Some dogs may actually sing in tune, new study suggests
Boston: Many people laugh when their dog howls along with a favorite song. But new research suggests some dogs may actually be trying to sing in tune.
A study led by Tufts University psychologist Aniruddh Patel found that certain dogs can change the pitch of their howls to match changes in music.
The research team focused on “ancient” dog breeds, which share more genetic similarities with wolves. Wolves are known for group howls, where each animal shifts pitch to create a layered, powerful sound. Scientists wondered if some dogs might still have that ability.
To test this, researchers ran a citizen science project. Dog owners played music their pets liked to howl along with, then played versions of the same songs shifted slightly higher or lower in pitch. Owners filmed the howling sessions at home and submitted the videos for analysis.
Early findings show some dogs adjusted their howls to track the music’s pitch, hinting at a rudimentary form of vocal matching. Researchers say the trait may be a leftover from pack communication in wolves. The study is ongoing, with the team calling for more video submissions from owners of huskies, malamutes, and other ancient breeds.
