Researchers at the University of Cambridge have found that certain genes influencing behavioural traits in golden retrievers are also linked to human personality and mental health. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is the first to demonstrate that specific canine behaviour genes are associated with traits such as anxiety, depression, and intelligence in people.
The research team analyzed genetic data from 1,300 golden retrievers and compared it with detailed owner-reported behavioural assessments. They identified genes related to trainability, energy levels, fear of strangers, and aggression towards other dogs. Twelve of these genes were also found to be connected to human behavioural traits and emotions.
“The findings are really striking – they provide strong evidence that humans and golden retrievers have shared genetic roots for their behaviour. The genes we identified frequently influence emotional states and behaviour in both species,” said Dr Eleanor Raffan from the University of Cambridge’s Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience.
One gene, PTPN1, was linked to aggression towards other dogs in golden retrievers and is also associated with intelligence and depression in humans. Another gene variation observed in fearful golden retrievers influences whether humans tend to worry after embarrassment or achieve high educational attainment.
“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 from the same department at Cambridge and first author of the report.
The study further showed that ‘trainability’ in golden retrievers is associated with a gene called ROMO1. In humans, this gene is linked to intelligence and emotional sensitivity. Researchers suggest owners should consider emotional factors when training their dogs.
Understanding genetic links between dog behaviours such as fearfulness and human anxiety could inform veterinary care strategies; for example, treatments used for anxiety might benefit affected animals.
The researchers emphasized that these genes do not directly cause specific behaviours but influence broader emotional regulation. For instance, dogs displaying ‘non-social fear’—such as being afraid of buses or household appliances—have a gene tied to irritability and anxiety symptoms in humans.
“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 from Cambridge’s Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience.
“Dogs in our home share not only our physical environment but may also share some of the psychological challenges associated with modern living. Our pets may be excellent models of some human psychiatric conditions associated with emotional disturbance," added Professor Daniel Mills from the University of Lincoln.
The data came from participants enrolled in the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study by Morris Animal Foundation since 2012. Owners completed questionnaires about 73 different behaviours grouped into 14 categories predicting various behavioural traits. Blood samples were used for genome-wide analysis linking genetic markers with these traits.
Funding for this research was provided primarily by Morris Animal Foundation.