Behaviors rooted in the breed's genetics

Certain behaviors

Canine behaviors such as aggression and fear may have a genetic basis and therefore a higher prevalence in certain pedigree dogs.

A new study involving 101 breeds and 14,000 pedigree dogs reveals close links between genetics and behavior. While this correlation may seem obvious, this is the first time researchers have focused on such a wide range of breeds and found a strong genetic signal.

Genes are believed to account for 60 to 70 percent of behavioral differences between breeds. According to this study, the ability of certain breeds to be trained and to learn is therefore largely determined by their genetics rather than by the amount of time spent training the animal. Thus, a bulldog will “naturally” be more difficult to train, unlike poodles or border collies.

Researchers have identified 131 genetic variants associated with behavior in dog breeds. However, no single gene could be linked to a specific behavior, suggesting that behavioral diversity results from the complex interaction of many genes, in addition to environmental variations.

Most of these variants have been linked to genes

considered important for neurological development and function.

While the study provides a better understanding of certain canine temperaments, dog owners should not assume that their dog’s personality is entirely innate and predetermined. There is still a great deal of variation among individuals, regardless of dog breed.

https://vetitude.fr/genetique-canine-lorigine-et-levolution-de-161-races-de-chiens-desormais-cartographiees/