How to tell if your dog is gifted
Some furry dogs stand out for their great capacity for understanding and learning.
THE INTELLIGENCE OF DOGS
Approximate reading time: 7 minutes
It is common knowledge that dogs have one of the most highly developed intelligences in the animal kingdom. Some research, such as that of anthropologist Brian Hare, claims that their intellectual capacity equals that of a child of 9 months to 2 years of age, depending on the breed and genetics of the dog, and determining variables in this regard. According to science, these pets are able to solve arithmetic and spatial problems, understand a large number of words and recognise and respond to human emotions. But are all dogs equally intelligent?
As with people, if we talk about intellectual capacity, some furry dogs are smarter than others, although this is not a trait that makes them more or less capable, as there are other very important areas in which they can excel, such as speed, endurance, sensitivity... Within this diversity, the smartest dogs have above-average intelligence test results and are therefore considered to be gifted dogs.
Table of contents
2. How do I know if my dog is gifted?
• Attention to the environment
What are gifted dogs like?
When we talk about canine intelligence there are two variables to consider: learning ability and word recognition outside the context of training, where there is conditioning. In this regard, the prestigious journal Science conducted a study with border collies in which they were shown different toys, indicating the names of each of them. According to the researchers, dogs of average IQ could remember two toy names quickly and without conditioning, while some of the gifted dogs in the study were able to quickly memorise up to 10 names. One of the furry dogs, named Whiskey, blew the scientists away by learning and memorising 54 of the 59 toys he was shown in a matter of minutes. Incredible!
In addition, this study found that there is a very particular gesture that all the gifted dogs made while listening to instructions and processing information. Most of these dogs tilted their heads to one side, a sign that the researchers considered to be an indicator of high concentration and mental processing.
How do I know if my dog is gifted?
Your furry pooch may seem like the smartest dog in the world. But if you want to know if they really have an intellect that is above the canine average, you can give them the well-known Stanley Coren test, which measures abilities such as observation of the environment, problem solving and memory, among others. This exercise will not only indicate your pet's level of intelligence, but is also a great way to spend time together. Regardless of the results, these tests will stimulate and amuse your dog. And, of course, you'll clear up the big question: is your furry friend really a gifted dog? Of course, if you want the test to be valid, you must take these requirements into account:
- Choose a quiet, undistracted place to test your dog, where only you and your dog are present.
- Your dog must be over 1 year old, as before that age their cognitive capacity will not be fully developed.
- You must have been living with your pet for more than 4 months for them to feel completely at home with you and for the bond between you to be deep enough.
- Repeat the test several days in a row to prevent occasional situations, such as your dog being tired, from corrupting the results.
- Do not repeat the tests to see if your dog improves the result. Remember that this is not a test, but a curious exercise to assess whether your dog is gifted but, above all, to have fun with them.
- It is preferable that your dog is fasting so that they will find the treats that you will have to use in some of the tests appetising.
- If your dog does not achieve the maximum score in a test (5 points) you will have to subtract one point depending on how far their result is from the ideal.
1. Observation skills
To measure your dog's observation skills, a clear indicator of intelligence, pretend you are going outside at a time when you are not used to doing so. If your dog comes quickly to meet you, score 5 points. If they need extra encouragement to approach, such as you opening the door, score 4.
2. Attention to the environment
Take advantage of a moment when your dog is not at home and move some of the furniture in your house. When you arrive, time how long it takes them to realise that the object is in a different place (you will see them come closer to sniff it, stare at it, etc.). If they notice the change in less than 15 seconds, add 5 points.
3. Short-term memory
In an open room, show your dog a snack that they really like and let them sniff it. Then take them out of the room for 10 seconds and hide the treat. If, when you let them back in, they go straight to the treat, score 5 points. If it takes them a little longer, 4 points. If they locate it within 45 seconds, the score is 3 points, while if they take longer, it is 2 points.
4. Long-term memory
This exercise consists of repeating the previous exercise, except that your dog, instead of spending 10 seconds waiting outside the room, will spend 5 minutes. The points are distributed in the same way.
5. Interpretation of gestures
Choose a moment when your dog is relaxed and, looking straight at them, smile at them without making any other gestures or saying any words. If your pet approaches you in a happy attitude, wagging their tail, score 5 points. If you see them approaching but their body language is neutral or even stops along the way, lower the score to 4.
6. Problem solving
For this test you will need a blanket or towel. Show it to your dog so that they sniff it and recognise it, then cover their head with the cloth. If they get rid of it in less than 5 seconds, you can give your pet 5 points.
High abilities in dogs
As we have explained before, there are many aspects that make any dog special, unique and individual, so don't take intelligence tests too seriously. Measuring your dog's intellectual capacity should be, above all, a fun exercise to do together, but don't take the results at face value under any circumstances, as to know for sure whether your dog is gifted or not, the tests should be done in a scientific environment and by professionals. However, if your dog scores 5 points in most of the exercises, it is very likely that they are gifted. If this is not the case, we suggest you take the opportunity to reflect on what qualities make your furry friend one of a kind. Perhaps it's their ability to connect with your emotions, their great speed when running, their strength or the affection and loyalty they offer you every day. Because, gifted or not, all dogs are truly amazing and breeds like the Australian Cobberdog with their sensitivity and intelligence even more so!