Genetic and Gene-by-Environment Influences on Aggressiveness in Dogs: A Systematic Review from 2000 to 2024
Aggressiveness in dogs is a complex behavioral trait with implications for animal welfare and public safety. Despite domestication, dogs retain aggressive tendencies shaped by both genetic and environmental factors. This systematic review synthesizes the literature from 2000 to 2024 on the genetic a...
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MDPI AG
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Animals |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/15/2267 |
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| author | Stefano Sartore Riccardo Moretti Stefania Chessa Paola Sacchi |
| author_facet | Stefano Sartore Riccardo Moretti Stefania Chessa Paola Sacchi |
| author_sort | Stefano Sartore |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Aggressiveness in dogs is a complex behavioral trait with implications for animal welfare and public safety. Despite domestication, dogs retain aggressive tendencies shaped by both genetic and environmental factors. This systematic review synthesizes the literature from 2000 to 2024 on the genetic and environmental bases of canine aggression. Using PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 144 articles were retrieved from Scopus and PubMed and screened in two phases, resulting in 33 studies selected for analysis. These were evaluated using a 20-question grid across seven categories, including phenotyping, genetic analysis, population structure, and future directions. The studies support a polygenic model of aggressiveness, with associations reported for genes involved in neurotransmission, hormone signaling, and brain function. However, inconsistencies in phenotyping, small sample sizes, and a limited consideration of environmental factors hinder robust conclusions. Most studies focused on popular companion breeds, while those commonly labeled as aggressive were underrepresented. The findings highlight the relevance of gene–environment interactions but underscore that aggression is often poorly defined and measured across studies. Future research should prioritize standardized phenotyping tools, broader breed inclusion, and the functional validation of genetic findings. These efforts will improve the understanding of dog aggression and inform breeding, behavioral assessment, and public policy. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-f8fbc6975556400aaca8532fbfce1178 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2076-2615 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Animals |
| spelling | doaj-art-f8fbc6975556400aaca8532fbfce11782025-08-20T03:02:48ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152025-08-011515226710.3390/ani15152267Genetic and Gene-by-Environment Influences on Aggressiveness in Dogs: A Systematic Review from 2000 to 2024Stefano Sartore0Riccardo Moretti1Stefania Chessa2Paola Sacchi3Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, 10093 Turin, ItalyDepartment of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, 10093 Turin, ItalyDepartment of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, 10093 Turin, ItalyDepartment of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, 10093 Turin, ItalyAggressiveness in dogs is a complex behavioral trait with implications for animal welfare and public safety. Despite domestication, dogs retain aggressive tendencies shaped by both genetic and environmental factors. This systematic review synthesizes the literature from 2000 to 2024 on the genetic and environmental bases of canine aggression. Using PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 144 articles were retrieved from Scopus and PubMed and screened in two phases, resulting in 33 studies selected for analysis. These were evaluated using a 20-question grid across seven categories, including phenotyping, genetic analysis, population structure, and future directions. The studies support a polygenic model of aggressiveness, with associations reported for genes involved in neurotransmission, hormone signaling, and brain function. However, inconsistencies in phenotyping, small sample sizes, and a limited consideration of environmental factors hinder robust conclusions. Most studies focused on popular companion breeds, while those commonly labeled as aggressive were underrepresented. The findings highlight the relevance of gene–environment interactions but underscore that aggression is often poorly defined and measured across studies. Future research should prioritize standardized phenotyping tools, broader breed inclusion, and the functional validation of genetic findings. These efforts will improve the understanding of dog aggression and inform breeding, behavioral assessment, and public policy.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/15/2267dog behavioraggressivenessdog geneticssystematic review |
| spellingShingle | Stefano Sartore Riccardo Moretti Stefania Chessa Paola Sacchi Genetic and Gene-by-Environment Influences on Aggressiveness in Dogs: A Systematic Review from 2000 to 2024 Animals dog behavior aggressiveness dog genetics systematic review |
| title | Genetic and Gene-by-Environment Influences on Aggressiveness in Dogs: A Systematic Review from 2000 to 2024 |
| title_full | Genetic and Gene-by-Environment Influences on Aggressiveness in Dogs: A Systematic Review from 2000 to 2024 |
| title_fullStr | Genetic and Gene-by-Environment Influences on Aggressiveness in Dogs: A Systematic Review from 2000 to 2024 |
| title_full_unstemmed | Genetic and Gene-by-Environment Influences on Aggressiveness in Dogs: A Systematic Review from 2000 to 2024 |
| title_short | Genetic and Gene-by-Environment Influences on Aggressiveness in Dogs: A Systematic Review from 2000 to 2024 |
| title_sort | genetic and gene by environment influences on aggressiveness in dogs a systematic review from 2000 to 2024 |
| topic | dog behavior aggressiveness dog genetics systematic review |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/15/2267 |
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