Study Reveals Dog Breeds' Skull Shapes Do Not Dictate Job Performance

New research challenges long-held assumptions about the link between skull morphology and functional specialization in working dogs.

A study analyzing 117 canid skulls, including 40 domestic dog breeds, found no evidence that skull shape determines a breed's ability to perform tasks like scent detection or protection work.
Despite centuries of selective breeding, most dog breeds show substantial overlap in skull morphology, with only flat-faced breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs displaying distinct differences unrelated to functionality.
The research debunks myths about certain breeds having structural advantages, such as stronger bite force or 'locking jaws,' for specific jobs or being inherently more dangerous.
Wild canids, like wolves and foxes, exhibit skull shapes more closely aligned with functional needs, contrasting with the domesticated breeds shaped largely by human aesthetic preferences.
The findings suggest that behavior, temperament, and training are more critical factors in a dog's job performance than physical skull adaptations.