Shared DNA: 12 Genes Link Golden Retriever Behavior to Human Emotions

Researchers analyzed genetic data from 1,300 golden retrievers and matched genes to owner-reported behaviours. They found 12 genes that influence both canine traits (energy, shyness, aggression, trainability) and human characteristics such as intelligence, depression and anxiety. The study stresses that genes shape broad emotional predispositions rather than fixed moods, and suggests emotionally informed training may better support stress-prone dogs.

12:24 AM, 11/26/2025Science

Shared DNA: 12 Genes Link Golden Retriever Behavior to Human Emotions

Researchers at the University of Cambridge analyzed genetic data from 1,300 golden retrievers and found compelling overlaps between genes linked to canine behavior and genes involved in human emotions and cognition.

The team matched genetic markers to owner-reported traits such as energy, shyness, aggression and trainability. They identified 12 genes whose variants influence both dog behaviours and human traits like intelligence, depression and anxiety. Notable examples include PTPN1, associated in dogs with aggression toward other dogs and in humans with depression and cognitive measures, and ROMO1, linked to trainability in dogs and emotional sensitivity in people.

The findings are really striking. They provide strong evidence that humans and golden retrievers have shared genetic roots for their behavior.

Eleanor Raffan, neuroscience researcher and study coauthor

These results show that genetics govern behavior, making some dogs predisposed to finding the world stressful. If their life experiences compound this, they might act in ways we interpret as bad behavior when really they are distressed.

Enoch Alex, neuroscientist and study coauthor

The authors emphasize that genes do not create a one-to-one mapping between single genes and specific moods or actions; instead, genes influence broader emotional tendencies and behavioural patterns. Practically, this means that dogs with genetic sensitivity may benefit from training approaches that incorporate emotional context—building trust, gradual desensitization to stressors, and social or emotionally informed reinforcement—rather than relying only on standard reward-based techniques.

Beyond pet care, the study highlights how companion animals can serve as models for certain human psychiatric conditions linked to emotional disturbance. The research was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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.

Daniel Mills, animal behaviourist and study coauthor

Shared DNA: 12 Genes Link Golden Retriever Behavior to Human Emotions

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