Dog brains shrank by half 5000 years ago: what researchers discovered.

According to ТСН: Significant anatomical changes were noted in domesticated dogs during the late Neolithic: their brains shrank in size compared to wild wolves. Now its volume is comparable to that of modern small breeds such as Chihuahuas and Cocker Spaniels.

Researchers note that the smaller brain in modern dogs is often associated with increased anxiety and aggression, as well as reduced cognitive abilities. However, it remains an open question why such characteristics developed in dogs thousands of years ago. One theory suggests that these animals may have played the role of 'signalizers' — alerting people to danger.

How scientists studied the evolution of dog brains

The question of how domestication affects brain size in dogs has long been debated. Some studies link brain shrinkage to a decreased need for independence, while others indicate that evolutionary factors played a more significant role than mere human influence.

To clarify this situation, researchers examined the internal volumes of dog and wolf skulls from different historical periods — from the early Paleolithic to modern times. The measurements allowed tracking gradual changes in the brain during domestication.

Research showed that in the earliest partially domesticated dogs, the brain was nearly indistinguishable from that of wolves. Moreover, about 35,000 years ago, they even observed an increase in size, which may have influenced their adaptation to life alongside humans.

However, around 5000 years ago, the situation changed. From remains found in present-day France, scientists established that the brains of domesticated dogs shrank by almost half compared to the wolves of the same period. It became similar to the brains of today's small and decorative breeds — from Spitzes to Pekingese.

One possible reason for the decrease in brain size may lie in a limited diet. Ancient dogs living near human settlements did not perform important functions and largely fed on food scraps.

However, not all scientists agree with a direct link between brain size and cognitive abilities. There are studies that prove some decorative breeds have larger brains than working dogs.

Furthermore, archaeological findings suggest that the domestication process was not always peaceful: remains of a partially domesticated animal were found in France, likely killed by humans attempting to domesticate it.

To teach a puppy not to jump on you, perform a few simple exercises. No physical restraint or strict prohibitions — just a bit of patience and the right reinforcement.

Thus, the study examining the evolution of dog brains highlights important aspects of domestication and its consequences. The reduction in brain size in dogs raises considerable interest among scientists and also raises questions about changes in their behavior and interaction with humans. Further research may help understand the mechanisms underlying these changes and reveal new aspects of the evolutionary characteristics of dog breeds.