Golden Retrievers are lovable family dogs; Dachshunds, on the other hand, are combative barkers who like to go hunting – these qualities are often said of them and other dog breeds. However, they are not much more than common clichés, as researchers led by Elinor Karlsson from the US University of Massachusetts have discovered: The behavior of a dog hardly depends on its breed, the scientists report in the journal »Science «.
The research team analyzed the DNA of a good 2,100 dogs and also asked more than 18,000 dog owners about the behavior of their four-legged friends. The statistical evaluation of both investigations showed that the genetic make-up explained only a fraction of the dog’s behavior. In principle, all behaviors examined were found in every breed of dog, albeit with different characteristics. Some traits were more dependent on a dog’s genetic lineage, such as how sociable a dog was with people or how well it listened to commands. The autonomous dog breeds included the popular Japanese Shiba Inus, huskies and dachshunds. German Shepherds, Labradors and Golden Retrievers were particularly obedient. On the other hand, whether a four-legged friend was provoked by unpleasant or fear-inducing stimuli was almost independent of its origin.
Up until the 19th century, people chose their four-legged friends according to the tasks they had to perform: herding, guarding or hunting. Modern dog breeds have only been bred for less than 160 years. Contrary to what is widely assumed, they would differ primarily in their appearance, explains Karlsson’s team. When choosing their four-legged friend, potential buyers should therefore pay less attention to how cuddly, smart or stubborn the dog breeds supposedly are. It is more important how big the animal will be – and whether it has enough space and exercise.