Scientists report that modern dogs often retain a sliver of wolf ancestry, a finding that reshapes ideas about canine evolution and could help explain certain breed traits. Read On…
Research Finds Small Traces of Wolf DNA in Many Modern Dogs
Posts Tagged ‘research’
Researchers Say Dogs Track Time with Rhythms, Senses and Routines
Experts say dogs do not read clocks but use internal rhythms, scent, sound and learned patterns to anticipate meals, walks and an owner’s return. Read On…
ELTE study links short-nosed dog faces to some behavioral traits but pins poor trainability on size and training
A study published by ethologists at Eötvös Loránd University on July 28, 2025, used questionnaire data collected in Germany on roughly 5,000 dogs to examine how head shape and other factors relate to behavior in short-nosed breeds such as French Bulldogs and Pugs. Read On…
Genetic study links golden retriever behaviours to human emotions
A University of Cambridge study of 1,300 golden retrievers finds specific genetic variants help shape canine behaviours and overlap with genes tied to human emotional and cognitive traits. Read On…
Study finds some dogs show addictive-like obsession with toys
A University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna study examined excessive toy motivation in dogs and found signs that a subset of pets may behave in ways resembling behavioural addiction. Read On…
Bristol study finds dogs can smell human stress, altering their behaviour
A University of Bristol study led by Dr. Zoe Parr-Cortes tested 18 dogs in 2024 and found that human stress and relaxation odors influence canine behaviour, with stress scents making dogs less willing to take a perceived risk. Read On…
Margaret and Richard Riney Give $30 Million to Endow Cornell Canine Health Center
Margaret and Richard Riney have pledged $30 million to endow the Cornell Margaret and Richard Riney Canine Health Center at the College of Veterinary Medicine, funding research, outreach and grants to support canine health and early-career investigators. Read On…
Duke study tracks how 101 retriever puppies develop different kinds of intelligence
Duke University researchers tested 101 Labrador and golden retriever puppies to track when distinct cognitive skills appear between 8 and 20 weeks of age, a timeline that could inform how dogs are matched to roles with people. Read On…
Study of more than two million UK dogs finds six breeds more prone to diarrhea
Research led by the Royal Veterinary College, published June 11, showed six breeds — Maltese, Miniature Poodle, Cavapoo, German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier and Cockapoo — were significantly more likely to receive a diarrhea diagnosis, and dogs three years and under and those nine and older faced higher odds. Read On…
ASU study finds owners read situations, not dogs, when judging canine emotions
A study published in the journal Anthrozoös by Arizona State University researchers suggests many dog owners misinterpret canine emotions by focusing on context—treats or scolding—rather than the animal's body language. Read On…