Do you have a smart dog? If so, you’re not the only one. Some of our canine friends are extremely intelligent. The average pooch can pick up more than 100 phrases and gestures! Some pups can learn up to 250 or even more. To be more specific, Fido has roughly the same IQ as a two-year-old human child! Read on as a Wichita, KS vet delves into this fascinating topic.
How is Canine Intelligence Measured?
Stanley Coren, PhD, explored doggy intelligence in his 1994 book The Intelligence of Dogs. He broke Fido’s cognitive capabilities down into three key areas.
Instinctive Intelligence is what determines how successfully a dog performs the activities for which it was specifically bred. A good instance of this is the Border Collie’s impulse to “herd” his human family members. (The breed’s initial function was herding cattle.)
Adaptive Intelligence describes a pup’s cognitive ability to adapt to its circumstances. This could be useful for many working dogs, including those who assist the visually impaired. Fido, for example, may refuse to obey commands to help his person across a street if a car is approaching.
Fido’s level of Working Obedience reflects how hard he will work to fulfill your requests. For example, nearly 95% of the time, the most intelligent breeds correctly executed the provided order the first time. The slower dogs needed a bit more motivation.
We’re Still Learning About Canine Intellects
The journal Scientific Reports shared an intriguing study from Helsinki in 2022.
From 2016 to 2022, researchers evaluated over 2,350 puppies. The study included both purebred and mixed-breed dogs. Each of the dogs undertook an assortment of tests, aptly named the smartDOG test battery. The exams assessed multiple facets of canine intelligence.
Many of the findings, particularly those regarding breeds, weren’t unexpected. For example, the Malinois, a herding dog, responded well to hand signals, as one would expect. However, some of the results were surprising. The Labrador Retriever, for example, despite being known as an extraordinarily brilliant canine, did poorly. (He’s still a wonderful dog, though.)
How Do I Know If My Dog Is Intelligent?
There are several methods you can use to evaluate your canine companion.
Paw Pads: These might be game-changerss! Give them a try and watch how Fido responds.
Word Play: Do you usually use a special tone of voice when calling your pet’s name? Continue to speak in the same way, but say something different. Any term will do. In some ways, randomness is preferable. If he pays little attention to what you’re saying when you say “Cheese products” or “The humble zucchini!” but brightens up when he hears his own name, he’s probably pretty sharp.
New Tricks: Before you even consider teaching your pooch tricks, make sure Fido knows the fundamentals of obedience. When teaching Fido, take note of how long it takes your four-legged pal to learn new things when you train him. Ask your Wichita, KS vet for training tips and tricks.
Toys: Giving your canine companion puzzle toys is another excellent way to determine his level of intelligence. Offer Fido a treat that can only be obtained by manipulating the toy in a certain way. Another idea is to hide food beneath a cup.
Of course, you may also realize that your cute pet isn’t the brightest bulb in the box. That’s okay, too! Even if your adorable companion isn’t a furry, four-legged genius, his charming nature and unwavering devotion will more than compensate!
Being Domesticated Changed Dogs
Researchers think that when dogs became pets, they may have lost some of their natural intelligence. As an example, one study clearly demonstrated that dingoes (Canis dingo) can perform better than house dogs in fixing non-social problems. In fact, it looks like dogs today use people to help them with some of their problems.
Which Dog Is Considered To Be The Smartest?
Fido’s intelligence level is undoubtedly influenced by his breed. There have been numerous studies and tests conducted on this. While there may be some variations or adjustments in order, the same puppies consistently come out on top.
Here they are!
- Border Collie
- Poodle
- German Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
- Doberman Pinscher
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Labrador Retriever
- Papillon
- Rottweiler
- Australian cattle dog
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Miniature Schnauzer
- English Springer Spaniel
- Belgian Tervuren
- Schipperke
- Collie
- Keeshond
- German Shorthaired Pointer
What Are the Dumbest Dogs In The World?
Let us be clear: we adore each and every one of our canine patients. Not all dogs need to know how to fetch specific items or obey complex orders to be great pets and companions!
In case you’re curious, we also have a list of the dog breeds with the lowest IQ scores.
- Basset Hound
- Mastiff
- Beagle
- Pekingese
- Bloodhound
- Borzoi
- Chow Chow!
- Bulldog
- Basenji
- Afghan Hound
Naturally, these puppies are Very Good Boys who, like any other pooch, need praise, affection, and belly rubs. However, if your furry friend is on this list, or isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed just in general, take extra caution when petproofing and consider some additional safety measures. For more information, contact your Wichita, KS veterinarian.
How Smart Are Most Dogs?
According to research, the majority of canines have an IQ of approximately 100!
Who Are The Most Intelligent Dogs In The Entire World?
At the top of the list are two Border Collies. Chaser is up first. Amazingly, this puppy learned the names of nearly a thousand different things!. Rico, another Border Collie, knew over 200 words!
However, another one of our animal companions may be taking center stage here, leaving Chaser and Rico in supporting roles. You might be surprised to learn that a small bird is possibly the brightest animal ever. A Budgie named Puck learned more than 1700 words.
Rico and Chaser are not the only dogs with high intelligence. Look at these other “pawesome” puppies:
Fellow: Jacob Herbert fell in love with this German Shepherd when the dog was just a puppy. Herbert was so impressed with the puppy’s intelligence that he taught it to follow highly precise directions like “Jump Over the Sofa” and “Go Into The Back Room.”
Gander: This young canine earned a fantastic reputation for bravery and intelligence. Gander rose to prominence on the battlefield after assisting Canadian forces during WWII. The courageous pooch, who hailed from St. John’s, Newfoundland, was well-known for repeatedly charging the enemy. The brave pup even went so far as to grab a live grenade and carrying it away from his human buddies. He literally sacrificed his life for them!
Colonel: Charles Kestler, the owner of the Merchants’ Hotel, owned this Denver dog. Kestler kept Colonel’s favorite ball in his desk drawer. Colonel sat by the desk one day, hoping someone would play with him. When no one got the hint, the resolute Colonel resolved to unlock the drawer on his own. This required creeping below and behind the desk, standing on his back legs, and pushing it open!
Schedule An Appointment With Your Wichita, Ks Animal Clinic
Do you have any questions about your dog’s health or care? Please feel free to contact us at any time. As your local Wichita, KS animal clinic, we are here to assist!