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In Finland, scientists have collaborated on a study to discover differences in cognitive and behavioral traits between dog breeds. The article, published in scientific reportspresented the researchers’ results after testing 1,000 dogs from more than 13 breeds.
Understanding Cognitive Diversity in Dogs
According to the study, “youhe extraordinary genetic and behavioral diversity of dog breeds offers a unique opportunity to investigate the heritability of cognitive traits.” Unfortunately, previous studies that have focused on the topic have returned “contradictory and inconsistent” results. To that end, the researchers hoped this study “will provide more clarity on breed differences in cognitive traits in dogs.”
Interestingly, the researchers evaluated their test subjects using a “commercial battery of cognitive tests” called smartDOG, according to Phys.org. The test battery was developed by Katriina Tiira, who also participated in the study. Surprisingly, the study was carried out over five years, from March 2016 to February 2022.
Like most test batteries, the assessment consisted of several small tests that measured specific cognitive traits. Some of these looked at spatial problem solving or logical reasoning. Others focused on the dog’s ability to “read human gestures and respond appropriately.” Interestingly, one test presented the dogs with an unsolvable problem. In this test, the researchers looked at the conditions under which dogs turned to humans for help in solving this problem.
Study Results Invite More Questions
As expected, the research team found “significant differences between individual dog breeds” for most of their tests. Specifically, the differences were most significant with respect to social cognition, persistence, inhibitory control, and spatial problem-solving ability.
Most of the differences reflected well-known patterns in certain breeds. For example, border collies Y australian shepherds – both herding breeds – scored high on inhibitory control. However, other differences were not so easily explained. In another example, golden retrievers “differed significantly” from farmers in the unsolvable task, despite the fact that both breeds belong to the retriever group.
In conclusion, the researchers stated that their findings “highlight the importance of investigating behavioral differences between individual breeds rather than relying solely on breed group categorizations.”
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