A neurogenetic approach to attention in model systems may help understanding cognitive e non cognitive behavioural aspects. The aim of these studies was to analyse two forms of rearings, i.e. free rearings or leanings against the walls in various mouse strains or rat lines. It was carried out in mice knock-out for DA-D2R or DA-D3R homozygous (-/-), heterozygous (+/­) or wild-type (+/+). In rats, it was done in Naples High Excitability (NHE) with NRB controls; Spontaneously Hypertensive (SHR) with Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) as controls; WK-Hyperactive (WK-HA) and WK- Hypertensive (WK-HT). Young adult male mice and rats were tested in a spatial novelty. Frequency of corner crossing (HA), frequency an duration of rearings and leanings were analyzed. Results showed in mice difference only for leanings: (i) DA-D2R(-/-) had reduced frequency; (ii) DA-D3R(+/­) had increased frequency; (iii) DA-D2D3R(-/-) and DA-D2D3R(+/­) had reduced and increased frequency, respectively. Rats studies showed: (i) in NHE higher frequency and lower duration of leanings than in NRB, (ii) in SHR higher frequency of rearing and leanings than in WKY, (iii) in WK-HA higher frequency of rearing and leanings and higher duration of leanings than in WK-HT. Therefore mouse studies showed: (i) a control of leaning frequency in D2R(-/-) and D3R(+/­) in an opposite manner, (ii) an influence of D2R on frequency of leanings prevailing in D2D3(-/-) and of D3R(+/­) prevailing in D2D3R(+/­). Rat studies showed higher frequency of rearings and leanings in hyperactive SHR and WK-HA of shorter leanings in NHE and of longer leanings in WK-HA.