Dogs’ brains began to shrink at least 5,000 years ago, study finds

Domestication did not make dogs stupid, the experts say, but rather made them really capable of understanding us. Photograph: Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty Images

It 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 the results offer fresh insights into the domestication of our canine companions. However, the findings are unlikely to explain why your spaniel will only drink from a muddy puddle: the researchers say a reduction in brain size does not mean dogs are dafter than their wolf-like ancestors.