Researchers at the University of Cambridge have uncovered new insights into the emotional lives of dogs, helping explain why some golden retrievers are more anxious, energetic, or aggressive than others.
Their study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is the first to demonstrate that certain genes connected to dog behavior are also linked to traits in humans such as anxiety, depression, and intelligence.
Genetic clues behind golden retriever personality
To investigate the biological roots of canine temperament, scientists examined the DNA of 1,300 golden retrievers and compared it with each dog’s behavioral profile. Owners provided detailed survey responses describing their pets’ habits and reactions. The researchers then matched this behavioral data with genetic information from each dog.
This analysis uncovered specific genes associated with traits such as trainability, activity level, fear of unfamiliar people, and aggression toward other dogs.
When the team compared these results with human genetic studies, they found that twelve of the genes linked to behavior in golden retrievers are also tied to emotional traits and behavior in people.
“The findings are really striking — they provide strong evidence that humans and golden retrievers have shared genetic roots for their behavior. The genes we identified frequently influence emotional states and behavior in both species,” said Dr. Eleanor Raffan, a researcher in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience who led the study.
One gene called PTPN1 stood out. In golden retrievers, it was associated with aggression toward other dogs. In humans, the same gene has been connected to intelligence and depression.
Researchers also identified another genetic variant that appears in golden retrievers that are fearful of other dogs. In people, this variant influences whether someone tends to dwell on embarrassing experiences or achieve high educational success.
The scientists say these discoveries could help dog owners better understand their pets’ emotional responses and adjust training or care to match their individual needs.
“These results show that genetics govern behavior, making some dogs predisposed to finding the world stressful. If their life experiences compound this they might act in ways we interpret as bad behavior, when really they’re distressed,” said Enoch Alex, a researcher in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience and first author of the report.
Implications for dog training and veterinary care
The study also identified a connection between trainability in golden retrievers and a gene known as ROMO1. In humans, this gene has been linked to intelligence and emotional sensitivity.
Because of this link, researchers say dog training may involve more than simply reinforcing desired actions. A dog’s emotional state may also play an important role in how easily it learns.
The findings could also influence veterinary care. For instance, recognizing that certain fearful behaviors stem from genetic factors related to anxiety could guide the use of treatments designed to reduce stress.
How genes shape behavior and emotion
The genes identified in the study do not directly cause a specific behavior or emotion. Instead, they affect broader systems that regulate mood and behavioral responses.
One example involves dogs that display ‘non-social fear’ (being afraid of things such as buses or hoovers). The researchers found a gene linked to this trait that, in humans, is associated with irritability, emotional sensitivity, and ‘seeing the doctor for nerves or anxiety.’
“If your golden retriever cowers behind the sofa every time the doorbell rings, perhaps you might have a bit more empathy if you know they’re genetically driven to feel sensitive and anxious,” said Dr. Anna Morros-Nuevo, a researcher in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience who was also involved in the study.
“Dogs in our home share not only our physical environment, but may also share some of the psychological challenges associated with modern living. Our pets may be excellent models of some human psychiatric conditions associated with emotional disturbance,” said Professor Daniel Mills, a specialist in problem animal behavior at the University of Lincoln, who was also involved in the study.
Linking canine behavior to DNA
The research relied on behavioral data from 1,300 golden retrievers between the ages of three and seven that are part of the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, a project run by the Morris Animal Foundation since 2012.
Owners participating in the study complete detailed questionnaires covering 73 different behaviors. These responses are then grouped into 14 categories that help researchers measure specific behavioral traits.
The scientists combined this information with blood samples taken from the dogs. By scanning the entire genome of each golden retriever, they identified genetic markers that appeared more frequently in dogs displaying particular behavioral traits. This approach allowed the researchers to connect distinct regions of the genome with specific patterns of behavior.