Brussels 02.05.2026 How Much of Our Feelings for Dogs Is Genetic?

Following a lot of statistical analysis involving structural equations, these researchers came up with the estimate that the size of the genetic component influencing whether we are inclined to own a dog is 57 percent for females and 51 percent for males. Approximately half of the psychological pressure that we feel to own, or to not own, a dog is influenced by our DNA, with the other half influenced by environmental factors such as our personal histories or culture.

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The conclusion: A significant portion of our affection for dogs may be due to our genetic heritage. This has likely come about through a process known as co-evolution, where two species shape each other’s evolutionary history due to social interaction over an extended period. Based on an analysis by researchers at Washington State University, this process began thousands of years ago when dogs and humans first began to live together, hunt together, and mutually defend each other. These researchers believe that over time, the resultant bond evolved into part of our genetic makeup.

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For the human majority, dogs hold a special place in comparison with our relationships to other animal species. Scientific evidence suggests that dogs were the earliest animal domesticated by man. The paleontological evidence suggests that this occurred 14,000 to 17,000 years ago, and the genetic evidence suggests that domestication might have started thousands of years before that, writes Psychology Today.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/202503/why-do-most-humans-have-positive-feelings-for-dogs

Because of their relationship with humans, dogs are the most widely distributed animal across the globe, inhabiting virtually every area of the world where people can be found. They are the most commonly kept companion animals, and the love people have for dogs in general is evidenced by the thousands of books and stories written about them and the myriad websites devoted to canines. But the question of interest is “why?” What is so special about our relationship with dogs?

Why Should We Like Dogs?
Psychologists presume that attitudes toward dogs and dog ownership, whether positive or negative, are influenced by culture, social factors, and history. For example, certain religions or societies may cherish or detest interactions with dogs; this can shape an individual’s personal experience and attitudes. This idea has been supported by research, which indicated that exposure to dogs during childhood is associated with more positive attitudes towards dogs and an increased likelihood of dog ownership in adulthood. But more may be going on.

When a human (especially a child) encounters a nonhostile dog for the first time, they tend to approach and try to interact with the animal. Contrast this to first encounters with snakes or spiders. These creatures are typically met with revulsion or fear, and people try to stay away from them even if they have never seen such animals before. Could such responses be genetic?

The Personality Factor
Currently, ample research suggests that an individual’s personality determines whether a person is apt to become a dog owner, cat owner, or a non-pet owning individual. For example, studies at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Florida showed that people who were more extroverted, sociable, and low in neuroticism were most likely to be dog owners; cat owners tended to be more solitary, sober, and a bit more neurotic. This is consistent with the results of a study I conducted involving more than 6000 people, which showed that a person’s personality predicted whether or not they liked dogs and also which breeds they would tend to prefer.

Key points
– Dogs were the first domesticated animal and they can be found cohabitating with humans wherever people live.
– The personality characteristics of people determine whether they are fond of dogs or not.
– A large study of twins has determined that at least half of our feelings toward dogs are based on genetics.