Research suggests that modern dog breeds are evolving to develop brains similar in size to those of wolves, which were their ancestors. The study, published in the journal Evolution, compared brain volumes of over 850 dogs representing 159 breeds to 48 wolf specimens. The results show that as dogs genetically diverged from wolves, their brain sizes increased relative to their body weight.
Typically, domesticated animals have smaller brains than wild counterparts. However, modern dog breeds are catching up, and researchers attribute this change to the complex social environment they inhabit. The study found no association between brain size and tasks such as herding or guarding, but rather suggests that urbanization, social complexity, and adaptation to human expectations may be driving this evolutionary shift.
The team behind the study speculates that the more complex social environment of modern dogs has led to increased selective pressure on their brains. This could be why ancient breeds, which were less influenced by humans, tend to bark less and react less to human cues than modern breeds. The findings suggest that brain size may vary among dog breeds based on their genetic distance from wolves and the tasks they perform.
The study’s lead author, Enikó Kubinyi, notes, “We couldn’t explain this increase in brain size without considering the effects of human interaction.”
Source: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/animals/a69644378/why-dog-brains-are-getting-bigger