Cats and their owners may disagree, but research shows that dogs that are sociable have bigger and more developed brains.
It is a proven fact that interacting in a social setting is crucial for the human brain. Now researchers at Oxford University have found the same thing is true for dogs. The British Scientists claim that over time, dog species that are sociable develop larger brains than solitary animal species such as cats.
This comes as no surprise to dog lovers.
The Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology at Oxford studied data which compared the body and brain size of over 500 species of living and extinct mammals. There were disparities in how various species brains were developed, but they did find the most significant variations in brain size had to do with how social the animal was. This study was published in the most recent edition of The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Mammals that have seen the most brain growth over the millennium are monkeys, horses, dolphins, camels, and then dogs. Each of these mammals thrive in social groups that are stable. Those mammals that live in a more solitary setting showed brain growth that occurs much more slowly. Animals specifically mentioned in the study include deer, rhinos and cats.
Even though many animals such as cats interact with humans, their brains remain smaller due to their lack of social interaction.
Dr. Shultz, one of the researchers believes that living in a group situation such as a pack of dogs creates challenges that lead to more developed brains. It could be challenged though that the size of the brain does not correlate to intelligence. Although cats have their quirks, their owners believe they are smarter than a dog that chases its tail.
In an interview with the Telegraph, a British newspaper, Shultz reiterates that social interaction is necessary for increased brain function for humans and other mammals.
Science has proven that regardless of age, social interaction is important for proper brain development. A study focusing on older women in California determined that those who have an expanded network they socialize decrease their chance of dementia by 26%. Those who interacted with family or friends daily decreased their risk of dementia by 50%.
In summary, we can learn a lot from dogs. Having a pack of friends keeps our brain sharp.
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