Dog breed study could have far-reaching impacts in animal welfare

In 2022, a study published in Science by Kathleen Morrill, a dog geneticist at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, and her colleagues showed that predicting dog behaviors was not based on breed, but rather inherited genes. Not one single behavior stereotype, such as howling in beagles, was exhibited in all dogs of a certain breed. Better indicators for certain behaviors (though not most of them) are a dog’s sex and age.

“This is such exciting news. Best Friends Animal Society has been saying for decades that all dogs are individuals and this study further proves it,” said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. “These findings could have far-reaching positive impacts in animal welfare, whether it’s increasing adoptions of large-breed dogs to helping families with dogs find housing more easily to ending breed-based restrictions in communities.”

The animal welfare organization proved its commitment to the “all dogs are individuals” philosophy in 2007. When other groups were pushing for euthanasia of the dogs rescued from Michael Vick’s busted dogfighting ring, Best Friends agreed to take in as many as allowed (ultimately 22) to rehab or give a permanent place to live. Renamed “the Vicktory Dogs,” many went on to find loving homes.

“The Vicktory dogs are a prime example of how we should never judge a dog by its looks,” Castle said. “The study’s findings could be especially positive for pit bull type dogs, Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shepherds and Chows, which often have an unfair stigma attached to their breed.”

Another finding of the study showed that more than half of the 18,385 owners cited had a mixed breed or “mutt,” which are plentiful at shelters.

“Whether it’s a mixed breed or a purebred, our message is to give adoptable dogs a chance based on their personality, not their physical characteristics. The most important criterion is whether a dog is a good match for your lifestyle,” Castle said. “Shelters and rescue groups are experts at helping facilitate matches, so we encourage potential adopters to really consider every kind of dog when looking for a new best friend to bring home.”

Best Friends Animal Society has also taken on issues such as ending breed-based restrictions by government-funded housing authorities across the country and ending insurance companies’ use of dog breed as criteria to reject or deny a homeowner’s coverage. “Putting an end to these outdated policies will help remove the barriers for families who own big dogs or are looking to adopt,” Castle said. “This study can help shelters find great homes for dogs, as well as prevent families from having to surrender their beloved pet.”

This week’s featured pet is Widow, an approximately 3-year-old medium sized mixed breed with an enviable zest for life! She is very sociable with people, having gone on multiple walks with shelter volunteers with reports she does good on a leash. Widow has been stranded at the Farmington Regional Animal Shelter for close to an entire year, yet shelter staff describe her as active and goofy, ready to play fetch non-stop. An indeterminate mixed breed, AI suggests a strong possibility of some Basenji, originally an African small game hunting dog. This could possibly account for Widow’s high prey drive. For Widow the shelter advises an adult-only home, with no cats or children. At 3 years old she is full grown and mature, and weighs about 45 pounds. She understands “sit” and “drop it,” and is more toy rather than treat motivated. She is ready to shed shelter life with someone who would enjoy tossing a ball with a loving pal with a big smile. Come visit Widow today! While breed characteristics can be something to consider, organizations such as Best Friends Animal Society stress it is important to judge potential pets based on their individual behaviors and traits, especially in mixed breeds.