Dogs’ brains began to shrink at least 5,000 years ago, study finds
A new study finds that dogs' brains began shrinking at least 5,000 years ago, challenging the idea that smaller brains resulted early in domestication. Researchers analyzed CT scans of ancient and modern canines, revealing that brain size reduction occurred later than previously thought. Despite smaller brains, dogs are not less intelligent—domestication enhanced their ability to understand humans. The timing suggests brain changes may be linked to Neolithic lifestyles rather than the initial domestication process.
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Domestication did not make dogs stupid, the experts say, but rather made them really capable of understanding us. Photograph: Kiran Ridley/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenDomestication did not make dogs stupid, the experts say, but rather made them really capable of understanding us. Photograph: Kiran Ridley/Getty ImagesEvolutionDogs’ brains began to shrink at least 5,000 years ago, study findsResearch offers insights into domestication of dogs but it remains unclear why they ended up with smaller brains than wolvesNicola Davis Science correspondentTue 28 Apr 2026 19.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleIt has long been known that dogs have less between their ears than wolves, but now research has suggested their brains started to get smaller at least 5,000 years ago.Experts say…
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