NOTE: If you attended our online AGM on March 3, you get a free ticket for this event!

Breed and Individual 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.

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 was collaborating 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.

The presentation and Q&A will be recorded for those unable to attend live.

CEUs approved for KPA and CCPDT. Other CEUs pending.

You can also pay for your ticket via e-transfer to [email protected].

If you attended our online AGM on March 3, as a thank you, you can attend this presentation for free!