Swedish Scientists Discover New Evolutionary Phase in Dogs

Swedish scientists have discovered that dogs are entering a new phase of evolution. Dogs are in the stage of the third wave of domestication. This is related to people's preference for having calm and friendly pets that easily adapt to a sedentary lifestyle. This change has resulted in an increase in the level of oxytocin - a hormone that promotes the formation of social bonds. In an experiment, scientists gave 60 golden retrievers a can of food that could not be opened without human assistance. Half of the dogs were given oxytocin, while the other group received a neutral solution. The results showed that dogs with increased levels of oxytocin more frequently sought help from people. Researchers concluded that the evolution of dogs continues, and they are increasingly shifting from guardian roles to companions.