The genetics behind different behavioral traits in dogs
Project overview
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Short summary
The behavioral study differs somewhat from our other projects, where we mostly try to find a genetic basis for various diseases in dogs. In our behavioral study, instead of disease genes, we are looking for the genetics behind various behavioral traits.
We hope to find genes that, in addition to controlling behavior in dogs, are also found in humans. It is likely that we will find genes that code for proteins that are expressed in the brain and control brain development and signaling systems. We want to understand how this works and what distinguishes, for example, dogs that are more or less inclined to play or chase flying objects, and how different dogs react to sudden or unknown threats.
Our primary goal is basic research into the underlying biological mechanisms that control both our behavior and that of dogs, although we naturally also hope that the results will ultimately be used as a complement to the breeding of our dogs.
In a pilot study involving over 400 German shepherd dogs, we compared results from Mental Description Dog (MH) with certain DNA sequences in the dog's genome. We found areas that appear to be involved in regulating the dogs' playfulness and hunting instinct. We have now expanded the study to include more breeds in order to study both these and other behavioral traits.
The breeds we are now continuing with are Rottweilers, Malinois, Flat-coated Retrievers, and Long-haired Collies. These breeds have been selected because they largely perform MH, making it possible to collect samples from a larger number of dogs.
Do you have a dog of one of the breeds included in the project that has performed MH? Would you like to participate in our study? Contact us for more information.