Genetic study challenges stereotypes about dog breeds
A genetic study involving more than 2,100 pet dogs finds that breed alone is a poor predictor of your pooch’s behavior.
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A genetic study involving more than 2,100 pet dogs finds that breed alone is a poor predictor of your pooch’s behavior.
Despite the popular conviction that dog breeds are associated with specific traits, breed accounts for only 9 percent of behavioral differences.
Retrievers that don’t retrieve and Papillons that point are all possible because the genes that shape dog behavior predate modern breeding that focuses on appearance, researchers find.
They're well-known stereotypes: rottweilers and pit bulls are aggressive, while Labradors and golden retrievers are extra friendly.
A new genetic study shows generalizing breeds as affectionate or aggressive doesn’t hold up