Canine Epigenetics

In 2022, a study published in the journal Science caused a surprise: only nine percent of a dog's breed-typical behavioral traits are attributable to breed-typical gene variants. 200 years of modern purebred dog breeding seem to have little genetic impact on complex traits. But how then can it be explained that individual dog breeds do indeed possess behavioral traits that distinguish them from other breeds?
One answer is provided by the science of epigenetics. It deals with structures on the genes that change depending on environmental influences and manipulate gene regulation. Environment, training, and breeding environment change this epigenetics and thus shape the nature of dogs – even over several generations.
Researchers measure epigenetic changes in dogs that are typical for their nature. Epigenetics tests determine the age and health of animals. One day, they might already clarify in puppies what they will be suitable for later – regardless of the breed. Purebred dog breeding, but also dog keeping and dog training, will have to rethink.
Learn in this webinar:
• how conspicuous behavior dominates breeding lines without being genetically caused,
• how environmental adaptations can be passed on to subsequent generations,
• why the first 130 days in a dog's life are particularly important,
• why the mother animal, but also the stud dog, should be well,
• that genes are not destiny,
• that we cannot separate environment and heredity,
• how we can influence epigenetic structures and
• why epigenetics is also important for your health.

Our Expert:
According to Deutschlandfunk, Dr. Peter Spork is not only "one of the leading German science writers" but also "the man who popularized epigenetics." The biologist has been writing for many German-language newspapers and magazines for more than 30 years and regularly gives lectures and workshops – also for the dog scene. He has authored several non-fiction books, which have been translated into ten languages.
Spork's books on epigenetics – The Second Code and Health is No Accident – both became Spiegel bestsellers. Dogs play no role in them, which is why he followed up with the book The Epigenetics of the Dog in 2025.
More about the expert:
https://peter-spork.de

Recognition as further training
The webinar is recognized by the Veterinary Chamber of Schleswig-Holstein with 2 hours and by the Veterinary Chamber of Lower Saxony with 2 hours as further training; our certificate of attendance must be submitted for this purpose.
https://www.kosmos.de/teilnahmebestaetigung

FAQ Webinars: https://www.kosmos.de/de/content/Footer/Service/FAQ%20E-Learning

Photo credit:
Cover motif: shutterstock/ Arachchige Don and shutterstock/ TanyaJoy
Author portrait: S. Frischling/KOSMOS