The Economic Times

In the shadow of WWII, Rockefeller poured millions into a Maine experiment that spent years asking a disturbing question: Could intelligence be bred?

In post-war America, the Rockefeller Foundation funded an ambitious experiment to study canine intelligence through selective breeding. More than 500 puppies from various breeds were observed to better understand their hereditary traits. Researchers found no evidence of a universally superior dog, as abilities varied significantly among individuals. Isolation experiments showed a critical socialisation period for puppies, illustrating the importance of early experiences on behaviour.