A recent study conducted by behavioral researchers in Austria shows that dogs and wolves both work equally well with humans, albeit in different ways.

The study tested the extent to which dogs and grey wolves collaborate with humans in order to solve certain tasks. Findings show that both dogs and wolves cooperate intensively with humans and are equally successful, although the animals attain their goals in different ways. In their cooperation with human partners, dogs followed the behavior of the humans while wolves led the interaction: they were more independent.

Based on the results of the study, the researchers proposed that dogs were selected for breeding because of their higher submissive tendencies, which helped minimize conflicts over resources and ensured the safe coexistence and cooperation in which humans lead and dogs follow.