Comportamento e genética em cães: o que revelam as publicações científicas

Abstract

Interest in the genetics of canine behavior has grown in recent decades, driven both by the strengthening of emotional bonds between humans and their animals and by the increasing use of dogs in professional activities such as guarding, hunting, and scent detection. This study conducted a scientometric analysis of the scientific production available in the Scopus database, identifying publication patterns, leading authors, and research trends related to canine behavioral genetics. After systematic screening using the PRISMA flowchart, 79 articles met the inclusion criteria. A significant increase in publications was observed from the 2000s onward, with a peak in 2024. The results revealed that the most cited studies primarily investigate the influence of artificial selection on phenotypic, genetic, and behavioral traits, demonstrating how domestication has shaped cognitive abilities, sociability, and dog–human interaction. The analysis also indicated the existence of shared genetic bases among different behaviors and their relationship with environmental factors. Additionally, observations from the internship at Canil Caraíbas helped illustrate, in practice, the interaction between genetics, management, and training, especially in the context of working scent-detection dogs. It is concluded that understanding the genetics of canine behavior is essential for improving selection programs, animal welfare, and practical applications in security, ecology, and human–animal interactions.