The Institute of Canine Biology is dedicated to advancing the understanding of canine genetics, health, and breeding practices. It provides articles, research summaries, and educational resources aimed at dog owners, breeders, and professionals who want to make informed, science-based decisions for the long-term health of dogs.

DogRisk is the only independent, university-based research group in the world analyzing the connections between diet, environmental factors, and chronic diseases in dogs. Largely funded by donations and external grants, their mission is to help dogs live happier, healthier, and longer lives by preventing chronic disease.

For over 15 years, DogRisk researchers have conducted freely accessible studies on chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and epilepsy. They provide unbiased, science-based nutritional insights, comparing whole foods to kibble (not just kibble to kibble), and take an integrative approach to dog health. Their work helps dog owners make informed decisions about diet and lifestyle factors that can significantly benefit their dog’s wellbeing. They have great seminars on their Youtube channel too.

The Domestication Lab, based at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, investigates the effects of domestication on animals’ social behavior, personality, and cognition. By comparing wolves and dogs, both in controlled environments like the Wolf Science Center and in natural settings such as Vienna’s Clever Dog Lab, the team explores how domestication influences social and physical cognition.

Their research covers topics such as cooperation, tolerance, and problem-solving abilities, providing valuable insights into the evolutionary and behavioral changes resulting from domestication. The site doesn’t offer much actual resources, but they maintain a comprehensive list of their publications, making their work accessible for anyone interested in domestication research.

The Clever Dog Lab, part of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, studies how dogs think, learn, and interact with humans. Their research explores canine social and physical cognition, helping us understand how dogs perceive the world and communicate with people. While they don’t produce educational blogs or popular content, their work provides a thorough and reliable introduction to canine cognition for anyone interested in science-based insights about dogs.

Canine Brains Project research investigates how brain organization relates to behavior, temperament, and motivation in dogs and other canids. They ask big questions about sociality, prey drive, and the effects of domestication. While they don’t offer traditional learning materials, their site provides access to their publications, and they share fascinating insights on their Instagram. They also feature the documentary Inside the Mind of a Dog, which gives a closer look at their work.

The FDC was founded to support the breeding and raising of purebred, outcrossed, and mixed-breed dogs while prioritizing their functionality, health, and wellbeing through research, education, and community.

In addition to their practical guidance, FDC provides clear and accessible explanations of fundamental concepts in dog genetics, inheritance, coat color, and other breeding essentials. Their materials are particularly valuable for anyone who wants to make informed, science-based decisions in dog breeding and care. They have a great podcast too.