Research Identifies a Genetic Mutation That Increases the Risk of Hunger and Obesity in Labrador and Flat-Coated Retriever Dogs.
According to data from the American Kennel Club, the Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed in the United States for the 31st consecutive year. As dog owners can attest, Labrador Retrievers are affectionate and loyal pets. However, this breed also has a tendency to overeat and gain weight, which puts them at increased health risks.
A new study by veterinarians and geneticists at the University of Cambridge has discovered a gene mutation that may explain the seemingly insatiable hunger and obesity tendencies in this breed.
Labrador Retrievers, affectionately known as Labs, are a popular hunting breed in the U.S. They belong to the group of hunting dogs and are often used to retrieve game for their owners during hunts. These friendly, affectionate, and energetic dogs make wonderful family pets. However, their name can be misleading as they do not originate from Labrador but from Newfoundland, where they were bred to assist fishermen and hunt ducks. It wasn’t until the 19th century that British nobles brought this breed to the UK, where they began to refine and standardize it.
Researchers led by Dr. Eleanor Raffan studied the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene, which plays a crucial role in regulating hunger and how calories are burned. Labradors, along with Flat-Coated Retrievers, are more likely to carry this gene mutation.
Raffan and her colleagues conducted experiments with 80 Labrador Retrievers, undergoing various tests. Among these was the “sausage box” test, designed to tempt the food-driven dogs with a treat they could smell and see through the transparent side of the box. Those with the POMC mutation were significantly more determined to reach the hidden treat compared to dogs without the mutation. All the dogs were given a standard breakfast before performing the sausage box task.
These dogs are actually bred for aquatic environments! Their thick tails serve as powerful rudders, webbed feet help them swim quickly, and their dense, water-resistant coats enable them to operate even in cold waters, such as the icy waters of Newfoundland where they were first bred.
In another experiment, Flat-Coated Retrievers slept in a specially enclosed area equipped with a device to measure the amount of gas they exhaled. Those with the POMC mutation burned 25% fewer calories than dogs without this mutation.
Estimates suggest that one in four Labrador Retrievers and two-thirds of Flat-Coated Retrievers carry the mutation. Previous studies have shown that Labradors have the highest obesity rates among all dog breeds.
Issues with POMC also affect humans. Infants with POMC dysfunction often experience constant hunger and obesity from a very young age.
This genetic trait leads to a “double whammy” for affected dogs. They not only feel hungrier but also have a slower metabolism, meaning they burn fewer calories from the food they consume.
Interestingly, researchers found that this mutation is a legacy of the now-extinct St. John’s water dog, which evolved to survive on high-calorie diets in the harsh maritime conditions of Canada centuries ago. Thus, what was once an evolutionary advantage has now become a significant threat to modern breeds.
Labrador Retrievers originated as duck hunting dogs, and after being brought back to England in the 1800s, they were bred to serve as companions during hunting. Today, they remain excellent hunting dogs, capable of working in various environments, hunting waterfowl and game for hours on end.
Raffan states: “All Labrador and Flat-Coated Retriever owners need to consider what they feed these food-driven dogs to maintain a healthy weight.”
Despite these genetic tendencies, obesity in Labradors is not unavoidable. Owners can manage their weight through diet, exercise, and mental stimulation. Strategies such as portioning meals throughout the day and ensuring ample physical activity can help these dogs maintain a healthy weight.
The name Labrador derives from the Portuguese word “labrador”, meaning worker. Due to their intelligence, eagerness to please, and willingness to work hard, Labradors are considered invaluable workers in various fields. They are among the most popular choices for service dog work, as well as search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and therapy dog roles.
