Th e occipital area in medieval dogs and the role of occipital dysplasia in dog breeding

Abstract

An investigation was carried out on 42 dog skulls from the early medieval period. Th e skulls were excavated in Wrocław, Poland, and in Novgorod and Moscow, Russia. Craniometric measurements were taken. On the basis of the basion-ethmoid measurement, the shoulder height was estimated. Th e foramen magnum height and width were measured and the foramen magnum index was calculated. Th e foramen magnum was typical in shape, and any occipital dysplasia signs observed were in the skulls. Th e results of the investigation, in comparison to other investigations of modern breeds and archaeozoological material, suggest that occipital dysplasia is not a pathology but rather a morphological variation connected with intentional dog breeding that can occur as a result of inbreeding. © TÜBİTAK.