Non-genetic factors affecting hunting ability in italian maremma scent hound

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of four non-genetic factors (sex, coat colour, competition judges, type of trial) on the five hunting traits (search, approach, tracking of prey, standstill barking and physical skills) used to estimate the aptitude for wild boar hunt in Italian Maremma Scent Hound. A total of 1147 dogs (734 males, 399 females, and 14 not sexed dogs) were evaluated in competitions held in North-Central Italy, from 2010 to 2011. Dogs were tested as individuals, pairs and packs. Coat colour had no effect on the five tested traits. A significant difference (p<0.01) between males and females was observed only for search. Type of trial had a significant effect (p<0.01) on all the five hunting traits. Judges factor was significant (p<0.01) for physical skills and barking remaining firm in place. A significant positive phenotypic correlation was observed among tracking of prey, approach and physical skills (p<0.01). Approach and physical skills were positively correlated with approach (p<0.05) and tracking of prey (p<0.01). Search was negatively correlated with all the other four, whereas standstill barking showed no correlation with any traits. These data are the basis to improve our knowledge about the values of variability in considered hunting traits and they provide genetic criteria to the breeders to achieve more stringent selective choices.