Dogs’ emotions are closer to humans than we thought, study finds

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Researchers found a gene linked to mood swings in humans in dogs that are terrified of loud noises

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Dogs experience highs and lows just like their owners and their emotions could be influenced by the same genes as humans, new research suggests.

A study has revealed several genes that influence human emotions such as anxiety and depression also shape the personality of dogs.

For example, the gene called HUNK was found to make golden retrievers nervous around other dogs. The same gene is found in humans who worry.

Dogs that are afraid of loud noises, such as the vacuum cleaner, share a gene called ASCC3. In humans this gene is linked to mood swings, neuroticism and irritability.

Another gene ROMO1, which is linked to intelligence in humans, was also found in dogs that pick things up quickly in training.

“The findings are really striking – they provide strong evidence that humans and golden retrievers have shared genetic roots for their behaviour,” said Dr Eleanor Raffan, a researcher in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience who led the study.

“The genes we identified frequently influence emotional states and behaviour in both species,” she added.

The team analysed the genetic code of 1,300 golden retrievers using blood samples and compared it with each dog’s behavioural traits – assessed through a detailed owner questionnaire. This revealed genes underlying traits including trainability, energy levels, fear of strangers, and aggression towards other dogs.

By comparing their findings with a similar analysis in humans, the team discovered that twelve of the golden retriever genes they identified also underlie human behavioural traits and emotions.

One gene, PTPN1, was linked to aggression towards other dogs in golden retrievers - and is also associated with intelligence and depression in humans.

The study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), explained that understanding these genes could help owners understand their pets emotions.

“These results show that genetics govern behaviour, making some dogs predisposed to finding the world stressful. If their life experiences compound this they might act in ways we interpret as bad behaviour, 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.

However, the dog genes identified do not lead to a specific emotion or behaviour, but rather influence emotional states.

For example, dogs showing “non-social fear” - that is, being scared of things like buses and hoovers - have a gene that in humans drives irritability, sensitivity, and “seeing the doctor for nerves or anxiety,” study authors explain.

“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.

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