Huge ears and hairless legs: AI envisions what DOGS could look like in the future 

Flying cars and Martian holidays are perhaps among the things we dream of when looking ahead to the year 2100.

But it may surprise you to know that dogs could undergo a huge transformation too, as they adapt amid the crippling impacts of climate change.

Experts at Love Your Dog asked artificial intelligence (AI) to envision what future pooches could like based on predictions of canine evolution.

The results may just surprise you, as dogs are expected to be far more fox-like one day with huge ears and even hairless legs.

‘Physically, we can expect dogs that resemble the famous Chinese Crested Dog, with a small size, little or almost no hair (considered hypoallergenic), and a calm and friendly temperament,’ said Jessica D’avilia and Brenda Vitorino, of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul.

Furry feet: A thicker coat may protect dogs from the hot ground amidst rising temperatures

‘Physical and behavioral modifications will be selected gradually and artificially. 

‘That is, dog breeders will set traits of commercial interest to “improve” the breed to satisfy human needs.’

The AI platforms of Midjourney and Gencraft were used to depict future visions of man’s best friend.

It’s claimed that dogs will weigh between 8.8-22Ibs on average (4-10kg), with a short snout and large pointy ears.

This backs previous research led by Australia’s Deakin University which suggests that many warm-blooded animals will evolve to have bigger ears to shed excess heat.

Size increases such as this are already starting to occur, but Sara Ryding, an author of the study, claims these are currently ‘less than 10 per cent’.

‘The increases in appendage size we see so far are quite small – less than 10 percent – so the changes are unlikely to be immediately noticeable,’ she said.

‘However, prominent appendages such as ears are predicted to increase – so we might end up with a live-action Dumbo in the not-so-distant future.’ 

With rising temperatures in mind, you may also expect that any hair on dogs will be a lot thinner.

Pooches may look more like the Chinese Crested Dog as they evolve amidst climate change (file image)

Fox-like appearance: Dogs may have more pointy ears and a shorter snout by the year 2100

Shorter snout: This could help retain moisture in hotter temperatures, Love Your Dog claims

But Ms D’avilia and Ms Vitorino claim that some breeds may have thicker hair on their feet to better protect paws on the hot ground.

Meanwhile, lighter fur may help dogs reflect heat away, while a shorter, more fox-like snout could help them retain moisture. 

‘We must also remember that these modifications for changes in characteristics take time (about eight generations) to be “fixed” in the breeds,’ the researchers added.

‘In addition, adding to the current trend towards longer working hours, dog owners are expected to opt for animals that take up little space and require less maintenance and care.’

MailOnline has also approached the British Veterinary Association to comment on these findings. 

Lighter fur: This may help dogs reflect heat away in hotter climatic conditions