Half-Dragon Template?

[Ogrork the Mighty]

Since the half-dragon template changes type to Dragon, does the creature also gain the benefits of the Dragon type (e.g., darkvision?).

 

[Ahnehnois]

Yes.

 

[Herzog]

Since the half-dragon template changes type to Dragon, does the creature also gain the benefits of the Dragon type (e.g., darkvision?).

No, and Yes.

The half-dragon template changes the type to Dragon.
This, in itself, does not give you darkvision.

The halfdragon template also gives you darkvision, immunity to sleep and paralysis effects, etc. All spelled out in the Half-dragon template described in the Monster Manual.

One of the important differences is that you do not automatically gain the d12 hit die for your racial HD. Your racial HD DO increase one step, to a MAXIMUM of d12.

For more info, see page 146/147 of MMI

 

[Runestar]

The half-dragon template changes the type to Dragon.
This, in itself, does not give you darkvision.

Yes, it does (or at least it would, even if the entry had not stated that it grants darkvision).

Traits A dragon possesses the following traits (unless otherwise noted in the description of a particular kind).

• Darkvision out to 60 feet and low-light vision.
• Immunity to magic sleep effects and paralysis effects.
• Proficient with its natural weapons only unless humanoid in form (or capable of assuming humanoid form), in which case proficient with all simple weapons and any weapons mentioned in its entry.
• Proficient with no armor.
• Dragons eat, sleep, and breathe.

It is the same logic as a goliath automatically having darkvision because it is a monstrous humanoid.

 

[Walking Dad]

And it is the right logic, confirmed by Wizards FAQ.

This is also why by the Elans the absence of darkvision has been noted.
They would have get it automatically as aberrations.