Science Biology Golden retrievers and humans share'striking' genetic similarities The same genes influence intelligence, anxiety, and depression in both species. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. You're likely not reading too much into your dog's mood: according to researchers at the University of Cambridge, certain genes influencing golden retriever behavior are also traceable to human emotions including intelligence, depression, and anxiety. "The findings are really striking," Eleanor Raffan, a neuroscience researcher and coauthor of a study published in the, said in a statement . "They provide strong evidence that humans and golden retrievers have shared genetic roots for their behavior."