Exploding Appetite of 'Ttungtreaver'... Neither Dog nor Owner Was at Fault

Innately Greedy Eaters Who Gain Weight Easily
Are Actually at Risk in Today's Food-Abundant World

The dog breed 'Retriever (Labrador Retriever)', which is loved not only domestically but also overseas, is known to be prone to gaining weight easily. They also have a big appetite, making it a breed that requires owners' caution when feeding. However, research has revealed that behind the Retriever's tendency to obesity lies its 'DNA.' They live with a genetic mutation that makes them inherently prone to obesity.

In today's world, where dog food is abundant, the obesity-prone nature of retrievers is almost a curse. They are sometimes euthanized due to severe obesity. The obese dog 'Kai,' who was nearly euthanized in Australia in the past [Image source=Facebook capture]

On the 7th (local time), the BBC highlighted a scientific study that uncovered the obesity tendency in the Labrador Retriever breed. This study was conducted by Dr. Eleanor Raffan's team at the University of Cambridge in the UK, who tracked the Retriever's genes and identified the mutation causing obesity.

The mutation the research team focused on is known as 'POMC.' The POMC gene affects the brains of both humans and dogs similarly, increasing appetite while reducing calorie expenditure.

Dr. Raffan explained, "Dogs with the POMC mutation not only want to eat more but also do not burn off the calories they consume efficiently. Therefore, they face the double burden of always needing to eat less." Her team analyzed 80 Labrador Retrievers as samples to study the POMC mutation in detail.

Golden Retriever featured on SBS variety show 'Animal Farm'. Retriever breeds are known for their tendency to easily become obese.
[Image source=SBS broadcast capture]

The analysis revealed that dogs carrying the POMC mutation had a much greater appetite compared to the control group. On the other hand, the calories naturally burned during sleep were 25% less. In other words, the obesity tendency in the Retriever breed is very likely due to this mutation.

The obesity problem in Retrievers is especially severe in developed countries. When owners provide abundant food and treats, they can quickly gain weight up to 60-80 kg. Severely obese Retrievers may struggle to move and might ultimately need to be euthanized. The BBC pointed out that about 50% of companion dogs living with humans in developed countries suffer from obesity.

However, the Retriever's tendency toward obesity is also a survival strategy that strengthens the affinity between humans and Retrievers. Dogs with the POMC gene mutation were more likely to have been domesticated more easily by our ancestors. Thanks to this, they were incorporated as pets faster than other breeds and were able to spread their genes more widely.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.