In the 1940s, a scientific experiment aimed at breeding a “super-dog” in Maine turned out to be a misguided endeavor that ultimately failed to produce any groundbreaking results. The project, financed by a Rockefeller Foundation director, Charles Gregg, was an ambitious attempt to create a highly intelligent breed of dog.
Following World War II, Gregg invested the equivalent of about $9 million into the venture known as the “School For Dogs.” The project’s objective was to demonstrate that intelligence in dogs was purely genetic by subjecting over 500 puppies of various breeds to maze runs and intelligence tests.
The research team, led by John Paul Scott and John Fuller, soon discovered a key finding: no single dog breed noticeably outperformed others in terms of intelligence. While specific breeds may excel in particular tasks, the overall conclusion indicated that the quest for a genetically superior breed was futile. The study showed that social species like dogs benefit from a diversity of personalities rather than the pursuit of a ‘master race.’
As the goal of creating a genetically superior super dog crumbled, researchers shifted to more controversial experiments. This included isolating puppies behind eight-foot fences to study their attachment styles, revealing that those deprived of human interaction from four to twelve weeks developed behavioral issues.
Eventually, the Rockefeller Foundation ceased funding the project when it became evident that the anticipated results were unattainable. The facility was closed in 1958.
