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Neolithic Dogs' Brains 46% Smaller, Domestication Impact Delayed

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Dr Thomas Cucchi reported Neolithic dogs (5,000-4,500 years ago) had brains 46% smaller than wolves.
CT scans of prehistoric (35,000-5,000 years) and modern wolves and dogs found dogs’ brains 32% smaller.
Two protodogs dated 35,000 and 15,000 years ago showed no brain-size reduction, with one having a larger brain than its wolf counterpart.
Dr Juliane Kaminski said the findings challenge the view that brain-size reduction marks early domestication, suggesting it appeared later.

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Story summary

Dr Thomas Cucchi reported Neolithic dogs (5,000-4,500 years ago) had brains 46% smaller than wolves.
CT scans of prehistoric (35,000-5,000 years) and modern wolves and dogs found dogs’ brains 32% smaller.
Two protodogs dated 35,000 and 15,000 years ago showed no brain-size reduction, with one having a larger brain than its wolf counterpart.
Dr Juliane Kaminski said the findings challenge the view that brain-size reduction marks early domestication, suggesting it appeared later.