Drug detection dogs are critical assets in law enforcement and public safety, yet only a fraction of dogs bred for this role succeed in training. In a groundbreaking study, Matsumoto et al. (2023) used a genome-wide association approach to uncover genetic traits associated with behaviors crucial for success in drug detection training.
Analyzing over 120,000 genetic variants from 326 German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers, the researchers found breed differences in “friendliness to humans” and “tolerance to other dogs.” These traits are directly linked to the dogs’ ability to work effectively in complex human and canine environments.
The study identified 11 genomic regions associated with behavioral traits like “interest in the target” and social friendliness—both essential for successful drug detection. Within these regions, the team pinpointed 63 protein-coding genes, including Atat1 and Pfn2, previously linked to anxiety and exploratory behavior in mice. These genes may influence similar traits in dogs, such as persistence, sociability, and stress regulation.
This research provides the first large-scale genetic profiling of behavior in drug detection dogs. Its findings could enhance the accuracy of breeding programs by allowing trainers to screen for genetic markers of behavioral success, potentially saving significant time and resources in the selection process.
Ultimately, integrating genetic insights with behavioral evaluations could redefine how detection dogs are trained and selected—ensuring better outcomes for working teams and public safety.
Source: Yuki Matsumoto, Akira Konno, Go Ishihara, Miho Inoue‐Murayama, Scientific Reports, May 5, 2023.
