How Much Does a Dog’s Breed Influence Its Behavior?

The battle between nature and nurture might never be decided, but a new study certainly dispels some common myths about breeds and how our dogs behave. Researchers consulted more than 18,000 dog owners and evaluated the DNA of 2,100 pooches with an eye to behavior and physical traits.

The researchers concluded that only about 9% of the variation in a dog's behavior can be attributed to its breed. A dog's personality can be influenced by many factors, including its environment and its treatment by humans. In other words, it's unfair to stereotype pitbulls as mean and beagles as sweet.

"Genetics matter, but genetics are a nudge in a given direction. They're not a destiny," said Evan MacLean, director of the Arizona Canine Cognition Center at the University of Arizona. "We've known that for a long time in human studies, and this paper really suggests that the same is true for dogs." The study found that while certain tendencies might be more commonly associated with particular breeds, there are no traits unique to any one breed. In other words, you can teach an old dog new tricks, regardless of whether it's a German Shepherd or a chihuahua.

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