Background
Pointing behaviors in dogs are characteristic of the hunting dog breeds. We are trying to quantify this behavior with objective quantifiable metrics and use it for intra as well as inter breed comparisons. Subsequently we will try to point out the genetic underpinnings of this behavior.
More than 350 different breeds of dogs are recognized in the world. Different dog breeds show characteristic behaviors and pointing behavior is one of them. This behavior is found in dogs classified as "gun dogs" or "hunting dogs" shown by about 50 different breeds of dogs. These breeds indulge in pointing behavior without any training, which suggests that it is controlled at least in part by the genetic makeup of the dog. Understanding the mechanisms of how genes hardwire the brain for instinctive behaviors like pointing will help enhance our understanding of neuroscience as a whole.
Only molecular knowledge is not enough to pinpoint genetic underpinnings when the trait in consideration is as intangible as pointing. Being a behavioral shape rather than morphological, the need for well planned behavioral screening tests are an essential pre-requisite. And that’s what we do.
The players
We use four different breeds of gun dogs in our study –
- Pointers
- German short haired pointers
- Brittanys
- Weimaraners
Research aims
Spatial pattern analysis
I am interested in studying the spatial pattern of hunting dogs in the fields.
Although a lot of training goes into making the “perfect pointer” each dog is slightly different in the way they run through the field to sniff out game birds. Anecdotal stories tell about “intelligent” pointing dogs who spend more time in or around bushes while those “riding the energy train” just love to have a good time and give the entire field a thorough scan.
While some dogs love to stick around the hunters while they are running through the field, some love to go miles away. Anyone interested in gun dog training knows that although you can “take run away”, you can’t make a short runner run large.
Another interesting aspect is the development of differential running patterns in gun dogs under similar training regimes.
We use geographic information systems (GIS) as well as extensive statistical tools to analyze the spatial data across and within the four different breeds of hunting dogs.
Behavioral analysis of pointing
Starting from the early Perdiguerro navarro, the Spanish pointing dog breed believed to be the ancestor of modern pointers, hunting dogs still capture the fascination of millions.
We implement multiple behavioral metrics to look into the phenomenon of pointing with the final goal of inter and intra breed characterization.
The genetics of pointing
The final aspect of our project is to look for underlying genetic differences correlated with behavioral heterogeneity in pointing.
We are working with Dr. Mark Neff at the Veterinary Genetics Lab (VGL) at UC Davis on the molecular aspect of this project.
