🐶💭Ever wondered about your pup's brainpower?
Recent research from Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary, published in Evolution in April of this year, offers a surprising twist to our understanding of canine cognition! Despite the longstanding belief that domestication results in smaller brain sizes, it seems our loyal companions have been bucking the trend.🧠
Scientists studying the skulls of 159 different dog breeds have discovered something unexpected: modern breeds, particularly those more genetically distinct from wolves, have been showing signs of brain growth over the past 150 years! This upends previous theories that reduced survival instincts from domestication cause a decrease in brain size.
This development isn't tied to the dog's breed function, lifespan, or litter size. Rather, it's all about their genetic difference from wolves. So, no matter if your dog is a shepherd or a lapdog, urbanization, complex social environments, and adaptation to rules might be contributing to their increased 'braininess'. 🏙️📚
Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/ef9Mk6HJ
It's a fascinating reminder of the hidden complexities in our domesticated companions and an intriguing hint at how our changing world might be shaping them in ways we've yet to fully understand.
So the next time your dog gives you a knowing look, just remember, there might be more going on in there than you think!🐾💡
Stay tuned for more insights as scientists continue to unravel this mystery!🔍
#DogBrains #CanineCognition #Evolution #ScienceUpdates #JoyfulDog #VirginiaDogTrainer #DogTrainer