You will definitely be surprised.
The method of determining the shape of a dog’s head is by calculating the so-called head index. For this, the skull is measured at its widest point, then the value is divided by its maximum length and multiplied by 100.
Dogs can have different head shapes:
- Provide translation in English: long-headed (dolichocephalic) – for example, Afghan Hound;
- Short-muzzled (brachycephalic) – they typically have a wide skull. This includes breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs, Mastiffs, and American Staffordshire Terriers;
- Medium-headed (mesocephalic) – Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, or Beagles fall into this category.
The theory is that dogs with short snouts and flat faces (such as Bulldogs and Pugs) as well as dogs with narrow, elongated snouts (such as Greyhounds) were bred for specific purposes. The former were bred for war and protection, while the latter were bred for running and chasing prey.
Meanwhile, medium-headed mesocephalic breeds like Labrador Retrievers have a specialization that, according to researchers, may give them greater cognitive flexibility and help them better cope with new tasks.
New Study
In a recent study, researchers focused on two brachycephalic breeds (15 English Bulldogs and 15 French Bulldogs) and one mesocephalic breed (13 Hungarian Pumis, medium-sized herding dogs and descendants of spitz-type dogs).
The dogs were tested on their intelligence using three different tasks. The results showed that brachycephalic breeds were less intelligent. They required more time to comprehend certain commands.
The intelligence of dogs varies significantly even among animals with the same head shape. For example, Border Collies have a high IQ for work and obedience, while Beagles have a much lower IQ. However, both breeds are mesocephalic.
Head shape has a small but statistically significant impact. There is virtually no difference in intelligence between mesocephalic and dolichocephalic breeds. However, brachycephalic dogs have less pronounced cognitive abilities compared to dogs with any other head shape.
Технології у сфері догляду за тваринами: тренди 2026.
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