Unit 1: Canine Behavioral Genetics Flashcards
What leads to such a large behavioral (and phenotypic) diversity in dogs?
Phenotypic radiation is due to restricted gene flow and intense artificial selection
Why is diversity unique compared to other domestic animals?
Dogs have been developed for highly specialized tasks
What behaviors did herding traits evolve from?
Stalking/ hunting traits. Have become divergent responses (there are different types of herding)
Would you expect breeds more phenotypically similar to the wolf to be more aggressive?
Yes, in the fox experiment they found that there are morphological traits distinguished in domestic dogs from their wild progenitors.
However, this is not always true.
What are the different types of phenotyping methods? What is the most accurate?
- Owner directed survey – owner reports behavior
- Test battery – dogs are exposed to novel stimuli, responses are recorded
- Expert rating – vets/ professionals rate breeds based on experience
- Observation – observing dogs in natural states
Both observational and battery tests are useful for measuring individual and breed-specific variation.
***However, the best one DEPENDS on what you are looking for
Should dogs with genetic-linked behavioral disorders be allowed to breed? Why or why not?
Yes, but should be using responsible breeding techniques and also focus on raising animal correctly
Do you think it is important to study the link between behavior and genetics in dogs?
Yes, they can be selected for certain behaviors to better serve in a specialized task. However, responsible training and husband practices must also be in place.
