Description: Everybody knows that dog breeds have distinct personalities. If you have a Labrador Retriever, chances are they love food, people, and fetching. But if you have a Border Collie, they are probably more interested in staring at anything that moves. These differences are presumably the result of generations of selective breeding for distinct working roles. But how has this selective breeding shaped their biology? Or more specifically, how has it altered their brains?
The answer isn’t straightforward, because brains are not fixed. They can be sculpted not only by inherited genes, but also by individual experience and learning. The brains of a working and companion Border Collies might be very different.
In the Working Dog Breeds Study, we are investigating how selective breeding and training shape the brains of working dog breeds using non-invasive MRI brain imaging. A major goal of this research is to benefit the working dog community by informing breeding and training practices.
Study Details: The study is led by PhD candidate Sophie Barton. It takes place in the Canine Brains Project’s laboratory suite at Harvard University’s Center for Brain Science in Cambridge, Massachusetts. We may be able to provide limited funding for participants who travel to us from out-of-state. Dog brain scans are supervised by experienced veterinarians on the Canine Brains Project team. A member of our veterinary team will health screen all candidate dogs. Genetic data will be collected using a cheek swab and behavioral data will be drawn from questionnaires.
Eligibility: The study is currently open to Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Border Collies, and Eurohounds (sprint racing sled dogs) who are at least 1 year of age and in good health. We are interested in dogs who are actively engaged in work, as well as dogs who have little to no training for specific jobs. Dogs should have no metal anywhere inside or on their body (microchips are fine).
Scheduling: We are currently enrolling Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Border Collies, and Eurohounds. Enrollment will end December 31st, 2025.
Enrollment: To enroll your 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 dog, please reach out to Sophie for more information.