Huge ears and hairless legs: AI envisions what DOGS could look like in the future
Huge ears, hairless legs and fox-like features: AI imagines what DOGS could look like in the future
- Dogs can evolve to look like the Chinese Crested Dog amid climate change
- Predictions suggest they will have thicker hair on their feet and a short snout
- These may come as protective measures as global temperatures rise
Flying cars and vacations on Mars may be among the things we dream of as we look forward to the year 2100.
But you may be surprised to know that dogs can also undergo massive transformation as they adapt to the crippling effects of climate change.
Experts at Love your dog asked artificial intelligence (AI) to imagine what future doggies would like based on predictions of canine evolution.
The results may surprise you as it is expected that one day dogs will be much more fox-like with huge ears and even hairless legs.
“Physically, we can expect dogs that resemble the famous Chinese Crested Dog, with a small size, little or almost no hair (considered hypoallergenic), and a calm and friendly disposition,” said Jessica D’avilia and Brenda Vitorino, of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul.
Bigger Ears: Predictions suggest these could soon be bigger to dissipate excess heat
Hairy Feet: A thicker coat can protect dogs from the hot ground amid rising temperatures
“Physical and behavioral changes will be gradually and artificially selected.
“That is, dog breeders will set traits of commercial interest to “improve” the breed to meet human needs.”
Midjourney and Gencraft’s AI platforms were used to represent man’s best friend’s visions of the future.
Dogs are said to weigh between 4 and 10 kg on average, with a short muzzle and large pointed ears.
This supports previous research led by Deakin University in Australia, suggesting that many warm-blooded animals will evolve to have bigger ears to get rid of excess heat.
Such increases in size are already beginning to take place, but Sara Ryding, an author of the study, claims they are currently “less than 10 percent.”
“The increase in appendage size we’re seeing so far is quite small — less than 10 percent — so the changes are unlikely to be immediately noticeable,” she said.
“However, prominent appendages, such as ears, are predicted to increase — so we may end up with a live-action Dumbo in the not-so-distant future.”
With rising temperatures in mind, you can also expect that dogs’ hair will be a lot thinner.
Pooches may be more like the Chinese Crested Dog as they evolve amid climate change (file image)
Fox-like appearance: Dogs may have more pointed ears and a shorter muzzle by the year 2100
Shorter muzzle: This can help retain moisture in warmer temperatures, claims Love Your Dog
But Ms. D’avilia and Ms. Vitorino argue that some breeds may have thicker hair on their feet to better protect the paws on the hot ground.
Meanwhile, a lighter coat can help dogs dissipate heat, while a shorter, more foxy muzzle can help them retain moisture.
“We should also remember that these adaptations for trait changes take time (about eight generations) to become ‘fixed’ in the races,” the researchers added.
“Moreover, in addition to the current trend towards longer working hours, dog owners are expected to opt for animals that take up little space and require less maintenance and care.”
MailOnline has also approached the British Veterinary Association to comment on these findings.
Lighter Coat: This can help dogs reflect heat away in warmer climates