The expression “man’s best friend” refers to the dog, an animal whose domestication process began thousands of years ago and led to the creation of a close and deep bond with humans. While research has shown that this connection benefits both the mental and physical health of dog owners, new findings suggest the relationship may run even deeper.
A groundbreaking study led by researchers at the University of Cambridge offers fresh insight into the emotional lives of dogs, revealing why some golden retrievers are more fearful, energetic or aggressive than others. Published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study is the first to show that specific genes linked to canine behavior also correlate with traits such as anxiety, depression and intelligence in humans.
The team analyzed the genetic code of 1,300 golden retrievers aged 3 to 7 using blood samples, and compared the results to behavioral assessments based on a detailed owner questionnaire. The survey covered 73 behaviors, divided into 14 categories, including trainability, energy levels, fear of strangers and aggression toward other dogs.
Researchers searched the dogs' full genomes for genetic markers commonly found in dogs displaying each of the 14 behavioral traits. They then linked specific genome regions to these behaviors.
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Golden retriever trainability is linked to the ROMO1 gene, which in humans is linked to intelligence and sensitivity.
(Photo: Morris Animal Foundation)
When compared with similar human studies, the scientists found that 12 of the genes identified in golden retrievers also play a role in human emotional and behavioral traits. “The findings provide strong evidence that humans and golden retrievers share genetic roots for behavior,” said Dr. Eleanor Raffan of Cambridge’s Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, who led the study. “The genes we identified often influence emotional states and behavior in both species.”
One gene, PTPN1, was linked to aggression toward other dogs and is also associated with intelligence and depression in humans. Another genetic variation found in dogs fearful of other dogs appears to affect human tendencies toward overthinking embarrassment or achieving high academic performance.
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Golden retriever who participated in the study, demonstrates 'good behavior'
(Photo: Morris Animal Foundation)
Trainability in golden retrievers was associated with ROMO1, a gene tied to intelligence and emotional sensitivity in people. This, researchers say, suggests that dog training involves an emotional component beyond simply reinforcing desired behaviors.
These insights could help owners better understand their pets’ emotional worlds and tailor training or care to their dogs’ needs — especially when behaviors mistaken for disobedience may actually be signs of distress.
The findings may also inform veterinary care. For example, understanding that a golden retriever’s fear may be driven by a gene linked to human anxiety suggests anti-anxiety medication could offer relief.
Importantly, the genes identified do not directly cause specific behaviors or emotions but rather influence broader emotional or behavioral regulation. For instance, dogs afraid of buses or vacuum cleaners may carry a gene in humans associated with nervousness, sensitivity and seeking professional help for anxiety.
“If your golden retriever cowers behind the sofa when the doorbell rings, it might be worth showing a little more empathy, knowing this response may be genetically driven,” said Dr. Anna Morros-Nuevo, another member of the research team at Cambridge.
Professor Daniel Mills, an expert in animal behavioral disorders at the University of Lincoln and a co-author of the study, noted that domestic dogs not only share our physical environments but may also experience some of the same psychological challenges of modern life.
“Our pets could serve as excellent models for understanding certain psychiatric conditions tied to emotional disorders in humans,” Mills explained.