Why We Don’t Temperament Test Our Puppies And What the Science Actually Says

One of the most common questions we get at SDG Goldens is whether we temperament test our puppies and match them to families. The short answer is no, we don’t. That decision is based on both experience and science, and it is something we have thought through very carefully as a program.

The Problem With Puppy Temperament Testing

Most temperament tests are performed around seven to eight weeks of age, often using structured

evaluations like the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test. On the surface, it sounds like a great idea. You test a puppy, score their behavior, and use that information to predict their future personality.

However, the research does not support that approach. Multiple studies have shown that early puppy assessments are poor predictors of adult temperament, with very limited correlation between scores at eight weeks and behavior later in life [1]. Research involving working and service dogs has also found that evaluations done at this age have minimal correspondence to adult performance [2]. Broader reviews of the literature consistently conclude that early behavioral tests show limited reliability and predictive value overall [3]. Even general summaries of the research emphasize that temperament continues developing well beyond puppyhood, which significantly reduces the usefulness of early testing [4]. In simple terms, an eight week old puppy is still developing, and who they are in that moment is not who they will become.

Why Early Testing Falls Short

Puppies go through rapid neurological and behavioral development in their first several months of life. At seven to eight weeks, their brains are still forming connections, their responses are heavily influenced by recent experiences, and their social maturity is still months to years away. Because of this, what you see in a short test is often just a snapshot influenced by timing, environment, and even something as simple as whether the puppy is tired or hungry.

Research consistently shows that environment and experience play a major role in shaping adult temperament, often outweighing early observations [4]. This means that labeling a puppy as shy, bold, independent, or submissive at eight weeks can be misleading, because those traits are still developing and can change significantly over time with environmental influence.

What Matters More Than a Test

Instead of relying on a brief evaluation at a very early age, we focus on how our puppies are raised

from the beginning. Our puppies are raised in our home with constant interaction, not in isolation. They are handled daily by our family, exposed to children and a variety of people, and introduced to different sounds, textures, and environments daily. We also gently challenge them in ways that build resilience and confidence. Our early socialization, desensitization, and puppy protocols are strategically structured for puppy development.

Because of this, we are not producing extreme differences in temperament within a litter. We are consistently raising stable, confident puppies that can adapt well and recover quickly from new or mildly stressful situations. That consistency is far more meaningful than trying to assign labels based on a short test at eight weeks old.

What We Do Look For

While we do not rely on formal temperament testing, we do observe our puppies closely every day. We pay attention to patterns such as how a puppy engages with people, how quickly they recover from something new, their level of food motivation, and their interest in scent and problem solving.

These are tendencies rather than fixed traits, but they can still be useful in certain situations. For example, a puppy that shows strong scent interest and focus may be a good candidate for service or working roles. A puppy that is slower to engage may benefit from a home that is intentional about building confidence. We have not had issues with extreme timidity in our lines, but if we ever did, we would guide that puppy into a home that could support them well.

Why We Let Families Choose Their Puppy

Because early temperament testing is not a reliable predictor of adult behavior, and because our puppies are raised to be consistent and adaptable, we do not believe it is right for us to assign a puppy to a family based on a brief evaluation. Instead, we allow families to choose their puppy. Most of our puppies will thrive in a wide variety of homes, and long term temperament is shaped far more by environment and training than by early testing. In our experience, families often naturally connect with the puppy that is right for them, and that connection matters. Choosing a puppy is not just about data. It is about relationship, commitment, and the life that puppy will grow into with you.

The Bottom Line

Temperament testing at seven to eight weeks may sound scientific, but the evidence shows it has limited real world value in predicting adult behavior. What truly matters is genetics, early raising, socialization, and most importantly the environment and training a puppy receives as they grow.

At SDG Goldens, we focus on producing even keeled, confident English Cream Golden Retrievers

that can succeed in a wide range of homes. Because of that, we trust our program, and we trust our families. If you’d like to learn more about our program or see current litters, you can visit our Available Puppies page or learn more about how we raise our puppies from day one on our home page.

References

[1] Robinson, L. M., Thompson, R. S., and Ha, J. C. (2016). Puppy temperament assessments predict breed and AKC group, but not adult temperament. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science.

[2] Wilsson, E., and Sundgren, P. (1998). Behaviour test for eight week old puppies and its correspondence to adult performance. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

[3] Brady, K., Cracknell, N., Zulch, H., and Mills, D. (2018). Reliability and validity of behavioural tests used to assess working dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

[4] Betteridge, M. Do puppy temperament tests predict adult dog behavior. American Kennel Club.