Genetics and the Social Behaviour of the Dog

The Personality of Dogs

“…Many previous and recent studies suggest behavioural differences between these breed groups; for example, herding dogs and cooperative hunting dogs (pointers, retrievers) were found to be highly trainable (Seksel et al, 1999;Serpell & Hsu, 2005;Ley et al, 2009;Turcsán et al, 2011), while toy dogs and hounds reported being less trainable (Ley et al, 2009;Turcsán et al, 2011). Terriers were found to be bolder than hounds and herding dogs (Turcsán et al, 2011), and other studies characterised them also as energetic, excitable, and reactive (Scott & Fuller, 1965;Hart, 1995;Ley et al, 2009;Turcsán et al, 2011). In contrast, Svartberg (2006) failed to find any relationship between breed-typical behaviour and the historical use of the breeds.…”

“…Even puppies that are just a few weeks old show characteristic, consistent behavioural patterns, but this behaviour may change relatively rapidly in the following weeks and months (Scott & Fuller, 1965), so one general consideration is to restrict the concept of personality to adult animals in which changes happen at a lower rate (Jones & Gosling, 2005). Another reason for this distinction is that the concept of personality also assumes that it allows for predicting the behaviour of the subject in future situations.…”

“…Decades after investigating genetic contribution to behaviour at the breed level (Scott & Fuller, 1965), molecular geneticists started to identify genotypephenotype associations. So far, numerous genes have been mapped for morphological traits and diseases , but the identification of genes underlying behavioural phenotype is still lagging behind.…”

Comparison of the fraction of olfactory receptor pseudogenes in wolf (Canis lupus) with domestic dog (Canis familiaris)

“…Animal species can be subdivided depending on how critical the olfaction is for their survival (Scott and Fuller 1965;Gilad et al 2004). It is supposed that in primates such as humans and apes, the senses rather than the olfaction may be more important than smell.…”

Applied Animal Behaviour: Assessment, Pain and Aggression

“…terriers), it is important to appreciate that genetic variation of certain traits may be greater within a breed than between breeds. Expressions of individual variation arise as a result of the interaction of different genetic and environmental factors throughout life, but during development such interaction may particularly shape the temperament of the individual (Scott & Fuller 1965) and its appraisal of the event (Weisenberg 1977). So whilst it is important to appreciate breed characteristics, they should not be rigid points of reference.…”