Explore our current research topics. Click a title to learn more and find out how to participate.
Active Projects
Check if your dog or cat breed is part of an ongoing study and help by providing a sample. You can also propose new research ideas.
Epilepsy
We study the genetic basis of epilepsy in dogs through international collaboration. Our goal is to create the world’s largest canine epilepsy biobank, helping us understand the causes and symptoms of the disease across different breeds.
Behavior and Personality
Dog behavior and personality are a key focus of our research, and we also study how these traits relate to the attachment between dogs and their owners. Understanding behavior helps us better understand the background of other traits and diseases as well.
Neurological Diseases
In addition to epilepsy, we are also interested in the genetics of rarer neurological diseases. We have ongoing research projects investigating the genetic background of conditions such as paroxysmal dyskinesia, cerebellar ataxia, and neuroaxonal dystrophy.
Canine Genome Map
A high-quality genome map is a crucial part of our research and speeds up genetic discoveries. A genome map shows which genes and regulatory regions are present on each dog chromosome. Our team has launched the comprehensive DoGA project to improve the canine genome map. We focus on the structure and function of different gene regulatory regions. This internationally significant project also enhances the use of dogs as models for human diseases.
The Dog and Wolf Brain
Dogs and wolves share an evolutionary history, as all dogs descend from the gray wolf. Dog domestication began approximately 23,000–30,000 years ago. Why do dogs’ behavior and their unique relationship with humans differ so much from wolves? Our international DoGA project investigates gene activity in different brain regions of dogs and wolves, and explores the differences between them.
Eye Diseases
Our group has a long history of research into the genetics of inherited eye diseases. Our current work focuses in particular on the genetics of inherited retinal degenerations, but we are interested in all inherited eye diseases.
Heart Diseases
Our heart disease research focuses in particular on sudden cardiac death in Leonbergers and its genetic background. We are also interested in sudden cardiac deaths occurring in other breeds.
Dental Diseases
In dental research, we focus especially on the genetic causes of developmental disorders of the teeth. In particular, we study enamel defects (amelogenesis imperfecta) and abnormalities in tooth number (hyperdontia).
Skeletal Disorders
Our research on skeletal diseases focuses on developmental disorders in puppies. We also study growth disorders affecting bones and joints.
Hearing Loss
We actively study inherited hearing loss and deafness in dogs. Hearing loss and deafness can be present at birth or develop later in life.
Owner–Dog Attachment
We study owner–dog attachment from the perspective of traditional attachment theory, in which attachment is expressed as anxious, avoidant, or secure styles. Previously, we have examined how the personalities and psychological well-being of both owners and dogs are related to these attachment styles. We investigate how similar owners and dogs are to each other and how this similarity affects their relationship. In addition, we study the so-called puppy blues phenomenon, its measurement, and potential risk factors.
Canine Pharmacogenomics
Hundreds of genes in the canine genome influence how dogs process medications in their bodies. Variations in these pharmacogenes can cause severe side effects and, in some cases, even be fatal. Our pharmacogenomics project maps genetic variation in the genomes of around 3,000 dogs and aims to model how these variations affect drug metabolism. Pharmacogenomics is also applied in current research on food- and toxin-related studies.
Other Dog Studies
We accept samples related to inherited traits and diseases whose genetic background is still unknown. Over the years, we have studied numerous inherited physical traits and diseases (developmental disorders, muscle diseases, metabolic disorders, storage diseases, etc.) that are not covered by the research topics listed above. Samples can also be used in studies outside our group’s main focus, as we collaborate widely with other research teams internationally.
Cat Studies
We study inherited traits, diseases, and behavior in cats. The cat biobank was established in 2008, and it now contains over 5,000 samples from more than 40 breeds. We accept samples from cats of all breeds.
Suggest a Research Topic
Share your ideas for new research projects!
We welcome research ideas related to your breed, especially observations of unusual traits or health issues. To make it easy to share your ideas, we have set up a dedicated email address:
For example, if a breeder has multiple affected puppies/kittens in the same litter, we encourage you to contact us. Together, we can explore the possibilities for genetic research and project development. All ideas are reviewed regularly and confidentially within the research team, and we will get in touch to discuss project development and sample collection.
We especially encourage owners, breeders, veterinarians, and breed club representatives to actively contribute research ideas.
Photo: fotoElukka
