Researchers at the University of Cambridge have identified genes in golden retrievers associated with behaviors like anxiety and aggression, which overlap with human traits such as depression and intelligence. The study, involving 1,300 dogs, suggests shared genetic roots for emotional responses in dogs and people. These findings could inform better training and care for pets.
Scientists from the University of Cambridge analyzed DNA from 1,300 golden retrievers, aged three to seven, as part of the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study run by the Morris Animal Foundation since 2012. Owners completed questionnaires on 73 behaviors, grouped into 14 categories, covering traits like trainability, activity level, fear of unfamiliar people, and aggression toward other dogs. By comparing this behavioral data with genetic information from blood samples, the team pinpointed specific genes linked to these characteristics.
The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, revealed that 12 of these genes also influence emotional traits in humans. For instance, the gene PTPN1 correlates with aggression toward other dogs and, in people, with intelligence and depression. Another variant relates to fear of other dogs in retrievers and, in humans, to ruminating on embarrassing experiences or achieving high educational success. The gene ROMO1 connects to trainability in dogs and to intelligence and emotional sensitivity in humans.
"The findings are really striking -- they provide strong evidence that humans and golden retrievers have shared genetic roots for their behavior. The genes we identified frequently influence emotional states and behavior in both species," said Dr. Eleanor Raffan, who led the study in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience.
These genes affect broader systems regulating mood and responses rather than causing specific behaviors. For example, a gene tied to non-social fear in dogs, such as reactions to buses or vacuums, links in humans to irritability and anxiety consultations. "These results show that genetics govern behavior, making some dogs predisposed to finding the world stressful," noted Enoch Alex, the first author.
The discoveries may enhance empathy in dog ownership and tailor training or veterinary approaches, recognizing genetic influences on stress. "Dogs in our home share not only our physical environment, but may also share some of the psychological challenges associated with modern living," added Professor Daniel Mills from the University of Lincoln.
