Dominant and Recessive Characteristics in Dogs

Genes are the building blocks of any creation, including dogs. Each individual gene contains a specific physical and behavioral characteristic, which is either recessive or dominant. Recessive characteristics in dogs are genetically visible but are not physically visible, while dominant characteristics are both genetically and physically visible. These characteristics are easier to track if the dominant trait is present in the parents. However, some characteristics are present in the offspring but are recessive in the parents.

  1. Physical Dominant Characteristics

    • Physical dominant characteristics of dogs are passed on from their parents. For example, if both parents have smooth coats or dark eyes, chances are their offspring will have the same look. This is why cross or experimental breeders study the dominant physical characteristics of dogs before breeding them.

    Dominant Behaviors

    • A dog's dominant behavior should not be mistaken as aggression. Dogs with dominant behavior will prevent you from petting his head and will not follow simple commands. If you are eating, a dominant dog will bark until he is fed. He normally growls or barks especially if you attempt to play with him. These traits are not necessarily bad, but owners must be able to handle their pets to eliminate danger to other people.

    Physical Recessive Characteristics

    • Genes are unpredictable. Puppies may not always inherit the physical characteristics of their parents. This is why dog breeders look into the physical recessive characteristics to make sure that they will produce quality ones. Some of the common recessive characteristics of dogs are light or bulging eye, fine and large skull size, overshot or undershot bite and pronounced parietal crest.

    Recessive Behaviors

    • Unaggressive and fearful behaviors are common recessive behaviors in dogs. Dogs with these behaviors will shy away from a loud command. At first, you might think that these are good traits, but in reality, dogs with recessive behaviors should also be trained. Confidence should be instilled in your dog so he can be competitive. Recessive behaviors in dogs can be a problem as they tend to stay fearful even when the need to be fierce arises, such as when a burglar is trying to get into their master's home.