“It looks human.” How many times have I said this about your dog? In fact, it’s more than a loving comment — it’s just that, there are some behaviors that bring us closer to our four-legged friends.
A new one recently published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences proves that humans and the golden retriever dog breed have shared genes.
The team analyzed genetic data from 1,300 golden retrievers and compared it with detailed behavioral assessments collected through an extensive owner questionnaire.
“The conclusions are really impressive – it providesn solid evidence that humans and golden retrievers share genetic roots for behavior. The genes we identified frequently influence emotional states and behaviors in both species,” Eleanor Raffan, researcher at the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge and leader of the study, told .
One of the genes, PTPN1, was associated with aggression towards other dogs in golden retrievers and is also linked to intelligence and depression us humans.
Another genetic variant, identified in golden retrievers easily scared by other dogspersistent worry after embarrassing situations and high levels of academic performance are linked in humans. Yes, even if they don’t study, dogs hate failing.
“These results show that genetics determine behavior, making some dogs predisposed to view the world as stressful. If their life experiences exacerbate this, may act in ways that we interpret as bad behavior, when in reality they are in distress”, explained Enoch Alex, researcher in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge.
When you look into your golden retriever’s eyes and see a glimpse of humanity, don’t be impressed: there’s more to you than you think.
