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Dogs process faces differently to humans, study suggests
The study suggests that dogs do not possess brain regions that specifically respond to the front or the back of the head.
Findings shed new light on the canine visual system. 

Researchers in Hungary have discovered striking similarities and differences in the way humans and dogs process faces.

Findings published in the Journal of Neuroscience suggest that dogs' brains are not engineered to respond to human faces - and there are no regions in the canine brain that can distinguish between the front or the back of the head.

Faces are so vital for human commination and other primates that they possess a dedicated neural network for processing. While dogs may have evolved to initiate eye contact with humans, they also rely on additional body language to communicate.

In the study, neuroscientists from Eötvös Loránd University used functional MRI to see if dogs' brains are wired for face processing like human brains. Researchers used the technology to compare the brain activity of 20 humans and 30 pet dogs, as they watched short films of other humans and dogs.

In terms of similarities, the study revealed that brain areas in both dogs and humans responded differently to the videos, depending on whether it was showing an individual from their own species.

Attila Andics, senior author of the study, said: "Earlier, our research group already showed a similar correspondence between dog and human brains for voice processing. We now see that species-sensitivity is an important organizing principle in the mammalian brain for processing social stimuli, in both the auditory and the visual modality."

Regarding differences, researchers found that unlike humans, dogs do not possess brain regions that specifically respond to the front or back of the head.

First author Nóra Bunford, explained: "A preference analysis of the brain response patterns confirmed that in dogs, conspecific-preference is primary over face-preference and in humans, face-preference is primary over conspecific-preference. This is an essential difference.

“It demonstrates that there can be substantial dissimilarities in cortical specialization for face perception across mammals. Actually, these findings also shed new light on previous dog fMRI studies claiming to have found 'face areas': we now think that the stronger activity to dog faces in those studies indicated dog-preferring rather than face-preferring brain areas."

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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.