A genetic and behavioural study has identified mutations in the melanocortin 2 receptor gene or MC2R that helps to explain why dogs are so in-tune and socially connected to humans. This gene may have reduced the fear and aggression seen in wolves and other wild species of canines towards humans.

MC2R is specific for the production of adrenocorticotropic hormone, ACTH. The main function of ACTH is to regulate the steroid hormone cortisol, which is released by the adrenal glands: it regulates blood pressure, blood sugar, the immune system and the response to stress.

The dog was the first animal to be domesticated, thousands of years ago. They were selected for temperament, behaviour and cognitive abilities. However, the genetic basis of these abilities has not been well understood until now. Very ancient dog breeds showed a lower tendency to look towards humans, to read human communicative gestures and to respond to them as compared to other less ancient European breeds.

Research comparing the behaviour of dogs and wolves has indicated that dogs show less avoidance and aggression towards familiar humans. Dogs demonstrate better understanding of human communication, they can read our body language better than we can read one another, and they have the ability to form close social bonds. Another hormone of interest is oxytocin, which is known to play an important role in bonding and attachment. A single nucleotide polymorphism on MC2R is related to the above tasks and abilities that separate the domestic dog from its wild ancestors.

As for wolves, they have been persecuted and hunted, then protected. Wolves prefer to avoid humans unless protecting their young and den. They are apex predators and play an essential role in balancing ecosystems and preventing them from being over-grazed. Wolves are protected in most European countries, but until recently they were hunted for sport in the USA and Canada; along with the coyote, they still are hunted in some US states. There have been many tales about wolves saving humans, especially children: viz Amala and Kamala, two feral girls in Bengal India who were raised by a she-wolf and her pack. Another is a book by Misha Defonseca “Surviving with Wolves”, towards the end of WW2, as a child she lived with a wolf pack. Later in life she ran a wolf sanctuary.

Pam Brandis,
Dip. Canine Prac.