A study in Cell Metabolism found that 25% of Labrador retrievers have a gene linked to obesity¹. This might be why Labradors are more likely to get fat than other dogs². Obesity in Labradors is common, with rates in developed countries between 34% and 59%².

Key Takeaways

• About a quarter of Labrador retrievers have a genetic variant in the POMC gene that predisposes them to obesity³.
• Labrador retrievers with the POMC mutation tend to be more food-motivated, spending less time resting or exploring and more time attempting to get at the food³.
• Dogs with the POMC mutation burn around 25% fewer calories than dogs without the mutation³¹.
• The POMC mutation was found in about 23% of Labrador retrievers sampled from the UK and USA².
• Labrador retrievers with the POMC mutation may be more likely to be chosen as assistance dogs due to their increased food motivation².

Introduction to Labrador Retrievers and Obesity

Prevalence of Obesity in Dogs

Obesity is a big problem for dogs around the world. In places like the UK, about 40% of dogs are overweight. This can lead to serious health issues like diabetes and heart disease⁴.

Just like humans, dogs are getting fatter because they don’t exercise enough and eat too many treats⁴. Some dog breeds are more likely to get fat, and Labrador retrievers are one of them⁴.

Research shows that obesity in dogs is partly due to their genes. It’s estimated that 51% of a dog’s weight is influenced by genetics⁴. Breeds like Labradors, Golden retrievers, and Pugs are more likely to get fat⁴. Even the smallest Labradors can grow up to be overweight⁴.

The rate of obesity in dogs varies. In the Netherlands, 40% of dogs are overweight, and 20% are obese⁴. In Beijing, over 40% of dogs suffer from obesity⁴.

“Canine obesity has an average heritability of body weight estimated at 51%, with a range of 35%-70% across 19 breeds.”⁴

Genetic Factors in Obesity-Prone Dog Breeds

While diet and exercise are important, some dog breeds are more likely to get fat. Labrador retrievers are a prime example, showing a genetic link to obesity⁵.

The 14 base pair deletion in the POMC gene is common in Labradors, affecting their hormones⁵. Obesity in dogs is widespread, with Labradors leading the pack⁵.

This POMC mutation is more common in Labradors used as service dogs than as pets⁵. It makes them gain weight and crave food more⁵. In fact, it’s linked to higher body weight and a bigger appetite in Labradors and flat-coat retrievers⁵.

Labradors and flat-coat retrievers both have this mutation, which affects their weight and food drive⁵. The Dog Obesity Risk Assessment shows this mutation makes them more food-motivated⁵.

Flat-coat retrievers have a 60% chance of having this POMC deletion⁵. This mutation is linked to their weight and food cravings⁵.

Labradors and flat-coat retrievers share a common ancestor with this mutation⁵. This genetic link explains why they are more prone to obesity⁶.

“Around one in four Labradors (23%) is thought to carry at least one copy of the genetic variant associated with weight, obesity, and appetite.”⁶

Research on Labrador retrievers and flat-coat retrievers sheds light on obesity genetics⁵⁶. It shows how the POMC gene affects their weight and appetite⁵⁶.

The POMC Gene and Its Role in Energy Homeostasis

The POMC gene is key in controlling how much we eat and our energy balance. Problems with the POMC gene and other parts of the brain’s energy system can cause severe obesity in both animals and humans⁷. Changes in the POMC gene have also been linked to weight differences in people⁷.

The Hypothalamic Leptin Melanocortin Signalling Pathway

The brain’s energy balance system is crucial. Leptin, made by fat cells, tells the brain to make POMC peptides. These peptides, like α-MSH, work with the brain’s MC4R to reduce hunger and boost energy use⁷.

Research on dog obesity could help find new treatments for human obesity⁷. Hundreds of genetic links to obesity have been found in both humans and dogs. This shows how complex the relationship between genes and health is⁷. Scientists are working to understand this better, hoping to improve health for both humans and animals⁷.

“Genetic associations between obesity in dogs and humans could provide insights for developing new pharmacological treatments for obesity.”

Identification of a POMC Deletion in Obese Labrador Retrievers

Scientists have found a key genetic link to obesity in Labrador retrievers. A 14 base-pair deletion in the POMC gene is the culprit⁸. This deletion was seen in 10 out of 15 obese Labradors but only in 2 out of 18 lean ones⁸.

This deletion messes with the production of important peptides. These peptides, β-MSH and β-endorphin, help control hunger and fullness after eating.

Obesity is a big problem in dogs, with up to 40% of Dutch dogs being overweight or obese⁹. Labrador retrievers, Golden retrievers, Pugs, and Beagles are especially at risk. This shows that genetics play a big role in their weight gain⁹.

Finding the POMC deletion in obese Labradors is a big breakthrough. It helps us understand why this breed is more likely to gain weight⁸. More research is needed to grasp how genetics, environment, and obesity interact in dogs.

“The discovery of a POMC deletion in obese Labrador retrievers is a significant step forward in understanding the genetic basis of obesity in this breed.”

As obesity becomes more common in humans and dogs, finding genetic markers like the POMC deletion is crucial. It could lead to new ways to fight obesity through targeted treatments and breeding⁹¹⁰.

Are Labrador Retrievers Prone to Obesity?

Labrador retrievers are known for their friendly nature and love for water. Sadly, they are also at a higher risk of obesity¹¹. Almost 60 percent of Labradors are overweight or obese, which is a worrying fact¹¹. Their genetic makeup might be the reason behind this.

A study on 310 Labrador retrievers showed many lacked the POMC gene¹¹. This gene is key for controlling appetite and fat sensing¹¹. The POMC deletion is common in Labradors and their cousin, the flat-coated retriever¹¹. This suggests a genetic link to weight gain and food cravings.

Dogs with the POMC deletion were, on average, 1.9 kilograms heavier¹². They also had a higher body condition score, showing more fat¹². These dogs were more likely to look for food, showing their strong food motivation¹².

Obesity is a big problem in dogs, not just Labradors¹². In rich countries, up to two-thirds of dogs are overweight¹². But Labradors have the highest obesity rates among all breeds¹².

The study on the POMC gene in Labradors and flat-coated retrievers was published in Science Advances¹². It sheds light on the genetic causes of obesity in these breeds¹². This knowledge can help breeders and veterinarians tackle the obesity problem in these dogs.

The POMC Deletion in Flat-Coat Retrievers

The pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) deletion was found in flat-coat retrievers but not in 38 other breeds¹³. In 96 unrelated flat-coat retrievers, 60% had the POMC deletion¹³. This mutation was linked to higher body weight and more food interest in these dogs¹³.

This genetic issue is common in flat-coat retrievers. It’s not seen in nearly 40 other dog breeds¹⁴. It’s unique to Labrador retrievers and their relatives, the flat-coat retrievers.

The POMC deletion is common in Labrador and flat-coat retrievers¹³¹⁴. It leads to more weight and a bigger appetite in these dogs¹³. This makes it hard for breeders and owners to keep their dogs healthy and happy.

Discovering the POMC deletion in flat-coat retrievers is a big find¹³¹⁴. It shows we need to learn more about how genetics affect obesity in dogs¹³¹⁴. Knowing more about this can help breeders and owners keep their dogs healthy and happy.

Prevalence of the POMC Deletion in Labrador and Flat-Coat Retrievers

Recent studies have uncovered a genetic mutation linked to obesity in Labrador and Flat-Coat Retrievers. The POMC deletion mutation, first identified in 2016 by Raffan et al¹⁵., affects a significant number of these breeds. It leads to increased hunger and weight gain.

In a study of 310 Labrador Retrievers, the POMC deletion was found in about 23% of the dogs¹⁵. Examining 411 dogs from the UK and US, including 38 other breeds, revealed a unique prevalence in Labrador and Flat-Coat Retrievers¹⁶. This mutation is found in 1 in 4 Labrador Retrievers and 2 in 3 Flat-Coated Retrievers¹⁶.

The POMC deletion mutation disrupts the β-MSH and β-endorphin coding sequences. This leads to increased hunger, food motivation, and higher body weight in affected dogs¹⁵. This genetic predisposition to obesity is a significant concern for these breeds. It can impact their health and well-being if not managed properly.

The findings highlight the need for more research into obesity in these breeds. We also need targeted interventions to address this growing concern.

“The POMC deletion mutation disrupts the β-MSH and β-endorphin coding sequences and is associated with body weight, adiposity, and greater food motivation in Labrador Retrievers and Flat-coated Retrievers.”¹⁵

Implications for Assistance Dog Breeding

The POMC mutation is more common in Labrador retrievers meant to be assistance dogs¹⁷. A study showed that 76% of 81 assistance Labradors had the POMC deletion¹⁷. It’s thought that these dogs might be more eager to eat, which could be why they’re chosen for training¹⁷.

The POMC Deletion and Assistance Dog Selection

The POMC deletion is very common in assistance Labradors¹⁷. This gene makes dogs more interested in food, which might be why they’re picked for assistance work¹⁷. This is something to think about when breeding and training these dogs¹⁷.

As more people need assistance dogs, it’s key to understand how the POMC deletion affects them¹⁷. We need to pick and manage these dogs carefully to make sure they do well in their roles¹⁷.

The table shows how the POMC deletion varies among dog breeds¹⁷. It points out the special challenges for assistance dog programs in dealing with this genetic issue¹⁷.

Potential Therapeutic Implications for Human Obesity

Research on obese Labrador retrievers could lead to new ways to fight human obesity. The POMC gene, key in energy balance, is found in humans too. Some people share genetic traits with these dogs, affecting their weight¹⁸.

This study might reveal how genetics and brain signals link to obesity in humans. By studying the POMC gene and related pathways, scientists could find new treatments. This could help tackle the growing obesity problem worldwide¹⁸.

Obesity is a big health worry, affecting 38.8% to 65% of dogs in rich countries¹⁹. Finding effective ways to fight obesity in dogs and humans could greatly improve health. It could also reduce the risk of other health problems and make life better for those affected.

The research on Labrador retrievers is exciting for human health. Finding genetic causes and treatments could change how we fight obesity. This study could open new doors to managing and preventing obesity in both dogs and humans¹⁸.

These diets, which work for dogs, might also help humans with obesity¹⁹.

“The findings from this study on obese Labradors may provide valuable insights for human health as well.”

As we learn more about the links between dog and human obesity, new treatments could emerge. This research could be a big step towards solving the obesity crisis¹⁸.

Conclusion

Research on Labrador retrievers has given us key insights into obesity. A common genetic variant in the POMC gene is linked to weight and food drive²⁰. This mutation is a big factor in obesity risk for Labradors and flat-coat retrievers. It might also affect their trainability²⁰.

This discovery is crucial for both dogs and humans. It could lead to new ways to fight obesity in pets and people²¹. Labradors often face issues like being overweight, ear problems, and joint issues. This shows we need to take care of their health to make them live longer²¹.

In short, the study on Labrador retriever obesity has given us a deep understanding. With this knowledge, vets, breeders, and owners can create better ways to prevent and manage obesity. This will help improve the health and life span of Labradors²¹²⁰.

Source Links

1. New study finds genetic mutation responsible for obesity in a quarter of Labrador dogs – https://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/news/new-study-finds-genetic-mutation-responsible-obesity-quarter-labrador-dogs
2. Labrador Retrievers Are More Prone to Obesity Than Other Breeds – https://www.dvm360.com/view/labrador-retrievers-are-more-prone-to-obesity-than-other-breeds
3. ‘Much more fixated on the sausage’: study sheds light on obesity in labradors – https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/mar/06/scientists-shed-light-on-gene-mutation-makes-labradors-prone-to-obesity
4. Uncovering structural variants associated with body weight and obesity risk in labrador retrievers: a genome-wide study – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10548226/
5. A Deletion in the Canine POMC Gene Is Associated with Weight and Appetite in Obesity-Prone Labrador Retriever Dogs – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4873617/
6. Genetic variant may help explain why Labradors are prone to obesity – https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/genetic-variant-may-help-explain-why-labradors-are-prone-to-obesity
7. Obesity Research is Going to the Dogs – https://www.the-scientist.com/obesity-research-is-going-to-the-dogs-71863
8. The Canine POMC Gene, Obesity in Labrador Retrievers and Susceptibility to Diabetes Mellitus – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5354034/
9. Frontiers | Uncovering structural variants associated with body weight and obesity risk in labrador retrievers: a genome-wide study – https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/genetics/articles/10.3389/fgene.2023.1235821/full
10. Canine <i>POMC</i> deletion (P187fs) allele frequency in Labrador Retrievers in Brazil – https://www.scielo.br/j/pvb/a/LVvfyxf3gfJwsnX3d3s3wzC/
11. The Lab Results Are In: Genes Might Be to Blame for Retrievers’ Obesity (Published 2016) – https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/06/world/what-in-the-world/dog-labrador-retriever-obesity.html
12. Why fat Labradors can blame their genes – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68492504
13. A Deletion in the Canine POMC Gene Is Associated with Weight and Appetite in Obesity-Prone Labrador Retriever Dogs – PubMed – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27157046/
14. Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) Gene Mutation | VCA Animal Hospitals – https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/proopiomelanocortin-pomc-gene-mutation
15. OMIA:001258-9615: Obesity in Canis lupus familiaris (dog) – OMIA – https://omia.org/OMIA001258/9615/
16. Retrievers have a mutation that makes them hungrier, study discovers – https://www.dvm360.com/view/retrievers-have-a-mutation-that-makes-them-hungrier-study-discovers
17. Why Labrador retrievers are more interested in food than other breeds – https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/493265
18. Why Labrador retrievers are more interested in food than other breeds – https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/05/160503130342.htm
19. Effects of a therapeutic weight loss diet on weight loss and metabolic health in overweight and obese dogs – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10284039/
20. This Is Why Your Lab Is Fat – https://www.justfoodfordogs.com/blog/lab-overweight.html?srsltid=AfmBOop8O5HvNkDwXXZBmQ2LJDVAGbf4gwvY7FeC0aGybLVNwOYPnk-8
21. Labrador retrievers under primary veterinary care in the UK: demography, mortality and disorders – Canine Medicine and Genetics – https://cgejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40575-018-0064-x