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Study on the Correlation Between Aggressive Behavior and Gut Microbiota and Serum Serotonin (5-HT) in Working Dogs
Ning Sun1, Liuwei Xie1, Jingjing Chao1
1School of Police Dog Technology, Criminal Investigation Police University of China, Shenyang 110048, China.
Veterinary Sciences
|June 25, 2025
Summary
This study found lower serotonin levels in aggressive dogs, particularly those with defensive aggression. Gut microbiota showed limited correlation with aggression, but specific bacteria were identified as biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Animal Behavior
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- Aggressive canine behavior impacts public health and human-dog interactions.
- Understanding the biological underpinnings of canine aggression is crucial for effective management.
- This study is the first to systematically differentiate canine aggression into offensive and defensive subtypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in gut microbiota and neurotransmitters associated with aggressive behavior in working dogs.
- To differentiate between offensive and defensive aggression subtypes.
- To identify potential biomarkers for canine aggression.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 56 working dogs using a C-BARQ-based questionnaire to assess aggression.
- 16S rRNA sequencing to compare gut microbiota composition.
- ELISA to measure serum serotonin (5-HT) concentrations.
- Random forest analysis to identify biomarkers.
Main Results:
- No significant correlation was found between overall aggressive behavior and gut microbiota composition (p > 0.05).
- Non-aggressive dogs had higher abundances of specific bacteria (Escherichia-Shigella, Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG-003, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1) compared to aggressive dogs (p < 0.05).
- Lactobacillus was identified as a biomarker for canine aggression, and Turicibacter differentiated offensive from defensive aggression.
- Serum serotonin levels were significantly lower in both aggressive groups (defensive and offensive) compared to non-aggressive dogs (p < 0.001).
- Defensively aggressive dogs exhibited the lowest serotonin levels, significantly lower than offensively aggressive dogs (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota composition has a limited role in modulating canine aggressive behavior.
- Serum serotonin (5-HT) levels are strongly correlated with canine aggression, with lower levels indicating higher aggression.
- 5-HT shows potential as a monitoring tool for diagnosing canine aggression, aiding in early intervention and behavior management.
- Distinct behavioral phenotypes in aggressive dogs correlate with specific gut microbiome compositions, suggesting potential for microbiome analysis in diagnosis.
