If you have a Border Collie, you will know that they cannot help trying to "herd" children in the park. If you have a Golden Retriever, their life probably revolves around a tennis ball. But is this a personal choice made by your dog, or is it something that has been written in their genes for centuries?
The science behind instinct: Nature or nurture?
The short answer is: it’s in their DNA, but with certain nuances. Unlike humans, dogs have undergone a process of intensive artificial selection for thousands of years. We haven't just selected dogs for their physical appearance (size, colour, or coat), but primarily for their functionality.
Fixed behaviours through genetic selection
Throughout history, breeders selected individuals that showed a greater predisposition for specific tasks.
The herding instinct: In breeds such as the Australian Shepherd, the drive to stalk and direct movement is a modified version of the wolf's hunting instinct, where the "attack and kill" part has been removed.
- Retrieving (fetching the ball): Labradors and Spaniels were selected to recover prey without damaging it (the famous "soft mouth"). For them, fetching a ball is not just a game, but a behaviour that reflects the combination of genetics and human training.
How dogs inherit genetic traits
To understand this, we must look at how dogs inherit genetic traits. It is not about a single "ball gene", but rather complex groups of genes that influence dopamine levels, sensitivity to visual stimuli, and the animal's physical structure.
Genetic selection has meant that certain behaviours have a very low "activation threshold". This means that a herding dog does not need to be taught how to herd; they only need to see something in motion for their brain to activate the command stored in their DNA.
Genetics vs. Education: The role of learning
It is vital to differentiate between inherited instinct and education. Although genetics lay the foundations, the environment and training build the house.
- Genetics (Instinct): This is the "hardware". It determines which activities your dog will find naturally rewarding. A Beagle will always have a natural inclination to follow a scent trail because their brain releases endorphins when doing so.
- Education (Learning): This is the "software". It allows that instinct to be channelled. You may have a dog with a very high retrieving instinct, but if they are not educated, instead of bringing you the ball, they might take to "retrieving" (and destroying) your shoes.
Education cannot erase DNA. Trying to get a Husky to ignore a scent or a Greyhound not to chase something small goes against their biological nature. Success lies in working with their genetics, not against them.
Why is it important to know your dog's DNA?
Understanding that certain behaviours are biological helps owners to be more empathetic. If your dog "herds" children, it isn't that they are being "bad" or "disobedient"; it is that their brain interprets this as their function in the world.
At Koko Genetics, we believe that genetics can be the key to a more harmonious life together. By knowing the breeds identified in your dog, we can better understand their natural tendencies and offer them the type of stimulation that best fits their genetic profile, reducing stress and behavioural issues.
Do you want to discover the breeds that make up your best friend's DNA? Explore our dog DNA tests and start understanding the instincts that make them unique.
