Dog breeds barely differ at all genetically
18th August 2010
Steve Sailer reminds us that large differences in phenotype come in small genotype packages.
So, in the big picture, Labrador retrievers and pit bulls don’t actually differ very much genetically. They do differ genetically on a very small number of genes. But some of those few genes that differ are related to biting. Labs tend to retract their teeth and gum whatever they’re handling with their mouths, while pit bulls tend to bite down and, more unusually, not let go while they whip their heads back and forth. So, that tiny, tiny fraction of the dog genome is important when deciding which breed of dog to buy depending on your needs — e.g., pet for your toddlers or guard dog for your crack stash.