Dog Personality Questionnaire (DPQ)
Take the Dog Personality Questionnaire to learn your dog's unique traits. Based on validated canine behavioral research for accurate, meaningful results.
Start AssessmentThe Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire, commonly known as C-BARQ, is a scientifically validated tool developed at the University of Pennsylvania by Dr. James Serpell and colleagues. It is the most widely used standardized behavioral assessment for dogs in both research and clinical settings worldwide. C-BARQ evaluates 14 distinct behavioral dimensions through owner-reported observations, producing a detailed behavioral profile that can guide training interventions, identify risk factors for behavioral issues, and support veterinary behavioral consultations.
Unlike informal personality quizzes, C-BARQ has been validated against direct behavioral observation in dozens of peer-reviewed studies. It has been used to screen police dogs, guide dogs, therapy dogs, and military working dogs, as well as to assess companion animal welfare.
The 14 C-BARQ Behavioral Dimensions
Use the table below to compare The 14 C-BARQ Behavioral Dimensions.
| Dimension | What It Measures | High Score Indicates | Low Score Indicates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stranger-directed aggression | Aggression toward unfamiliar people | Risk of biting strangers | Friendly with strangers |
| Owner-directed aggression | Aggression toward household members | Conflict-related aggression at home | Compliant with owners |
| Dog-directed aggression | Aggression toward other dogs | Dog-on-dog aggression risk | Dog-friendly behavior |
| Dog-directed fear | Fear of unfamiliar dogs | Anxiety/retreat from dogs | Confident around dogs |
| Stranger-directed fear | Fear of unfamiliar people | Shyness, avoidance behavior | Confident around strangers |
| Non-social fear | Fear of noises, objects, environments | Sound phobia, situational anxiety | Calm in varied environments |
| Separation-related problems | Distress when separated from owner | Separation anxiety indicators | Comfortable when alone |
| Attachment/attention-seeking | Following owner, seeking contact | Velcro dog behavior | Independent nature |
| Trainability | Responsiveness to commands and training | Highly trainable, attentive | Stubborn, distractible |
| Chasing | Tendency to chase moving objects/animals | High prey drive | Low prey drive |
| Excitability | Overarousal in stimulating situations | Hyperactive responses | Calm demeanor |
| Energy level | General activity and enthusiasm | High-energy, needs exercise | Lower energy, more relaxed |
| Touch sensitivity | Reaction to handling and grooming | Reactive to touch, grooming issues | Tolerates handling well |
| Miscellaneous behaviors | House soiling, rolling in feces, etc. | Management challenges | Well-adjusted home behavior |
How C-BARQ Is Scored
Each C-BARQ item is rated on a frequency scale of 0 to 4: 0 = Never, 1 = Seldom, 2 = Sometimes, 3 = Usually, 4 = Always. Items within each subscale are averaged to produce a subscale score between 0 and 4. Higher scores on most subscales indicate more problematic or intense behavior in that dimension.
Trainability is scored in reverse: higher scores reflect better trainability.
C-BARQ Scores: Interpreting Results
Use the table below to compare C-BARQ Scores: Interpreting Results.
| Subscale Score | Interpretation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0.0-0.5 | No concern in this dimension | Continue current management |
| 0.5-1.5 | Mild concern, monitor | Basic training reinforcement; watch for escalation |
| 1.5-2.5 | Moderate concern | Professional trainer consultation recommended |
| 2.5-3.5 | High concern | Veterinary behaviorist evaluation recommended |
| 3.5-4.0 | Severe concern | Immediate professional intervention - safety risk possible |
Who Uses C-BARQ?
Companion Dog Owners
C-BARQ helps owners understand their dog's behavioral profile objectively. It can confirm suspicions about anxiety or aggression, identify behaviors that need attention, and provide a structured baseline for tracking behavioral change through training.
Guide Dog and Service Dog Programs
C-BARQ has been extensively used by organizations like Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Penn Vet Working Dog Center to screen puppies and young dogs for behavioral suitability. High trainability scores and low fear and aggression subscores predict success in service roles.
Shelter and Rescue Organizations
Many shelters use C-BARQ or modified versions to assess adoptable dogs and make informed placement decisions, matching behavioral profiles to suitable homes.
Veterinary Behavioral Research
C-BARQ is used in over 100 published peer-reviewed studies examining genetic, environmental, and breed-related influences on canine behavior.
C-BARQ Compared to Other Behavioral Assessments
Use the table below to compare C-BARQ Compared to Other Behavioral Assessments.
| Assessment Tool | Type | Primary Use | Validation Status | Free? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-BARQ | Owner-completed questionnaire | Research, clinical, service dog screening | Extensively validated | Yes |
| DOGI (Dog Ownership Grooming Index) | Owner questionnaire | Owner-dog relationship | Limited validation | Yes |
| CARAT | In-person behavioral test | Working dog selection | Used professionally, less peer-reviewed | No |
| Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test | Direct observation | Puppy selection | Not scientifically validated | Yes |
| SAFER | In-shelter behavioral test | Adoption suitability | Used widely, moderate validation | Training required |
C-BARQ and Breed Differences
One of the most important uses of C-BARQ data has been documenting behavioral differences between breeds. Large-scale studies using C-BARQ data have found that:
- Herding breeds (Border Collie, Australian Shepherd) score highest on trainability and chasing.
- Terriers score higher than average on stranger-directed and dog-directed aggression.
- Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers consistently score very low on fear and aggression subscales.
- Chihuahuas and Dachshunds score relatively high on stranger-directed aggression despite their small size.
- Working breeds show higher excitability and energy scores than companion breeds.
These breed differences are important for owners, trainers, and shelters to understand when interpreting individual dog scores.
How to Complete the C-BARQ Questionnaire
The full C-BARQ contains 101 questions and takes approximately 20-25 minutes to complete. It is freely available at the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire website (vetapps.vet.upenn.edu). To complete it accurately:
- Base your answers on your dog's behavior over the past 30 days, not historical behavior.
- Answer based on observed behavior, not what you think the dog would do in a hypothetical situation.
- Be as honest as possible - the questionnaire is for the dog's benefit, not a performance review.
- If a situation has never occurred, skip that item or mark 'Not Applicable' if available.
- Re-assess every 6-12 months to track behavioral progress or regression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is C-BARQ the same as a temperament test?
No. C-BARQ is an owner-reported behavioral questionnaire, not a direct observational temperament test. It reflects owner perception of behavior frequency, which is extremely valuable but different from hands-on behavioral assessments conducted in controlled settings.
Can C-BARQ predict whether my dog will bite?
High scores on the stranger-directed and owner-directed aggression subscales are associated with increased bite risk but are not predictive at the individual level. C-BARQ identifies risk factors, not certainties. A behavioral consultation with a veterinary behaviorist is necessary for bite risk assessment.
My dog scored high on excitability. Does that mean they have ADHD?
Canine hyperactivity and impulsivity exist but are distinct from human ADHD. A high excitability C-BARQ score most often reflects high arousal and energy rather than a clinical disorder. Structured exercise, enrichment, and training usually help significantly.
Is C-BARQ available in languages other than English?
Yes. C-BARQ has been translated and validated in several languages including Portuguese, Italian, French, Japanese, and others. Check the University of Pennsylvania's C-BARQ website for current language availability.
Note: Behaviour scores are a guide to patterns and should be viewed alongside training history, environment, health, and daily routine.
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