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

Research offers insights into domestication of dogs but it remains unclear why they ended up with smaller brains than wolves 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 resea...

By Nicola Davis Science correspondent