How Much DNA Do Dogs Share with Humans? What Science Says
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Dogs are man’s best friend, but could it have less to do with our canine’s loyalty and more to do with their genetic makeup and how much of it they share with humans? Believe it or not, dogs share around 84% of their DNA with humans.
Sharing this high percentage of DNA doesn’t mean that dogs and humans are the same or even similar species, but rather that we share similar genetic codes. Keep reading to better understand what DNA is, how DNA similarities are determined, and whether there are any benefits to sharing DNA with dogs.
What Is DNA?
DNA is the abbreviation of deoxyribonucleic acid, which is found in the cells of chromosomes. DNA has two strands that look like a ladder that has been twisted. It is better known as a double helix. DNA codes for various genes, and carries an organism’s genetic information. It is found in almost all living organisms, and it is what makes each species unique.
Humans typically have 46 chromosomes, making up 23 pairs. 22 of these autosomal pairs are the same in males and females. The last pair, the sex chromosomes, are either XX or XY. XX chromosomes are found in females, and XY chromosomes are found in males.
Although dogs share 84% of DNA with humans, they do not have the same number of chromosomes as us. Dogs have 78 chromosomes, making up 39 pairs1.
Understanding the genetic makeup of dogs doesn’t make us see them as more human but rather how unique of a species they are. Humans share DNA with all living organisms because all living organisms come from one common ancestor. The higher the percentage of DNA shared, the more closely related we are to that species.
Humans have a higher percentage of shared DNA with dogs because we share a common ancestor that lived several million years ago, whereas we would have a lower shared percentage with a species that lived a few billion years ago.
How Are DNA Similarities Determined?
Scientists determined that dogs share approximately 84% of their DNA with humans by comparing their respective DNA sequences. They also compared the two species’ genomes, which gave them a more in-depth look at the similarities and differences between dogs and humans. There are various algorithms and tools that are used to analyze and compare genomes to get the information that is required.
When Was the Dog Genome Sequenced?
The dog genome has been sequenced, which is how we know how much DNA is shared with humans. It was first done in 2005, and the genome that was sequenced was that of a purebred female boxer.
Gathering information from the dog genome has helped scientists understand the species’ traits and interactions with the people and environments around them. It also helps them understand mutations, inherited disorders, and various diseases, which can be used to improve dog health.
Are There Benefits to Sharing DNA with Dogs?
Sharing a large percentage of DNA with dogs benefits scientists because it allows them to use these animals to study diseases that are shared between the two species. Dogs and humans are susceptible to cancer, diabetes, and heart disease along with several other health problems.
Scientists can study these diseases and disorders in dogs and come up with treatments that have the potential to treat humans, too.
Final Thoughts
Dogs share around 84% of their DNA with humans. There are benefits to sharing a high percentage of DNA with another species, such as sharing many of the same health problems that humans struggle with, as scientists are then able to study them and come up with treatments that could benefit both species.
Sequencing the genome of a dog helps us better understand the species and their interactions, as well as improve dog health to ensure they live longer and happier lives.
- Related Read: How Accurate is DNA Dog Testing?
Featured Image Credit: Annavibu, Shutterstock
