Dogs' Behaviors are Linked to Their Breeds' Genetics

The article describes how scientists hypothesized that certain traits of dogs were inherited in genetically similar dog breeds. The study asked dog owners to rate their dogs based on how much they exhibited a certain traits. A few traits that were studied was aggression toward strangers, chasing and fearfulness. After the survey was complete, the scientists used the data to compare similar scores to the breeds and see if there was a close genetic relation between the breeds. They concluded that there is some evidence that breed affects behaviors and that genetically similar breeds will often have similar behaviors. They also stated that some behaviors can also arise or be suppressed by proper training. They concluded that there is a connection, but it is hard to pin point where since dogs are heavily trained.

In my opinion, this research is really interesting. It shows that some behaviors are inherited by genes. It makes me wonder if the same applies for humans and to what extent can humans "train" themselves to not have those behaviors. Also those are my dogs :)

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/dog-breed-behavior-genetics

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100525090552.htm

Dog DNA study maps breeds across the world

Scientists have analyzed 161 breeds of dog's DNA. Over the past 20 years, dogs have been bred to do different things, depending on what they are needed for. Dogs used to be used for hunting and gathering, now there are many hybrid breeds that are available. Dogs origins can be traced to two basic places in the world the United Kingdom or the Mediterranean. Many dogs like the mastiff has not changed genetically over the years. This article was very interesting to read. Dogs are very important in the world and majority of people have them. Now with all these different dog breeds breeding together, this genetic mapping of them will allow us to better understand what dogs are good for what area.

Related Article: http://genome.cshlp.org/content/19/3/500.short

Article: https://www.sciencenews.org/blog/science-ticker/dog-dna-study-maps-breeds-across-world

Origins of Dog Breeds

In recent research, scientist were able to put together a family tree of all the dog breeds, discovering the 161 canine breeds. The research began when researches began to explore the genomes of the dogs and wanting to understand how the dogs breeds came so diverse and so many breeds exist now. The team gathered DNA samples of dogs. Samples included  dogs from competitions, shows, and the public, and dog owners had no problem being involved. Along with studying the origin of the dog breeds, this also gives researches a better understand of mutations and diseases. I think it is great that researchers are looking into the origin of dogs more in depth and taking the time to understand mutations and diseases that have been occurring more often in dogs. Dogs are now more than just  hunting and nursery tools, that have become part of our families, and learning the origin of our four legged friends is amazing.

New article

Dog genome research

First validated canine behavioral genetics findings of nine fear, aggression traits in dogs

Although anxiety has been a topic that is well-understood regarding what exactly happens to the body, little is known about the genetic variation causing anxiety; so a study was conducted focusing on the genetic cause for aggression in dogs, which can frequently be read through their body language since we communicate in different ways. But, although there are several breeds that have unfair, negative stigmas, there are a few breeds that have been proven to be more fearful or aggressive when compared to other breeds.

Scientists found 12 genes linked to traits in which the predisposition of aggression towards a familiar person or animal is distinct from that of new, unfamiliar people/pets. They discovered the genes in two genome regions which were consistent with the core fear/aggression neural pathway, otherwise known as the amygdala to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis.

According to the scientists, the results are relevant to the most serious dog aggression problems, and should likely correlate to human anxiety disorders as well. They hope to eventually determine which neuronal circuits are affected by the risk variations, which could aid in locating drugs that could alter the behavioral effects. If successful, the goal would then be to determine the appropriate drugs for humans and develop a new drug therapy/treatment. Scientists say that if they identify the affected pathways, then biomarkers can be used to see who would positively respond to the treatment.

Anxiety is the most common type of mental disorder in the United States which validates how essential identifying the link between genetics and anxiety would be. Not only would we gain a deeper understanding for man's best friend, but it would benefit the human race immensely in terms of possibly alleviating the strains of a mental illness, or at least educating oneself on what to do if you're genetically prone to anxiety.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/08/160810180908.htm