Domesticated dogs and wolves have a genetic mutation that makes them friendly. A 2017 study published in Science Advances reveals that dog genes made them especially open to domestication and hypersocial behavior. In short, the scientists report that genetic mutations leave dogs in a state of childlike social and cognitive development, where they seek out contact and attention.
By analyzing DNA samples taken from a variety of dogs and wolves, vonHoldt and Monique Udell, a scientist from Oregon State University who studies animal cognition and collaborated on this research project, identified four mutations that seemed to influence social behavior in those dogs. In particular, they found mutations on a gene called WBSCR17, which vonHoldt says she studied back when she was working on her doctoral thesis, and two transcription factor genes.
In humans, when that gene is deleted from one of two paired chromosomes, it can lead to a condition called Williams-Beuren Syndrome, which involves stunted social development and overly-friendly behavior, not unlike the traits that separate good little pups from vicious wolves and coyotes.
Source: Genetics Research Explains Why Dogs Are Very Good Boys
12 Nov 2020, 8:39 am
