Researchers from the University of Montpellier analysed the brains of more than 170 dog breeds, comparing brain size with body size to measure how ‘big’ or ‘small’ each breed’s brain is.
They found that breeds with smaller brains respond best to training and have good short-term memory – two traits considered ‘clever’ in dogs.
Meanwhile, breeds with bigger brains scored higher for fear, aggression, attention-seeking behaviours and separation anxiety – traits linked with dimwittedness.
So, if you’ve got a big dog such as a Retriever, Rottweiler or Siberian Husky, they’re likely to have a smaller brain (when the brain:body ratio is applied but higher brainpower.
But if you have a smaller ‘fashionable’ dog that you can fit in your bag, they’re likely to have a larger brain but lower brainpower.
While the new findings may seem counterintuitive, the scientists explain that excessive breeding by humans has distorted the natural layout of canine brains.
Here are different classifications of dog breeds from smaller relative brains down to larger relative brains;
1. Working – Rottweiler, Siberian husky, great pyrenees, European mastiff, schnauzer, retriever
2. Sporting – Pointer setter, spaniel, beagle, weimaraner
3. Foundation – Alpine, Mediterranean
4. Hound – Afghan hound, bloodhound, Basset hound, Besenji, scent hound
5. Herding – Alpine, Hungarian, Border Collie, old English sheepdog
6. Non-sporting – Asian spitz, poodle, Nordic spitz
7. Toy – Pomeranian, chihuahua, Yorkshire terrier, shih tzu, pug
Source: Daily Mail
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