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Dogs and toddlers show similarities in social intelligence
Dogs and two-year-old children are more similar in social intelligence than two-year-old children are to chimpanzees.
Study findings may inform research of human evolution

A study by US researchers has revealed that dogs may be more like humans than previously thought.

Published in the journal Animal Behaviour, the study found that dogs and two-year-old children are more similar in social intelligence than two-year-old children are to chimpanzees.

Experts believe the findings could help scientists better understand how humans evolved socially. Evan Maclean, director of the Arizona Canine Cognition Centre at the University of Arizona, explains:

"What we found is that there's this pattern, where dogs who are good at one of these social things tend to be good at lots of the related social things, and that's the same thing you find in kids, but you don't find it in chimpanzees," he said.

The team believes one explanation for the similarities between dogs and humans is that the two species may have evolved under similar pressures that favoured “survival of the friendliest,” with benefits and rewards for behaviour that is more cooperative.

"Our working hypothesis is that dogs and humans probably evolved some of these skills as a result of similar evolutionary processes, so probably some things that happened in human evolution were very similar to processes that happened in dog domestication," MacLean said. "So, potentially, by studying dogs and domestication we can learn something about human evolution."

In the study, MacLean and his collaborators assessed more than 500 dogs, including pet dogs, assistance dogs in training and military explosive detection dogs, representing a variety of different breeds.

The researchers measured social cognition through various tests, in which they hid toys and treats and then communicated the hiding places through nonverbal cues - such as a pointing finger.  

The data were then compared to the results of 105 two-year-old children and 106 chimpanzees, who previously completed a similar cognitive test. 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.