India, March 7 -- Researchers studying British Labrador retrievers have found several genes linked to obesity in dogs, and these same genes are also linked to obesity in humans.
Just like in humans, no single gene determined whether a dog would be obese. Instead, multiple genetic factors played a role in their risk of gaining weight. To gather their results, researchers worked with dog owners to measure body fat, assess appetite, and collect DNA samples through saliva.
During the research, published in the journal Science, the genetics of 250 Labradors were studied, looking for common genetic traits in overweight dogs. The researchers identified a specific gene called DENND1B, which was linked to higher body weight in the dogs.
"We found...