Genetics and Personality in Dogs

by The K9 Guy, 07-07-17

Many years ago in genetics classes, I learned about phenotype - the characteristics of a living creature you can see (personality), resulting from the interaction of its genes with the environment. As I consider that concept in the arena of dog training, I sometimes feel we may loose sight of this 'balance of ingredients" which make up our dogs.

For example, there's been a great deal of priority placed on early socialization of puppies for many decades. The idea is early and favorable exposure to people, places and things can help a pup develop into a confident and nice adult dog. While I agree early socialization is helpful (and I recommend it), it's important to remember genetics is also at play.

So which is stronger - nature or nurture? In just the past week, I've seen 2 stories that suggest nature may be the stronger item. The first cites studies revealing brain changes may predispose dogs to anxiety. The second is the story of a dog terribly abused that is still very happy and friendly.

I've personally observed incredible variations in siblings living in the same home, timid or anxious dogs never exposed to any hardships, and other dogs with terribly "rough starts" that are perfectly happy and social. For me its clear that there's always more at play than just environmental influences.

Training, guided socialization, relaxation exercises, and more - can and do help dogs become better. But such work is best done with respect for genetics, not ignorance of it. That respect requires understanding that some dogs will never be good police dogs, service animals, or social with other pets. It also requires understanding of what's driving an individual dog's strengths and weaknesses.