Sex differences in cognitive abilities

The theme of sex differences in cognitive functions is among the most controversial, fascinating and investigated topics in human psychology. Many studies have pointed out relevant differences between men and women in various domains, such as spatial cognition, that is the complex of skills and processes used for acquiring, memorizing and using information for orienting and navigating in a certain environment, and self-control, that is the ability to inhibit prepotent and impulsive behavioural responses.

We want to understand if such differences also exist in male and female dogs. Dogs provide an interesting possibility to investigate such differences. The availability of spayed and neutered dogs would allow to study the role of sexual hormones on cognitive functions. Moreover, such information would be extremely important in order to understand the effects of gonadectomy on the lives of our dogs.

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