Genomic analysis of firework fear and noise reactivity in standard poodles

Abstract

Plain English summary The prevalence of fear of fireworks and loud noises is very high in many dog ​​breeds and can be a serious problem for both the dogs and the owners. A genetic study of fear of fireworks and fear of other loud noises was conducted on standard poodles. The study was based on owner questionnaires, where the dog owners scored their dogs’ degree of fearfulness from 1 (not fearful) to 5 (very fearful). We estimated genomic heritabilities of 28% for fear of fireworks and 15% for noise reactivity. We also identified a region on chromosome 17 with a possible association with the two traits. This genomic region contains genes of interest in human anxiety-related disorders. Genomic studies in dog breeds where the individuals with and without fear-associated phenotypes can be clearly distinguished, based on owner records, may provide opportunities for the implementation of methods for genomic selection for those fear-associated traits. The results of this study may be helpful for standard poodle breeders in their selection of breeding animals, which ultimately will contribute to better animal welfare.

Keywords

• Noise reactivity
• GWAS
• Dog
• Fear of fireworks
• Behavior
• Behavioral genetics