipment. In addition, the results are not immediate, and the absence of water is essential because it would damage the equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: There is an increasing number of dogs in rescue shelters, and they require rehoming. These dogs may have behavioural issues and lack training, both of which present barriers to their successful rehoming. There is evidence that prison-based dog training programmes may benefit those in custody as they learn skills and gain companionship. Less is known about how dog training programmes impact the dogs. We studied the behaviour and training performance of dogs in a prison-based programme for rescue dogs in which the prisoners find value in helping the dogs find permanent homes. Dogs attended the prison 1–3 times per week, under staff supervision and instruction. Our results showed that the rescue dogs had improved performance on training tasks. Their behaviour also changed; dogs rested or relaxed more in their kennels after the dog training programme than before it started, although other behaviours were not affected. Kennel staff rated the dogs' behaviour as becoming more desirable and less undesirable after the dog training programme. However, some behaviour and welfare issues associated with relinquishment persisted. We conclude that prison-based dog training programmes can contribute to positive outcomes for dogs, as well as for humans, if conducted appropriately. Dogs are often relinquished because of behavioural issues which may be exacerbated in rehoming centres. Prison-based dog training programmes (DTPs) may enhance outcomes for rescue dogs by providing socialisation and training opportunities to improve behaviour, welfare and likelihood of rehoming. We assessed whether dogs benefitted from participation, 1–3 times per week, in a prison-based DTP in which male young offenders learn how to train and care for dogs waiting to be rehomed. Within DTP sessions, there was significant improvement on a range of training tasks (n = 42 dogs). Analyses of videos (n = 17 dogs) in the kennels and a training barn pre- and post-DTP participation showed improvement in some positive behaviours, but no significant change in other behaviours. Subjective ratings by staff of the dogs' behaviour were made (n = 20 dogs). Desirable behaviours (e.g., playful/friendly) increased, and most undesirable behaviours (e.g., frustrated and noisy) decreased. Participation in the DTP did not mitigate all negative behaviours. However, improvements are consistent with enhanced welfare and likelihood of successful rehoming. Prison-based DTPs can be effective in supporting the work of animal rescue organisations to improve outcomes for dogs, while offering people in custody an opportunity to engage in purposeful activity and provide a community service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article tells the heartwarming story of Donatello, a male Testudo horsfieldii from Ukraine who needed a new home. Donatello's owner fled to Germany with her children to escape the war and brought Donatello to her sister, who works in animal welfare. With the help of an animal welfare campaigner named Lisa, Donatello was transported to Germany and eventually found a new home with Gudrun Braukmann in Witten. Donatello is now registered with the local species protection authorities and will be cared for by Gudrun. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: To evaluate analgesia, sedation and adverse effects of two doses of subcutaneous methadone in dogs undergoing tibial plateau levelling osteotomy. Materials and Methods: Seventeen client‐owned dogs undergoing unilateral tibial plateau levelling osteotomy were randomly allocated to receive either 0.25 mg/kg methadone (eight dogs) or 0.5 mg/kg methadone (nine dogs). All dogs were premedicated with methadone and 2 to 6 mcg/kg dexmedetomidine subcutaneously. They were induced and maintained on a standard protocol. All animals received a second dose of methadone subcutaneously 4 hours after premedication and a 4.4 mg/kg dose of carprofen subcutaneously at 8 hours after premedication. During surgery, blood pressure, heart rate and temperature were assessed every 5 minutes. Postoperatively, sedation scores, temperature, heart rate and Glasgow composite modified pain score – short form were assessed for 12 hours postoperatively. Results: One of 17 (5.9%) dogs had intraoperative hypotension, nine of 17 dogs had intra‐operative bradyarrhythmias and 17 of 17 dogs had intra‐operative hypothermia. No dogs required intra‐operative rescue. Composite modified pain score – short form scores were below the threshold for intervention in 16 of 17 (94.1%) animals. Only one of 17 (5.9%) dogs required rescue analgesia. Median sedation score was 0 by the T8 time point. Adverse events were rare in both groups with only vocalisation and hypothermia reported commonly postoperatively. Clinical Significance: Two doses of methadone at either 0.25 or 0.5 mg/kg administered via subcutaneous injections pre‐operatively and 4 hours later, along with 4.4 mg/kg carprofen subcutaneously 8 hours after the first methadone dose appear to provide sufficient pain control for up to 12 hours in dogs undergoing tibial plateau levelling osteotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importation of rescue dogs has become an increasingly common occurrence in recent years, often involving industrialized countries as the ultimate destination. However, international dog rescue activities have attracted considerable criticism from the veterinary community and the public due to the associated zoonotic disease and public health risks, as well as the potential poor behaviour of international rescue dogs. The Government of Canada has also recently placed a temporary suspension on all commercial dog imports from non-rabies free countries due to the growing concerns of the zoonotic disease risks. To understand the perspectives and experiences of stakeholders involved in dog import activities in Canada, we interviewed nine members in leadership positions of Canadian-based international dog rescue organizations. Thematic analysis of interview dialogue yielded three themes: 1) Motive, which described the reason behind participants' involvement in international dog rescue; 2) Challenge, which described the major difficulties faced in participants' dog rescue work; 3) Duty, which described participants' beliefs on responsible dog rescue practices. Members of international dog rescue organizations described being driven by strong desires to provide animal and humanitarian aid. However, local dog rescue efforts were constrained by logistical and societal barriers unique to the Canadian context. Additionally, the current study revealed both similarities and differences in occupational experiences between international dog rescue organizations and other animal care professions. Specifically, difficulties with the emotional burden associated with caregiving professions was also present within dog rescue work. However, international dog rescue members also experienced additional challenges due to the stigma surrounding international dog rescue operations. Further research on attitudes held by other stakeholders involved in dog import activities, as well as members of Canadian communities needing dog rescue aid may provide meaningful inputs on how to better support and facilitate local and international dog rescue efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the complexities surrounding the determination of ownership for pets and fine art. It highlights the inadequacies of the legal framework in resolving ownership disputes, citing factors such as unclear statutes, questionable acquisition methods, and financial constraints. The article also discusses the challenges of using adverse possession and lost property statutes to establish ownership. It further explores the evolving recognition of pets as more than just property in divorce cases and the need for statutory clarification. The author, Brian Chase, is the general counsel for Michelson Philanthropies, including the Michelson Found Animals Foundation. [Extracted from the article]

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Palliative chemotherapy options for dogs with macroscopic non‐osseous mesenchymal tumours are limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the response rate of these tumours to carboplatin chemotherapy. Medical records of 28 dogs treated with carboplatin for macroscopic mesenchymal neoplasia between 1990 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Sixteen dogs with soft tissue sarcoma and 12 dogs with haemangiosarcoma were included. Responses observed included one complete response and three partial responses, for an overall response rate of 14.2% (4/28) and median time to progression of 42 days (range 21–259 days). Responses were only seen in patients with haemangiosarcoma, for a response rate of 33.3% (4/12) and median time to progression for responders of 103 days (range 39–252 days). Median time to progression for dogs with metastatic disease was similar to those with only local disease (distant median: 44 days; local median: 23 days, p = 0.56). Dogs with chemotherapy‐naïve disease were compared to dogs having received previous chemotherapy treatment and had a median time to progression of 75 days and 40.5 days respectively (p = 0.13). Twenty‐two dogs experienced 48 adverse events, with most being grade 1 or 2 (79%). Carboplatin was well tolerated, with variable macroscopic anti‐tumour activity and short response duration. Carboplatin may be an acceptable rescue option for dogs with macroscopic haemangiosarcoma, especially those patients that cannot receive doxorubicin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Laparoscopic ovariectomy is currently considered the gold standard for neutering female dogs thanks to the reduced surgical trauma, lower perioperative pain, and decreased hospitalization stays. Perioperative analgesic management becomes crucial to reduce the occurrence of uncontrolled post-surgery stress response. The quadratus lumborum block is an ultrasound-guided block capable of providing somatic and visceral analgesia to the abdomen. The aims of this study were (I) to evaluate the efficacy of the transversal quadratus lumborum block performed with two different concentrations of ropivacaine (0.5% and 0.33%) in prolonging the time to the first postoperative rescue analgesia in dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy, in comparison with a fentanyl-based protocol, and (II) to investigate the cardiovascular impact of the block on the arterial blood pressure. The results of this study showed a significantly longer time to the first postoperative rescue analgesia in groups receiving the block, in comparison with the group receiving a fentanyl-based protocol. Surprisingly, ropivacaine 0.33% produce a more important reduction in the arterial blood pressure than ropivacaine 0.5%. Further studies are needed to better assess the intraoperative efficacy of the quadratus lumborum block. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the transverse quadratus lumborum block (QLBLQL-T) on time to the first postoperative rescue analgesia in dogs submitted to laparoscopic ovariectomy. A total of twenty-three female dogs were included. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive a bilateral QLBLQL-T, performed either with 0.3 mL kg−1 ropivacaine 0.5% [group QLB0.5% (n = 8)] or with ropivacaine 0.33% [group QLB0.33% (n = 8)] or a fentanyl-based protocol [group No-QLB (n = 7)]. Dogs were premedicated intravenously (IV) with fentanyl 5 mcg kg−1, general anesthesia was induced IV with propofol and maintained with sevoflurane. Invasive mean arterial pressure (MAP) values were recorded five minutes before and five minutes after performing the QLBLQL-T. The short-form of the Glasgow composite measure pain scale was used every hour after extubation, and methadone 0.2 mg kg−1 was administered IV when pain score was ≥5/24. Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, ANOVA test combined with Tukey post hoc test, Student's T-test and Chi-square test were used to analyze data; p < 0.05. Time from QLBLQL-T to the first rescue analgesia was significantly longer in QLB0.5% than in group QLB0.33% and No-QLB. MAP pre- and post-block decreased significantly only in group QLB0.33%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Since 24 February 2022, the day the Russian aggression against Ukraine began, millions of refugees and thousands of pets crossed the Polish-Ukrainian border. Additionally, an unknown number of shelter and stray dogs and cats were rescued and translocated to Poland by private persons and non-profit organizations. The aim of the present study was to examine rescued dogs and cats for presence of canine vector-borne parasites to determine the role of armed conflict in spreading these parasites. Methods: In July 2022 blood samples were collected from two animal shelters in central Poland hosting dogs and cats rescued from Ukraine. Animals were imported from various regions of Ukraine, including eastern and southeastern Ukraine (military conflict area). Fifty-three dogs (51 from two shelters and two owned ones) and one shelter cat were examined by molecular methods (PCR and sequencing) for the presence of Babesia/Theileria spp., Dirofilaria spp. and Hepatozoon spp. DNA. Results: We detected Dirofilaria immitis, a parasite species non-endemic in Poland, in two dogs translocated from Ukraine (2/53 = 3.8% [95% CI 0.5–13.0%]). One dog had a history of previous heartworm infection. High prevalence of Hepatozoon canis (51% [95% CI 36.8–64.9%]) was noted among translocated dogs. Prevalence of Dirofilaria repens in Ukrainian dogs (18.9% [95% CI 9.4–32.0%) was similar to prevalence in dogs from central Poland (12%). Co-infection of D. repens and D. immitis was found in two dogs and six dogs were co-infected by D. repens and H. canis. Hepatozoon canis infection was also identified in an imported cat. Conclusion: We confirmed that this military conflict has facilitated the spread of canine vector-borne parasites, including zoonotic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether an infiltrative block with liposomal bupivacaine was associated with less rescue analgesia administration and lower pain scores than a bupivacaine splash block after ovariohysterectomy in dogs. ANIMALS: Eligible dogs included those that were spayed as part of a veterinary teaching laboratory. Dogs were up to 7 years old and otherwise healthy. A total of 136 dogs were analyzed. METHODS: All dogs underwent ovariohysterectomy performed by veterinary students. Dogs received hydromorphone and acepromazine premedication, propofol induction, isoflurane maintenance, and an NSAID. Dogs were randomly allocated to receive either a splash block with standard bupivacaine or an infiltrative block with liposomal bupivacaine for incisional analgesia. Postoperatively, all dogs were assessed by a blinded evaluator using the Colorado State University-Canine Acute Pain Scale (CSU-CAPS) and Glasgow Composite Measures Pain Scale-Short Form (GCPS-SF). Dogs received rescue analgesia with buprenorphine if they scored ≥ 2 on the CSU-CAPS scale. RESULTS: Dogs that received liposomal bupivacaine had a significantly lower incidence of (P = .04) and longer time to (P = .03) administration of rescue analgesia. There was an overall time-averaged significant difference between groups for CSU-CAPS (P = .049) and GCPS-SF scores (P = .015), with dogs in the bupivacaine group being more likely to have an elevated pain score at some point for both scales. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of liposomal bupivacaine in an infiltrative block may decrease the need for rescue analgesia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy compared to a bupivacaine splash block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article delves into the cultural and political significance of the canine rescue narrative, particularly in the context of Western involvement in conflicts such as those in Afghanistan and Iraq. It examines how the rescue and portrayal of dogs from these regions serve as symbolic representations of humanitarianism, often overshadowing the plight of human populations.

Pit bulls are a type of dog that is often misunderstood by the public due to prevailing stereotypes in popular culture. These stereotypes wrongly claim that these dogs are dangerous and have greater bite strength than other dogs. Scientific research demonstrates that no truth exists in these common stereotypes (Cohen & Richardson, 2002; Patronek et al., 2000). This literature review seeks to debunk the myths about pit bulls and address the psychological dilemmas inherent in the discrimination against them. Science shows that these dogs face more discrimination than dogs who do not fit this label. For example, people are less likely to adopt pit-bull-type dogs, which creates undue stress for both the dogs and animal rescue workers (Gunter et al., 2016; Hoffman et al., 2014). Additionally, those who own pit-bull-type dogs must often deal with discrimination in housing, insurance, and travel (Collier, 2006; Cunningham, 2004). These restrictive and discriminatory regulations create psychological turmoil for those individuals who must cope with them (Twining et al., 2000). The clinical consequences of this discrimination is explored and a case study for pit bulls' efficacy as therapy animals is highlighted. With training in both animal and human behavior, psychologists have a special mandate to educate the public that these dogs are no more likely to do harm than any other type of canine. By using their education to advocate for these animals and the humans who care about them, psychologists can improve mental health outcomes both for dogs and for the humans who love them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dog owners are more physically active than non-dog owners, but evidence of a causal relationship between dog acquisition and increased physical activity is lacking. Such evidence could inform programs and policies that encourage responsible dog ownership. Randomized controlled trials are the 'gold standard' for determining causation, but they are prohibited in this area due to ethical concerns. In the BuddyStudy, we tested the feasibility of using dog fostering as a proxy for dog acquisition, which would allow ethical random assignment. In this single-arm trial, 11 participants fostered a rescue dog for six weeks. Physical activity and psychosocial data were collected at baseline, 6, and 12 weeks. At 6 weeks, mean change in steps/day was 1192.1 ± 2457.8. Mean changes on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale were -4.9 ± 8.7 and -0.8 ± 5.5, respectively. More than half of participants (55%) reported meeting someone new in their neighborhood because of their foster dog. Eight participants (73%) adopted their foster dog after the 6-week foster period; some maintained improvements in physical activity and well-being at 12 weeks. Given the demonstrated feasibility and preliminary findings of the BuddyStudy, a randomized trial of immediate versus delayed dog fostering is warranted.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate and compare postoperative analgesic effects of grapiprant and carprofen in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. ANIMALS 42 sexually intact female healthy dogs (< 35 kg and 0.5 to 7 years old) were enrolled. PROCEDURES In a masked, randomized, noninferiority clinical trial, dogs received either 2 mg/kg of grapiprant or 4.4 mg/kg of carprofen orally 2 hours prior to ovariohysterectomy. Postoperative pain was assessed using the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale-Short Form (GCPS-SF) at extubation and 2, 4, 6, 8, 18, and 24 hours postextubation and compared to baseline. After each pain scoring, mechanical nociceptive testing with von Frey monofilaments (vF) was performed to assess hyperalgesia. Hydromorphone (0.05 mg/kg, IM) was administered to any dog with a GCPS-SF of 2 5/24. The noninferiority limit (NI) for the GCPS-SF was 8 = 3. The NI for vF was & = -0.2. Following noninferiority, a mixed-effect ANOVA and post hoc comparisons were made with the Tukey correction method (P < .05). RESULTS 3 dogs required rescue analgesia and were excluded from statistical analysis, Of the remaining 39 dogs, the upper Cl for GCPS-SF was below the NI of 3 and the lower Cl for vF was greater than the NI of -0.2, indicating noninferiority of grapiprant as compared to carprofen. There was no difference between treatment (P = .89) nor treatment by time (P = .62) for GCPS-SF. There was no difference between groups at any time point or over time when vF were used. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Our study results support the use of grapiprant as an analgesic alternative to carprofen in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extraordinary olfactory capabilities in detection and rescue dogs are well-known. However, the olfactory performance varies by breed and search environment (Jezierski et al. in Forensic Sci Int 237:112–118, 2014), as well as by the quantity of training (Horowitz et al. in Learn Motivation 44(4):207–217, 2013). While detection of an olfactory cue inherently demands a judgment regarding the presence or absence of a cue at a given location, olfactory discrimination requires an assessment of quantity, a task demanding more attention and, hence, decreasing reliability as an informational source (Horowitz et al. 2013). This study aims at gaining more clarity on detection and discrimination of olfactory cues in untrained dogs and in a variety of dog breeds. Using a two-alternative forced choice (2AFC) paradigm, we assessed olfactory detection scores by presenting a varied quantity of food reward under one or the other hidden cup, and discrimination scores by presenting two varied quantities of food reward under both hidden cups. We found relatively reliable detection performances across all breeds and limited discrimination abilities, modulated by breed. We discuss our findings in relation to the cognitive demands imposed by the tasks and the cephalic index of the dog breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]