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Dogs & Genetics

The relationship between genetics and behavior in dogs

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Ancestry-inclusive dog genomics challenges popular breed stereotypes

A 2022 study challenges common assumptions about dog breeds. Combining owner surveys with genetic testing, researchers made paradigm-shifting discoveries about the relationship between canine genetics and behavior.

18,385

dogs participated (49% were purebred). Each dogs owner was surveyed.

2,155

of the 18,385 dogs had their DNA sequenced

of the identified behaviors were correlated with breed -- a small amount

or no correlation could be established between breed and "agonistic behavior” (a term often mislabeled “dog aggression")

10%

of the mixed breed dogs had American Pit Bull Terrier in their ancestry, making this the most common ancestry among the mixed breed dogs in the survey

At a Glance

A groundbreaking study on dogs has challenged traditional understanding of the link between genetics and behavior. The results on the left have significant implications.

An individual dog’s breed is not a reliable indicator of behavior.

This study found no correlation between pet dog genetics and threatening or biting behavior

Most non-purebred (mixed breed) dogs in the study had more than four different breeds among their ancestors, thereby making it impossible to visually identify ancestry. Research shows that visual identification of a dog’s “breed” is often widely off-target.

These results challenge the common stereotypes associated with specific breeds with significant implications:

Dogs should be assessed as individuals on their individual behaviors rather than on breed.

Public policy should recognize that dog breed has limited influence on dog behavior.

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Dogs & Genetics

Published in:

Ancestry-inclusive dog genomics challenges popular breed stereotypes

A 2022 study challenges common assumptions about dog breeds. Combining owner surveys with genetic testing, researchers made paradigm-shifting discoveries about the relationship between canine genetics and behavior.

At a Glance

“Dogs are individuals. What a dog looks like is not really going to tell you what the dog acts like.”

Marjie Alonso

a study author and executive director of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants

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