Canine Project 

Data Visualization

The Biotechnology Industry Optimization - Canine Authentic Research Experience (BIO-CARE) offers the opportunity for secondary and college students to learn more about the behavior and genetics of their dogs. Previous research from Princeton and Oregon State University has indicated a link between extra DNA at locations on chromosome 6 in dogs and increased attachment of dogs to their people. In cooperation with industry partner Neogen Genomics, instructors at Southeast Community College are expanding this research to high school and college students in southeast Nebraska and beyond. The data at this website is updated in real-time as more students participate and contribute. 

How is Total Hypersociability Score Determined?

The orginal vonHoldt Science paper from 2017 selected 5 questions from the C-BARQ survey that address hypersocial behaviors. These questions are below and the scores on individual questions are combined to obtain the Total Hypersociability Score.

Restlessness/agitation/pacing 

(C-BARQ #22 - 6.6)

Question: Some dogs show signs of anxiety when left alone, even for short periods of time. Thinking back over the recent past, how often has your dog shown each of the following signs of anxiety when left, or about to be left, on its own (select only one option, 0-4)

Restlessness/agitation/pacing 


Barking or whining (C-BARQ #23)

Question: Some dogs show signs of anxiety when left alone, even for short periods of time. Thinking back over the recent past, how often has your dog shown each of the following signs of anxiety when left, or about to be left, on its own (select only one option, 0-4)

 

Barking or whining 

Chewing/scratching at doors, floor, windows, curtains, etc. 

(C-BARQ #24 - 6.6)

Question: Some dogs show signs of anxiety when left alone, even for short periods of time. Thinking back over the recent past, how often has your dog shown each of the following signs of anxiety when left, or about to be left, on its own (select only one option, 0-4)


Chewing/scratching at doors, floor, windows, curtains, etc.


Tends to follow you about the house, from room to room. 

(C-BARQ #25 - 6.6)

Question: Most dogs are strongly attached to their people, and some demand a great deal of attention and affection from them. Thinking back over the recent past, how often has your dog shown each of the following signs of attachment or attention-seeking (please check only one box per question, 0-4):

 

Tends to follow you about the house, from room to room.  

Tends to sit close to, or in contact with, you when you are sitting down. (C-BARQ #26)

Question: Most dogs are strongly attached to their people, and some demand a great deal of attention and affection from them. Thinking back over the recent past, how often has your dog shown each of the following signs of attachment or attention-seeking (please check only one box per question, 0-4):

 

Tends to sit close to, or in contact with, you when you are sitting down.