According to researchers from the University of Cambridge (UK), genes associated with intelligence, depression, and anxiety in golden retrievers and humans are the same.
“These results are truly striking. They convincingly demonstrate that humans and golden retrievers share a common genetic foundation that influences their behavior,” said neurobiologist Eleanor Raffan, the lead author of the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Raffan’s team recently analyzed the genetic codes of 1,300 golden retrievers and compared them with behavioral traits reported by owners. The researchers then matched specific genes with characteristics such as energy level, shyness, aggression, and learning ability.
Using a similar genetic analysis for humans, the scientists confirmed the presence of 12 genes in golden retrievers that are linked to human behavior. For instance, the PTPN1 gene, which is associated with aggression in golden retrievers toward other dogs, is linked to human traits, including intelligence. Another gene related to fear in golden retrievers is associated with anxiety in people, particularly anxiety that stems from embarrassment.
“Genetics drives dog behavior, making some dogs prone to perceive the world as threatening. If their life experiences reinforce this perception, they may exhibit what we consider bad behavior, even though they are actually distressed,” added neurobiologist Enoch Alex, a co-author of the study.
The team also found that the ROMO1 gene, which is linked to trainability in golden retrievers, is associated with emotional sensitivity and intelligence in humans. Given this, the study authors suggest that training golden retrievers could be more effective if it takes emotional aspects into account rather than focusing solely on rewarding good behavior.
However, the team noted that genetics does not establish a direct link between specific personality traits and mood. Instead, genetics influences broader emotional states and behaviors, as reported by Popular Science.
“Dogs in our homes not only share the same environment as us but may also face some psychological issues related to modern human life,” noted animal behavior specialist Daniel Mills, a co-author of the study. “Our pets can serve as excellent models for certain human mental disorders associated with emotional disturbances,” he added.
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