Top View of Dog Cranium #1
In modern small dogs, the external sagittal crest is generally not well-developed. And on the cranium of Dog #1, the external sagittal crest can for the most part only be seen on the interparietal process. However, the temporal line on either side of the interparietal process extend in a parabolic curve to the postorbital process without broadening: a phenotypic feature that differs from modern small native Japanese dog breeds. The temporal line marks the origin of the temporal muscle, a muscle involved with elevating the mandible. This is well-developed on Dog #1, indicating that, although small, it was likely a powerful dog with strong masticatory capability.