Description: The vast majority of dogs on the planet are not breed dogs living in human households, but rather free-roaming dogs living on the streets of human settlements. These dogs are often called village dogs, free-ranging dogs, or pariah dogs. Like early domestic dogs, village dogs are scavengers who specialize in consuming human scraps and waste. Given their ancestral lifestyle, village dogs offer a unique window into dog evolutionary history. Scientists have already begun to examine their genes and behaviors, but until now their brains have largely been ignored. In our Village Dog Brain Study, the Canine Brains Project will investigate the brains of companion village dogs living in the United States to improve our understanding of early dog domestication.
Study Details: The study takes place in the Canine Brains Project’s laboratory suite at Harvard University’s Center for Brain Science in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Funding for travel and lodging is available for participants who travel from out-of-state. Free parking is available. Dog brain scans are supervised by experienced veterinarians on the Canine Brains Project team. A member of our veterinary team will confer with the dog’s attending vet prior to participation and will perform an additional physical exam on the day of the brain scan. Genetic data will be collected using a cheek swab and behavioral data will be drawn from questionnaires.
Eligibility: The study is open to village dogs who are at least one year of age and in good health. They should have no metal anywhere inside or on their body (microchips are fine).
Scheduling: We are currently enrolling village dogs. Enrollment will end August 1st of 2024.
Enrollment: To enroll your village dog in this study, please fill out the pre-registration form and/or email Sophie Barton at sbarton@g.harvard.edu. If you’re interested in the study but not sure yet if you’d like to participate with your village dog, please reach out to Sophie for more information.