Scientists from the University of California have revealed that differences in the temperament of puppies are linked to the genome. Researchers’ work published Frontiers in Psychology.
Epigenome scanning can show whether a puppy will be energetic or timid. The epigenome is a kind of regulatory layer that sits “above” the genome. It regulates which genes should work and which should not.
Depending on age, diet, exercise, training, socialization, and other environmental factors, the dog’s epigenome can affect the activity and transmission of nerve cells, thereby changing behavior.
“Dogs’ behavior is linked to their epigenomes. Our results open the door to the use of epigenetics to screen and select desirable behavioral traits in companion or service dogs,” the scientists said.
The researchers measured the epigenetic, genetic, and behavioral differences between 46 men and women of 31 different sexes, ages one to 16.
Behavioral differences were identified based on how the owners filled out the questionnaire. The researchers then examined the epigenome. The results showed that two of the 930 single-locus polymorphisms (SNPs) selected were strongly associated with behavioral traits. They can partially predict the extent to which a dog is afraid of strangers.
In the future, scientists will continue to research.