Developmental and Genetic Influences on Working Dog Cognition
Abstract
Military working dogs (MWDs) play diverse and critical roles in the United States Armed Forces ranging from the detection of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to the tracking and capture of enemy combatants. Because dogs represent a biological technology, the strengths and limitations of their use depend largely on our ability to breed, rear and train animals which are capable of success in demanding environments. Unlike traditional technologies, which can be reproduced with high fidelity, there is a high degree of variation among working dogs, placing a premium on identifying and procuring dogs with the most potential for success. Through our previous research we have identified links between individual differences in cognitive and temperamental traits and success as a working dog. Recently we have shown that several of these traits are stable across development, and highly heritable, confirming important genetic contributions to individual differences. However, the precise mechanisms underlying individual differences remain poorly understood. Here we propose to build on our recent work by conducting a genome-wide association study to identify genetic variants, and biological pathways associated with individual differences in cognitive and behavioral traits linked to working dog success. In addition, we will investigate the impact of variation in the early environment known to have lifelong consequence in mammals on these traits. Collectively, the proposed research has the potential enhance military working dog capabilities by informing efforts to cultivate desirable characteristics through a combination of genomic and environmental approaches.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 17, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012545
Entities
People
- Evan L. MacLean
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Arizona