They are gentle, affectionate, and easy to train. Golden retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds. Originally bred to retrieve game, the golden retriever's behavior is now believed to be influenced by the same genes as ours, humans. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge (UK) offers a glimpse into canine emotions, revealing why some golden retrievers are more fearful, energetic, or aggressive than others. This research shows for the first time that certain genes associated with canine behavior are also linked to traits such as anxiety, depression, and intelligence in humans.
The team used behavioral data from 1,300 dogs, aged three to seven years, along with blood samples, to examine the entire genome of each golden retriever. They were able to identify genetic markers that were more frequent in dogs exhibiting each of the 14 behavioral traits, compared to those that did not. This allowed them to identify the genes underlying characteristics such as trainability, energy levels, fear of strangers, and aggression toward other dogs. By comparing their results to a similar analysis in humans, the researchers discovered that 12 of the identified golden retriever genes also underlie behavioral and emotional traits in humans.
One gene, multiple behaviors
The canine genes identified by the team do not directly lead to a specific behavior or emotion. Rather, they influence behavioral regulation or broader emotional states. Obviously, the gene does not result in exactly the same behavior in humans and animals. For example, dogs with a " non-social fear"—that is, the fear of objects like buses or vacuum cleaners—possesses a gene that, in humans, influences irritability, sensitivity, and anxiety. The gene, PTPN1, linked to aggression toward other dogs in Golden Retrievers, is also associated with intelligence and depression in humans. ROMO1, which is linked to intelligence and emotional sensitivity in humans, is associated in dogs with its training capacity“.
But the golden retriever isn't the only animal in which genes involved in behavior have been found. Many genes that influence mood, stress, aggression, sociability, or learning are ancient and conserved throughout evolution, such as those for serotonin (nicknamed the "happiness hormone") or oxytocin (the "bonding hormone"). This study, however, identifies for the first time canine genes specific to certain behaviors and shows that they have equivalents in human emotions.
Birds of a feather flock together?
If dogs and humans look so similar, is it because they have co-evolved for thousands of years? Research has shown that at least 20,000 years ago, and some estimates even place 40,000 years ago, wolves and humans began to interact. It was at this time that the domestication of the wolf began and the dog started to diverge from this species. This coexistence could have allowed us to evolve together.
“ Both species are large mammals with common ancestors in the distant past, meaning they share brain biology, just as much of a dog's physiology resembles that of humans. But also, dogs, like humans, are social species that depend on group living—and living with each other—to thrive. Therefore, there may also be shared evolutionary pressures that have led to a common biology.", explains to Science and Future Dr. Eleanor Raffan, a researcher in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge and lead author of the study published in the journal Pnas.
Read alsoDog: Does breed influence behavior?
In light of these results, owners could change their approach to dog training. In addition to rewarding desired behaviors, researchers hope to contribute to taking into account the emotional dimension of dog training. If your golden retriever hides behind the sofa every time the doorbell rings, you might want to show more empathy, knowing that he is genetically predisposed to feeling sensitive and anxious.“,” said Dr. Anna Morros-Nuevo, a researcher in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge, who was also involved in the study. “This knowledge could also have implications for veterinary medicine: understanding that a behavior like fear, for example in a golden retriever, is linked to a gene associated with human anxiety suggests that an anxiolytic drug could be useful.”
These results, which are enlightening for canine psychology, also reveal a great deal about us humans. Perhaps this can help change the perception that negative emotions or "bad behavior," in both humans and dogs, are entirely linked to upbringing."suggests Dr. Raffan. She hopes that in the future, this work can also contribute to a better understanding of the biology that underlies mental health disorders.
English 
French