Cambridge researchers find shared genetic links between golden retriever and human behaviour
The study reveals how dog genes influence behaviour and their connection to human traits.
A new study has revealed shared genetic links between golden retrievers and humans influencing personality and behaviour traits.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have found genetic connections between traits such as anxiety, depression, intelligence in humans and characteristics like trainability, fearfulness, and aggression in the popular dog breed.
The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, analysed the DNA of 1,300 golden retrievers alongside owner-reported behavioural assessments, identifying genes tied to traits such as energy levels and fear of strangers.
Dr Eleanor Raffan, who led the study said: “The findings are really striking – they provide strong evidence that humans and golden retrievers have shared genetic roots for their behaviour”.
She explained that the identified genes often influence emotional states and behaviour in both species.
One gene discovered, ROMO1, was found to be associated with trainability in golden retrievers as well as intelligence and emotional sensitivity in humans.
Researchers believe understanding these genetic links could help owners adapt their training methods to suit their dog's emotional needs.
Another gene associated with non-social fear -- like being frightened of buses and hoovers in golden retrievers -- is linked to human traits such as sensitivity and anxiety.
The genetic analysis used blood samples from 1,300 dogs involved in the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, which has been running since 2012 and is funded by the Morris Animal Foundation.
Dog owners participating in the study completed questionnaires assessing 73 different behaviours. These were grouped into 14 categories that helped predict behavioural traits.
The research identified 12 genes in dogs that correlated with linked human behavioural traits, such as sensitivity, intelligence, and anxiety.
Researchers hope these findings can guide better care and understanding of golden retrievers and may provide insights into human mental health too.