Celebrating the Breakthroughs Shaping the Future of Canine Health. Meet the 2025 Canine Health Discovery Award Finalists.

Behavioral Health Research

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) supports research to deepen our understanding of the basic behavioral and social processes that influence dogs’ well-being.

Why We Focus on Behavioral Health

Behavioral health research focuses on how factors such as genetics, maternal influences, and the nervous and endocrine systems affect canine behavior. This research aims to address behavioral problems and promote the development of dogs suited to various roles in society.

This research covers areas such as the epidemiology and impact of behavioral issues, clinical interventions, and new methods for assessing and treating behavioral characteristics in dogs. Such knowledge is crucial for improving the lives of dogs and their owners.

Research Grants

North Carolina State University Logo
2025 Active Grant
Behavior $163,570.25
03408: Development of a Pain Related Dog Emotion and Cognitive Test Battery
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Maggie L Creamer, PhD
Duke University Logo
2020 Active Grant
Behavior $107,880
02700: Longitudinal Comparison of Cognitive and Emotional Development in Assistance Dog Puppies
Breed(s): Labrador Retriever
Researcher(s): Brian Hare, PhD
2018 Closed Grant
Behavior $105,949
02518: The Effects of Early Life Experience on Working Dog Temperament and Cognition
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Emily E. Bray, PhD
2014 Closed Grant
Behavior $12,960
02085-A: Reducing Animal Shelter Surrender by Enhancing the Human-Animal Bond
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Clive D.L. Wynne, PhD
Duke University Logo
2014 Closed Grant
Behavior $97,809
01995: Understanding the Flexibility and Limitations of How Dogs Acquire Knowledge and Understanding: Application to Service Dog Emotional Health and Selection
Breed(s): Golden Retriever
Researcher(s): Evan L. MacLean, PhD
University of Florida Logo
2012 Closed Grant
Behavior $9,180
01854-A: Identifying the Cause of Canine Compulsive Disorder
Breed(s): Border Collie, Bull Terrier
Researcher(s): Clive D.L. Wynne, PhD
2007 Closed Grant
Behavior $12,960
00850-A: Genetic Analysis of Noise Phobia in Border Collies
Breed(s): Border Collie
Researcher(s): Steven P. Hamilton, MD PhD
University of Pennsylvania Logo
2003 Closed Grant
Behavior $33,919
0002433: Final Testing, Completion and Publication of the Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (PennBARQ)
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): James Serpell, PhD
2001 Cancelled
Behavior $31,250.00
00022111: Assessing Canine Temperament – Establishing and Validating a Physiological Measurement to Quantify Emotional Reactivity in the Canine
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Mr. Paul Mundell
Tufts University Logo
1999 Closed Grant
Behavior $44,906.03
0001871: Bull Terrier Families Affected With Compulsive Tail Chasing Behavior: Behavioral Diagnosis, Pedigree Collection and DNA Isolation for Future Genetic and DNA Isolation for Future Genetic Mapping Studies
Breed(s): Bull Terrier
Researcher(s): Alice Moon-Fanelli, PhD

Join Us in Advancing
Canine Health

With over $423,000 invested in canine behavioral health studies, CHF is committed to advancing research that promotes the health of all dogs. Your support helps fund vital studies that improve behavioral health, benefiting dogs and their families.