Science | veterinary medicine Study of Obsessive Dogs Turns up OCD Gene Study sheds light on OCD cause in both humans and dogs By Rob Quinn Posted Jan 19, 2010 5:45 AM CST Copied Mary Swindell's Doberman pinscher, Casanova, races in the weave pole competition at the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge National Championship on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008, in Gray Summit, Mo. (AP Photo/Purina, Whitney Curtis) See 1 more photo Dogs that engage in compulsive behavior like tail-chasing and blanket sucking share a genetic variation, according to new research. The researchers believe the study of Doberman pinschers—a breed especially vulnerable to canine OCD—sheds new light on the causes of the disorder in both humans and animals, the New York Times reports. Researchers are now working to sequence the same gene in humans to determine whether it has the same link to OCD as it does in dogs. Up to 8% of America's dogs suffer from the disorder, according to one expert, and the compulsive behavior is one of the major causes of dogs being given up for adoption or euthanized. Read These Next That 'buy now, pay later' loan may soon hit your credit score. Cops: Arizona 5th graders drew up plot to 'end' a classmate. The Bezos-Sanchez wedding: guest list, cost, the dress, and more. Hall of Famer Dave Parker dies See 1 more photo Report an error