I recently finished an introductory course called “DNA — The Basic Blueprint of Life,” taught by Dr. Jessica Heckman DVM, Ph.D., who is conducting research on canine genetics. Although I experienced the “deer in the headlights look” wading through some of the science vocabulary, I found it extremely informative and truly fascinating. As these tutorials suggest, there will soon be more information about how genetics is playing out in some of the breed-specific illnesses, such as cancer and blindness.
I’ll also be learning more about the role genetics and heredity play in certain behaviors, a topic that goes far beyond training a dog to sit or lie down or modifying troubling behaviors. Many of our beautiful purebred dogs, as well as some mixed-breed dogs, are increasingly faced with physical and behavioral problems, and some of these problems are hereditary.
Early on, dogs were selectively bred to perform specific tasks; breeders looked for precise characteristics and bred those dogs to make more. As generations of dogs evolved, breeders continued to single out those physical characteristics or behavioral tendencies to perpetuate or improve on the “perfect specimen.” Along the way, breeding dogs that were too closely related added a new element to the equation. Since we inherit our DNA picture from our parents, we also inherit the good the bad and the ugly. This is where genetics comes into play.
Maybe someday, there will be answers to some of the questions I’ve contemplated over the years. For example, in the old days, dogs were garbage and game eaters. Now, we have to feed them grain-free, gluten-free products and we’re constantly reminded to add the fish oil diet.
What is happening here? Some dogs carry a gene for deafness, many medium-to-large breed dogs develop hip dysplasia and small dogs are getting so small and delicate they break if they jump down from the couch. Considering what humans have done to dogs up to now the thought of unleashing genetic manipulation on the dog world can stir up some mighty scary nightmares.
On the other hand, learning more about genetics and how those passed-down genes perpetuate certain fatal illness or mutations just might help save lives. Only time will tell. Without science and good research, we’ll never know if we can turn the corner and begin to improve the lives of our companion animals.
So, I’ve enrolled my dogs in a special project called Darwin’s Dogs Project. According to the project’s website, Darwin’s Dogs is a new research project that is collaborating with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and dog owners nationwide to understand how genetics influences behavior.
Through a series of short surveys, the Darwin’s Dogs website asks dog owners about their dogs’ personalities and behaviors. After filling out the surveys, owners receive an easy-to-use kit to collect a small saliva sample that can be used for DNA analysis. There is no cost to participate, and any dog can participate — purebred or pure mutt. By understanding how genetic changes can lead to behavior differences — even for normal behaviors — we will have new insight into psychiatric diseases shared between dogs and people.
By bringing together geneticists, animal behavior specialists and pet owners, Darwin’s Dogs is looking for new ways to help both people and their best friends. To succeed, the project needs thousands of dogs to sign up. To join the project, visit darwinsdogs.org
University of Massachusetts Medical School is conducting the project under the leadership of Dr. Elinor K. Karlsson, Ph.D., and individuals in her research group. This study is ongoing, and the research group is hoping to enroll up to 5,000 dogs. The more dogs, the more information researchers will collect.
One small step for mankind and one giant step for the ones we love.
Laura Tyler is a certified professional dog trainer with more than 25 years of experience. She has earned associate certification through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and is a certified nose work Instructor through the National Association of Canine Scent Work. She owns Total Teamwork Training LLC in Northwest Colorado.