New Study Links Dog Genes to Human Behavioral Traits

Research led by a team at Cambridge University has unveiled significant connections between canine and human behavioral traits. By focusing on over 1,000 golden retrievers, the study explores genetic influences on behavior, revealing that many genes associated with dog behavior also correspond to variations in human personalities.

The study utilized data from the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, which involved more than 3,000 dog owners providing annual surveys on their pets’ behaviors. Blood samples were collected from over 1,000 dogs to analyze their genomes for behavioral variants. Researchers examined 14 behavioral tendencies, identifying 12 genomic regions linked to specific behaviors in golden retrievers and nine additional regions with weaker associations.

This approach allowed researchers to isolate behaviors within a single breed, overcoming challenges posed by cross-breeding, which often complicates the identification of genetic influences. Despite golden retrievers’ reputation for friendliness, the study found behavioral traits like fear or aggression were still detectable, albeit at lower levels due to the breed’s generally calm nature.

By comparing these findings to previous studies involving mixed-breed populations, researchers noted intriguing discrepancies. For instance, certain genomic regions linked to touch sensitivity in golden retrievers had been associated with behaviors such as owner-directed aggression and chasing in other breeds. This suggests that while specific genes may predispose dogs to certain behaviors, environmental factors and genetic variations can steer behaviors in different directions.

The implications extend to human behavior as well. The researchers identified regions in dogs that correspond to genes in humans associated with traits such as intelligence, cognitive performance, and even mental health conditions like major depressive disorder. For example, a gene linked to aggression in dogs was also found to be associated with intelligence in humans, illustrating a complex interplay between genetics and behavior.

The study underscores the idea that although common genetic pathways exist, the specific behaviors manifest differently across species. Some genomic regions correlated with dog behaviors, such as fear, have parallels in human traits like neuroticism and anxiety. However, the connection is not always straightforward. A region near the gene ROMO1, for instance, is linked to training responsiveness in dogs, while in humans, it relates to cognitive performance and emotional challenges such as irritability and depression.

While the findings are significant, researchers caution against overgeneralizing the results. Owner-reported behavior ratings may reflect individual biases, influenced by personal interactions and experiences with their dogs. Moreover, dogs raised in different environments may exhibit varied behavioral responses, complicating the interpretation of genetic associations.

The researchers propose that these genetic variants may provide a degree of flexibility within the nervous system. However, the expression of specific behaviors can be shaped by a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental factors, including life experiences and training.

This extensive study, published in 2025 by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), highlights the intricate relationships between genetics and behavior across species. Understanding these connections could pave the way for deeper insights into both canine and human psychology, emphasizing the shared biological underpinnings that influence how behaviors develop in different contexts.