You’re right that dogs have more chromosomes than we do, but the number of chromosomes does not really determine how complex an organism is. Dogs and humans are both mammals. We’re pretty close relative if you think in terms of all living things, or even just the animal kingdom. Our anatomy and physiology are pretty similar. If you know the bones of a human skeleton, you won’t have any trouble naming dog bones.

Back to the chromosome number, only a small portion of our DNA actually codes for proteins. Some more genes are part of the gene regulation system, some code for important structures, but a whole lot of the genome doesn’t seem to do much. It’s just evolutionary leftovers.

Also, chromosomes can be different lengths, so two short chromosomes may have as much genetic material as one long chromosome.

Usually when people hear that on organism has more DNA, they think it must be better. What are some skills and abilities that dogs and humans share. In what ways do we have an advantage? In what ways do dogs have an advantage?