In the pursuit of selecting the best-trained dogs, certain traits in Labrador Retrievers may have inadvertently led to an increased risk of obesity, especially in dogs bred for service roles.
Labrador Retrievers are known for being versatile working dogs, excelling as service animals for people with impairments. However, researchers from Cambridge University have discovered that these dogs—particularly those bred for service—are more prone to obesity. The reason behind this tendency lies in the genetic makeup of the breed.
A study conducted by Cambridge scientists examined the genetic factors contributing to obesity in Labradors, revealing that genes linked to obesity in humans also affect these dogs. The researchers identified a key gene, DENN1B, which regulates hunger. In Labradors with high DENN1B expression, their hunger was heightened, causing them to seek food more aggressively. This trait, while potentially useful for training dogs (who are motivated by food rewards), also made these dogs more susceptible to overeating and weight gain.
The study also found that Labrador Retrievers bred for service roles, like guide dogs, were more likely to have these genetic variants. Researchers speculated that selecting for dogs that were highly motivated by food (and thus more trainable) could have unintentionally led to dogs with a higher tendency for obesity.
In addition to the findings on genetics, the research showed that environmental factors, like diet and exercise routines, also influenced whether high-risk Labradors became overweight. Dogs with high genetic obesity risk, when paired with permissive environments and less exercise, were more likely to gain weight. However, even in high-risk dogs, proper diet and exercise could prevent obesity.
The study also uncovered a surprising link between chocolate-colored Labradors and obesity. These dogs were found to have a much higher genetic obesity risk than yellow or black Labradors, challenging the common belief that chocolate Labradors are overweight because they are often in households with young children who feed them scraps.
Overall, the research highlights the complex relationship between genetics, training, and environment in shaping the health of Labrador Retrievers. The study’s findings suggest that while selecting dogs for their trainability, we may have inadvertently selected for a greater risk of obesity.