![Playing together. Woman is with two golden retriever dogs at home Playing together. Woman is with two golden retriever dogs at home](https://www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/playing-together-woman-is-with-two-golden-retriever-dogs-at-home-qd39uso9s41cemdysv2v1b16ogbhr6djfbaxcjejzs.jpg)
![Me and Mou my beloved dog](https://www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/me-and-mou-my-beloved-dog.jpg)
Published in:
![Black Woman with Pet Dog in Modern Home Black Woman with Pet Dog in Modern Home](https://www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/black-woman-with-pet-dog-in-modern-home-qd39uggdb9mctny1905mxu60xm1s2qa1si1dwsohpo.jpg)
The relationship between genetics and behavior in dogs
A groundbreaking study on dogs has challenged traditional understanding of the link between genetics and behavior. The results on the left have significant implications.
An individual dog’s breed is not a reliable indicator of behavior.
This study found no correlation between pet dog genetics and threatening or biting behavior
Most non-purebred (mixed breed) dogs in the study had more than four different breeds among their ancestors, thereby making it impossible to visually identify ancestry. Research shows that visual identification of a dog’s “breed” is often widely off-target.
These results challenge the common stereotypes associated with specific breeds with significant implications:
Dogs should be assessed as individuals on their individual behaviors rather than on breed.
Public policy should recognize that dog breed has limited influence on dog behavior.