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dogs They experience ups and downs just like their owners and their emotions can be affected by the same Jean As in humans, new research shows.
A study has revealed many genes that affect human emotions Such as Worry And depression also shapes Persona Of dogs.
For example, a gene called HUNK was found to make golden retrievers Afraid of other dogs. The same gene is also found in humans who suffer from anxiety.
Dogs who are afraid of loud noises, such as vacuum cleaners, have a gene called ASCC3. In humans this gene is associated with mood swings, neuroticism and irritability.
Another gene, ROMO1, which is linked to intelligence in humans, was also found in dogs who picked up things quickly in training.
Dr Eleanor Raffan, a researcher in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge, who led the study, said, “The findings are truly astonishing – they provide strong evidence that humans and golden retrievers share the genetic roots for their behaviour.”
“The genes we identified often influence emotional state and behavior in both species,” he said.
The team analyzed the genetic code of 1,300 golden retrievers using blood samples and compared it with each dog’s behavioral traits – assessed through a detailed owner questionnaire. This revealed genes underlying traits including trainability, energy level, fear of strangers and aggression towards other dogs.
By comparing their findings with similar analysis in humans, the team found that twelve of the golden retriever genes they identified also underlie many human behavioral traits and emotions.
One gene, PTPN1, was linked to aggression toward other dogs in golden retrievers — and it is also linked to intelligence and depression in humans.
This study was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) reported that understanding these genes could help owners understand their pets’ emotions.
“These results suggest that genetics control behavior, leading to some dogs finding the world stressful. If their life experiences add up to this they may act in ways we interpret as bad behaviour, when in fact they are distressed,” said Enoch Alex, a researcher in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge and first author of the report.
However, the dog genes identified do not give rise to any specific emotion or behavior, but rather influence emotional state.
For example, dogs that show “non-social phobia” — that is, afraid of things like buses and hooves — have a gene that in humans triggers irritability, sensitivity and “seeing the doctor for nerves or anxiety,” the study authors explain.
“If your golden retriever is cowering behind the sofa every time the doorbell rings, perhaps you can have a little more empathy if you know that they are genetically predisposed to feeling sensitive and anxious,” said Dr Anna Moros-Nuevo, a researcher in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge, who was also involved in the study.