Popular genetics tests can’t tell you much about your dog’s personality, according to a recent study.
A team of geneticists recently found no connection between simple genetic variants and behavioral traits in more than 3,200 dogs, even though previous studies suggested that hundreds of genes might predict aspects of a dog’s behavior and personality. That’s despite the popularity of at-home genetic tests that claim they can tell you whether your dog’s genes contain the recipe for anxiety or a fondness for cuddles.
This is Max, and no single genetic variant can explain why he is the way he is.
Credit:
Kiona Smith
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University of Massachusetts genomicist Kathryn Lord and her colleagues compared DNA sequences and behavioral surveys from more than 3,000 dogs whose humans had enrolled them in the Darwin’s Ark project (and filled out the surveys). “Genetic tests for behavioral and personality traits in dogs are now being marketed to pet owners, but their predictive accuracy has not been validated,” wrote Lord and her colleagues in their recent paper.
This is an interesting take on dog genetics! It’s fascinating how personality can be so complex and not easily explained by DNA alone. Thanks for shedding light on this topic!
I completely agree! It’s intriguing how a dog’s environment and experiences also play significant roles in shaping their personality, beyond just genetics. Understanding this complexity can really help us connect better with our pets.
Absolutely! It’s fascinating how a dog’s upbringing can shape their behavior just as much as their genetic makeup. For example, early socialization can really influence their temperament and reactions to new situations.