The St John's water dog, a common ancestor to modern dogs, exemplifies how genetic traits can evolve for specific environmental needs, such as high food motivation to aid in tasks like retrieving for fishermen. A mutation linked to this food motivation has been found in about 25% of pet Labradors and 66% in guide dogs, suggesting a possible selection for traits that enhance a dog's willingness to work for food. Although no direct correlation between the mutation and trainability has been established, the findings highlight how a single genetic change can significantly influence a dog's energy management and food intake behaviors. These genetic variations among dogs mirror similar trends in the human population, further emphasizing the impact of genetics on obesity and food-related behavior.
Labradors are known for being greedy dogs, and now scientists have come up with a theory about the genetic factors that may be behind their behaviour. In this episode from April 2024, the Guardian’s science correspondent and flat-coated retriever owner Nicola Davis visits the University of Cambridge to meet Dr Eleanor Raffan and Prof Giles Yeo to find out how understanding this pathway could help treat the obesity crisis in humans. Help support our independent journalism at
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