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Gun dogs becoming dumber due to inbreeding
The intelligence levels of working dogs is shooting down due to selective breeding by their owners.
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Scientists in Sweden have found evidence that the breeding of pedigree dogs for appearance has led to a dramatic decline in the animals? intelligence.
The author of the report, Kenth Svartberg, from Stockholm University, tested 13,000 dogs across 31 different breeds on various characteristics.
He said: ?Modern breeding practices are affecting the behaviour and mental abilities of pedigree breeds as well as their physical features.?
The worst affected working breeds are smooth collies and Rhodesian ridgebacks.
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