Dog Friendliness: Phenotype Determines Genotype?

A gene from chromosome 6 has been linked to hypersocial behavior in dogs. JCCC students attempted to help adoptable dogs at a local animal shelter by conducting phenotypic and genotypic testing. A test was done to determine a hypersocial score of each dog based on observed behavior of the dog with familiar and unfamiliar people. The “friendliness” gene was determined through multiple tests including DNA extraction, PCR and gel electrophoresis.