Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Genes connected to social ability in dogs
dog with family
“Our findings are the first to reveal genes that might have caused the extreme change in social behaviour that has occurred in dogs since they were domesticated."
DNA links between canine behaviour and human social disorders

New research, undertaken by scientists at Linköping University in Sweden, has revealed a link between genes affecting behaviour in both canines and humans.

Scientists found that four out of five genes affecting dogs’ interaction with humans, also linked to social disabilities in humans.

The new behavioural study observed 500 beagles with similar involvement with humans in their early life. Each dog was presented with an unsolvable problem and filmed to evaluate their behaviour. The mission was to remove a lid from a container, in order to retrieve a treat. The data collected analysed the dog’s inclination to seek contact with a human, upon realisation that the problem was too difficult.

Doctoral student and main author of the paper, Mia Persson, said: “We found a clear association with DNA regions that contain five different genes of interest. Four of the genes are previously known from studies of social disorders in humans, for instance autism and ADHD.”

Scientists looked at DNA from 200 of the dogs involved, exploring a large number of genetic variants, using a method called genome-wide association study (GWAS). The genome-wide study is used to identify common variants within subjects with specific traits. In this case, the dogs that sought human contact more often carried the same genetic variants.
 
Professor of ethology and leader of the research group, Per Jensen, said: “Our findings are the first to reveal genes that might have caused the extreme change in social behaviour that has occurred in dogs since they were domesticated.

“If the associations we have found can be confirmed in other dog breeds, it’s possible that dog behaviour can help us to better understand social disorders in humans.”
 
The research was funded in part by the European Research Council (ERC).
 

 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com