Laboratory of Veterinary Ethology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan.
Vet J. 2012 Jun;192(3):445-8. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2011.09.004. Epub 2011 Oct 10.
The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for tail chasing behaviour that occurs when a dog spins in tight circles to chase its tail, sometimes biting it. The behaviour is a sign of canine compulsive disorder (CD). A questionnaire about tail chasing behaviour and general information about the animals was used to collect data on seven breeds of pet dogs. The data were gathered at a dog event and at veterinary practices. To determine which variables were associated with tail chasing behaviour, stepwise multiple regression analyses were performed. Regardless of cohort, 'breed' and 'source of acquisition' were significantly associated with tail chasing behaviour. Using a chi-square test, the association between 'source of acquisition' and the behaviour was examined separately in two breeds (Shiba inu and Dachshund) that had the largest number of individuals chasing their tails accompanied by biting and/or growling at them. This factor showed a significant and consistent association across the two breeds. With respect to the risk factors of 'breed' and 'source of acquisition', high percentages of Shiba inu and dogs originating from pet stores were included in the group chasing their tails with biting and/or growling. The results suggest that distinct risk factors exist for tail chasing behaviour and such factors appear to be regulated by both genetics and the environment.
本研究旨在探讨犬只出现的追逐尾巴行为的风险因素，即犬只旋转着小圈追逐自己的尾巴，有时还会咬到自己的尾巴。这种行为是犬强迫症（Canine Compulsive Disorder，简称 CCD）的一种表现。我们使用一份有关追逐尾巴行为以及动物一般信息的调查问卷，收集了七种宠物犬的数据。这些数据来自于一次犬类活动和兽医诊所。为了确定哪些变量与追逐尾巴行为相关，我们进行了逐步多元回归分析。无论在哪个队列中，“品种”和“获得来源”都与追逐尾巴行为显著相关。使用卡方检验，我们分别在两种品种（柴犬和腊肠犬）中检查了“获得来源”与行为之间的关系，这两种品种中有最多的个体在追逐自己的尾巴时伴有咬尾巴和/或咆哮。该因素在两个品种中都表现出显著且一致的关联。就“品种”和“获得来源”的风险因素而言，柴犬和来自宠物店的犬只比例较高，都包含在追逐尾巴并伴有咬尾巴和/或咆哮的群体中。研究结果表明，追逐尾巴行为存在明显的风险因素，这些因素似乎受到遗传和环境的双重调节。
