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Study explores cognitive differences across dog breeds
The Malinois were most likely to be completely independent during the 'unsolvable task' test.
Further understanding enables better predictions of behaviour.

A study published in Scientific Reports has examined cognitive differences between dog breeds, finding differences mainly in social cognition, problem-solving and inhibitory control.

Aiming to provide a more complete picture of cognitive differences in dogs, the study allowed researchers to look at differences between individual breeds rather than breed group classifications, in order advance the ability to predict how individual dogs are likely to behave. 

Researchers used the commercial cognitive test battery smartDOG to test the dogs' problem solving skills with food rewards. 

Analysing the results, the research team found no breed differences for short-term memory or logical reasoning. Differences were found for social cognition, persistence, inhibitory control, spatial problem-solving ability, activity level, greeting unfamiliar people and exploration of a novel environment.

From the data, it was found that border collies and Australian shepherds had high inhibitory control, while the Belgian shepherd Malinois scored the highest for understanding human gestures.

'Breed differences in social cognition, inhibitory control, and spatial problem-solving ability in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris)' is an open access study. 

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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...
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RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."