An international team of scientists has discovered a genetic link between dog behavior and human psychological traits. A study of the DNA of more than a thousand golden retrievers revealed that the genes responsible for aggression, fear, and trainability in animals are associated with intelligence, depression, and schizophrenia in humans.

Why Dogs Are a Convenient Model for Studying the Psyche

Studying the genetics of mental disorders and temperament in humans is challenging due to environmental influences and significant genetic diversity. Dogs, who share a similar range of basic emotions with humans (such as fear, anxiety, and attachment), serve as a practical model for such research. Focusing on a single breed—golden retrievers—allowed scientists to eliminate the genetic “noise” typical of interbreed comparisons and concentrate on subtle differences within one group.

How the Study Was Conducted

The research was based on data from the large-scale Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. Dog owners completed standardized C-BARQ questionnaires, assessing their pets’ behavior in terms of aggression (towards people and other dogs), fear, sociability, trainability, and energy levels. By comparing behavioral profiles with the genomes of 1,187 dogs, the researchers conducted a comprehensive genome-wide association study and identified specific DNA regions correlated with personality traits.

Key Genetic Findings

The study identified 12 significant genetic loci associated with behavior. Comparing these findings with human genomic databases revealed direct parallels. The connection was especially strong in genes linked to aggression and fear. For example, the PTPN1 gene in retrievers is associated with aggression towards other dogs, while in humans, it is linked to high intelligence and a predisposition to depression.

The scientists observed a pattern: genes responsible for “bad” behavior in dogs (aggression and fear) overlap in humans with traits characteristic of neuroticism—such as irritability, mood swings, and a tendency toward depression. This suggests that an aggressive dog may be in a biological state similar to human anxiety or depression.

Parallels in Cognitive Functions

The ROMO1 gene, which influences trainability in dogs, is associated with cognitive abilities in humans. The SLC35F6 gene, which determines a dog’s sensitivity to touch, is linked in humans to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

The influence of the IGF1 gene (insulin-like growth factor) was also confirmed: it determines not only the size of the dog but also affects brain structure. The gene variant responsible for larger size is associated with lower energy levels and a calmer temperament.

Significance of the Results for Medicine and Canine Science

The genetic similarities make dogs a valuable model for studying human mental disorders: in animals, the influence of individual genes on behavior is more pronounced, helping to identify priority targets for research.

Additionally, this scientific work suggests reconsidering attitudes toward “problem” dogs. The genetic link between aggression and fear in dogs and human neuroticism and anxiety indicates that such animals may have an innate emotional vulnerability. This calls for a shift in behavioral correction approaches: the focus should move from simple obedience training to managing emotional states.

New Criteria for Selecting Service Dogs

The connection between trainability genes and human intelligence suggests new criteria for selecting service dogs. The study’s authors propose testing animals not only for obedience (the development of conditioned reflexes) but also using cognitive tests to select candidates with high intellectual potential.