Correlates of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-Like Behavior in Domestic Dogs: First Results from a Questionnaire-Based Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17140/VMOJ-2-122Keywords:
ADHD; Dogs; Dog breeds; Environment; Phylogeny; Social bondsAbstract
Introduction: The behavioral disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is typically associated with human children, but its clinical manifestation in dogs has recently been investigated indicating that certain gene variants (e.g., the DRD4 gene) contribute to its expression.
Objectives: In this study, the aim is to strengthen the understanding of the causes of ADHDlike behavior in dogs by investigating the potential non-genetic correlates of the condition.
Methods: In particular, the presence of ADHD-like behavioral symptoms across different dog
breeds and groups were examined with respect to various social and physical factors using a
diverse set of questionnaires (ADHD, anamnesis, and personality and interview) given to the
dog owners of two dog schools and one dog club (n=61) as well as an existing, unpublished
database that was established previously (n=60).
Results: Our results showed that various social factors (e.g., degree of affectionate behavior,
number of social contacts, and the duration of period of separation) and physical parameters
(amount of play time as puppies as well as frequency and duration of walking, possibly castration) were associated with ADHD-like behavior across all the dog breeds, with the Akita breed
being noticeably calmer than the other dog breeds.
Conclusion: Although, ADHD-like behavior does not appear to be a heritable trait in an evolutionary scale, the results reported in this study combined with existing genetic information
about this trait indicated that the expression of ADHD-like behavior in dogs would appear to
depend on a classical gene-environment interaction as is the case with many neurological disorders in humans. The conclusion is directed towards making recommendations to improve the
social and physical situation that might minimize the potential for the development of ADHDlike symptoms in animals that are genetically predisposed to this condition.
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