Learn more about our Guest Speaker, veterinarian Dr. Amin Azadian!
Dr. Amin Azadian (he/him/his) is a veterinarian with a DVM degree from University of Tabriz in Iran. He is currently a PhD student in the University of British Columbia’s Animal Welfare Program. Dr. Azadian's doctoral research project focuses on individual and breed differences in behaviour of domestic dogs, studying factors influencing behaviour and resulting in these differences. Before joining the Human-Animal Interaction research group at UBC, he collaborated with a veterinary research group at the University of Edinburgh, UK, researching the link between Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and age-related dementia in domestic cats.
Breed Differences in Domestic Dogs: The Intricate Interplay Between the Genetic Background and Living Environment
Selective breeding has resulted in a diverse range of domestic dog breeds, enabling them to serve in various roles within human society. However, excelling in many of these roles often requires extensive and costly training, with the interplay between genetic and environmental factors in determining a dog's behavioural performance and learning outcome remaining an ongoing exploration. Some studies highlighted the substantial influence of historical selective pressures, forming dog breeds for certain functions, while contrasting perspectives emphasized recent shifts towards prioritizing aesthetic traits over behavioural characteristics resulting in behavioural profiles potentially diverging from breeds’ original functions. These inconsistent research findings challenge the traditional notion that a dog's breed is a major predictor of behaviour and learning, suggesting maybe a more significant role for environmental factors shaping a dog's behaviour through life. In this presentation, we would like to review all these crucial factors based on previous research findings, which have the potential to shape modern dog breeds' behaviour and learning.
More about Dr. Azadian’s presentation:
- Can a dog breed be labeled as the smartest?
- Is one dog breed inherently smarter than another?
- To what extent does genetic background explain a dog's behaviour and personality?
- How do dog owners' decisions and actions impact the behavioural shaping of a dog?
- Can a dog's personality be reflective of physiological processes like immune system responsiveness and disease vulnerability?
- What factors contribute to a dog's failure in a training program? Is it due to a lack of focus, motivation, or poor learning ability?
If you’ve ever wondered about these questions, join us for Dr. Azadian’s online presentation and Q&A,
Breed and Individual Differences in Domestic Dogs: The Intricate Interplay Between the Genetic Background and Living Environment
March 5, 2024, 7-8:30 pm Pacific Standard Time, with time for your questions!
If you attend our AGM on March 3, 2024, admission to this Zoom presentation is FREE! Otherwise, tickets will be $15.
Watch our Events page to register!
CEUs pending.
It will be recorded to watch later!