Researchers at the University of Cambridge analyzed the genomes and behavioural profiles of ~1,000 golden retrievers and found that several behavioural traits are shaped by specific genetic variants that also influence emotional and cognitive traits in humans. Genetic studies in animals, such as this one, have been pivotal in identifying specific gene variants linked to various behaviors like anxiety and aggression, which parallel human traits.

The study, published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and highlighted by Neuroscience News, links canine behavioural tendencies to genetic influences on broader emotional regulation rather than single, isolated actions.

The research drew on long-term datasets, including animals enrolled with the Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, which the foundation has run since 2012. This extensive study matched genomic data to owner-reported behavioural profiles. Notably, it has been established that most behavioral traits in dogs have a heritability greater than 25%, indicating that dog behaviors are believed to be influenced by genetics.

Dr Eleanor Raffan, a researcher at the University of Cambridge, said: “The findings are really striking — they provide strong evidence that humans and golden retrievers have shared genetic roots for their behaviour.” She and co-authors reported genes that appear to affect emotional states and behavioural regulation in both species.

Enoch Alex, a researcher at the University of Cambridge, framed the results in terms of sensitivity and stress responses: “These results show that genetics govern behaviour, making some dogs predisposed to finding the world stressful.” Alex noted that predisposition can shape how dogs react to everyday stimuli; this aligns with findings in animal genetic studies that help researchers model the genetic basis of human emotions and social interactions.

Among the behavioural patterns noted were examples of “non-social fear” — dogs frightened by buses and hoovers — and the team emphasised that the identified genes do not cause single behaviours directly. Instead, the variants influence broader emotional and regulatory systems that make some animals more likely to respond fearfully or anxiously.

Dr Anna Morros-Nuevo, another Cambridge researcher on the team, offered a practical observation: “If your golden retriever cowers behind the sofa every time the doorbell rings, perhaps you might have a bit more empathy if you know they’re genetically driven to feel sensitive and anxious.” Her comment underscores the study’s suggestion that some behaviours interpreted as misbehaviour may be rooted in genetic sensitivity. For dog owners interested in their pet’s background, purchasing a commercial DNA test kit can help reveal their dog’s ancestry and potential traits.

Professor Daniel Mills, a specialist in problem animal behaviour at the University of Lincoln, reflected on the comparative implications of the findings: “Dogs in our home share not only our physical environment, but may also share some of the psychological challenges associated with modern living.” He framed the study as evidence that companion animals and people can experience overlapping psychological pressures.

The authors emphasised the potential research and practical implications without prescribing specific interventions. By mapping genetic loci associated with traits such as fearfulness and trainability, the study offers a platform for future work on veterinary approaches to anxiety, training strategies that recognise individual sensitivity, and comparative research into the genetics of emotion.

Cambridge researchers and their collaborators plan further analysis to clarify how these genetic influences interact with life experience. For now, the published paper presents a dataset linking canine genomics and behaviour and draws connections to human emotional and cognitive traits via shared genetic influences.

Source

Original reporting: view the original article.