New research studies reveal the answer is hidden in dogs' friendly energy
It is evident that canines have evolved genetically over time, particularly in distinction from wolves. Studies have countlessly confirmed that dogs are continuously more social than wolves even if raised in the same circumstances, and in turn will always pay more attention to humans and be better at following directions and commands (Arnold). However, it is still not as much known how these genetic evolutions correlate and overlap with human genetics, even with the known information that the canine species had social behavior and cognitive effects on humans and have therefore affected human evolution. (See our article entitled “How Dog Domestication Changed the World” for more information). One interesting genetic analysis discovery by animal behaviorist, Monique Udell, tells us that dogs are very aware of human presences, which can, therefore, inhibit or stop their instinctual tendencies. Just the analysis of alterations in the WBSCR17 gene, which appeared during dog domestication according to comparisons of dog and wolf genomes, have led to this psychological explanation (Arnold). However, as interesting and these changes in genes are for the canine species, the most interesting revelations are ones where we can compare dogs to humans as part of the domestication effect.
One specific set of genes has already been discovered in dogs that directly replicate those in human, although not all humans. This parallel is just a start of many gene sequence correlations as predicted by geneticists. Dogs are known for being hypersocial creatures, and evident through many studies comparing them to their wolf relatives, they attained these qualities through genetic evolution. The GTF21 and GTF2IRD1 are two genes that are directly correlated to the enthusiastic behavior, and although they are not found in humans, they are found in people with Williams-Beuren Syndrome (Arnold).
Williams-Beuren Syndrome, usually just referred to as Williams Syndrome, affects only one out of every ten-thousand humans, and is seen as an uncommon developmental disorder. Individuals with Williams Syndrome usually have a tendency to love everyone and have cognitive difficulties (Arnold). This rare disorder is usually seen through the lense of being a “friendliness mutation” (Coren). These individuals usually lack social inhibition in all forms in addition to seeking the company of others excessively, being kind-spirited, always possessing the ability to empathize with others, and continuously being caring and forgiving. Do you see any overlapping traits with your dog? Also, people with Williams Syndrome do not have the general fear of strangers as most people do and can come up and hug unfamiliar people. This behavior is known as “hypersociability” and has been connected to a dog’s behavior attitude.
To understand why the overlap in genomes exists and what its meaning is, it is important to know that Williams Syndrome is caused by the deletion of parts or all of a section of DNA on chromosome seven in humans. Chromosome seven consists of about twenty-nine genes and Williams Syndrome can basically delete up to all of them. However, this sequence, the one that is not present in a person with Williams Syndrome, is identical to the sequence that appears on chromosome six in all dogs. Interestingly, the genes overlap in this nature. The effect for dogs with this chromosome sequence, which affects the majority of them although it the human mental condition only affects a very small percentage of humans, is generally persistent friendliness towards humans. This friendliness is what makes companionship and bonds possibly, specifically for the human and canine connection (Coren). The takeaway from this comparison to the human genetic condition is that these genes produce a personality type which allows us to domesticate dogs and hence, explains why it is so hard to tame wolves who do not have this genetic strain.
Works Cited
- Article by Carrie Arnold, “Why are Dogs so Friendly? Science Finally Has an Answer”
- Article by Stanley Coren, “Are Dogs Insanely Friendly Because of Their Genetics”
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