Dogs are adorable, loving, and funny. You may be a true animal lover and simply cannot resist its myriad charms. However, according to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports , there could be a genetic explanation for why some people unconditionally love and care about dogs.
Previous studies have shown that children who grow up with dogs during infancy have a greater affinity for dogs. However, the researchers wondered if genetic factors might play a role. To analyze it, they examined data from more than 85,000 twin siblings in the Swedish twin registry (the world’s largest registry) for genetic clues that may be related to pets in adult life.
Thus, a team of Swedish and British researchers compared the genetic data and the behavior of both brothers to determine if some behaviors were related to DNA. Similarly, the scientists consulted the register on dog ownership, since in Sweden all dogs must be officially registered.
Genetics influence the decision
The researchers found that if one (identical) twin brother owned a dog, chances are the other brother would also have one in the future. However, in the case of fraternal brothers (that is, not identical) if one of the two has a dog, the probability that the other will own one in the long term is much lower. Likewise, the scientists concluded that, in the case of men, genetics affected 51% in the decision to have a dog or not in adulthood, while in women the figure rose to 57%.
This finding also suggests that the health benefits of owning a pet could be explained by genetics, as argued by Carri Westgarth, study co-author and professor at the University of Liverpool (UK). For example, in 2017 scientists concluded that owning a dog reduced the risk of heart disease by providing people with emotional support and encouraging them to exercise.
However, this study finds that genetics could also explain (if only partially) the good physical and mental health of most pet owners.
