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Dog owners are often curious to find out how intelligent there dog is. Several
research studies have been undertaken to evaluate the intelligence of specific
breeds and some simple tests that purport to determine whether one’s own dog is
smart are also available.
The study that is most often referred to is one
presented in a book by Stanley Coren of the University of British Columbia, in
Vancouver, Canada entitled “The Intelligence of Dogs".
The author
believes there are 3 types of intelligence displayed by dogs, namely, adaptive
intelligence (the ability to problem solve); instinctive intelligence
(genetically-dictated behaviors); and obedience intelligence (the ability to
obey commands).
As a measure of the latter, Dr. Coren polled some 200
dog obedience judges, asking them which breeds of dogs were most trainable. He
then listed the survey results, basing them on how many repetitions it took for
the breed to understand a new command and how often the dogs would then obey the
command the first time it was spoken. Topping the list were Border Collie,
Poodle, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, Shetland Sheepdog,
Labrador Retriever, Papillion, Rottweiler, Australian Cattle Dog and Welsh
Corgi.
Bringing up the rear were the Bull Terrier, Chihuahua, Lhasa
Apso, Bullmastiff, Shih Tzu ,Basset Hound, Mastiff, Beagle, Pekingese,
Bloodhound, Borzoi, Chow Chow, Bulldog, Basenji and at the very bottom, the
Afghan Hound.
Those dog owners whose dogs rank low may take solace in the
criticisms that Dr. Coren’s list has attracted. One obvious problem is that the
results are based on the subjective determinations of dog obedience trainers.
This is clearly not an objective scientific method of measuring intelligence.
And this flaw is compounded by the fact that only 200 trainers were surveyed, so
that for each particular breed that is ranked, the sample size may well have
been low and may not be statistically reliable.
Another issue raised by
the list is whether obedience is really a good measure of intelligence. For
example there are some breeds that seem very bright, such as terriers, which
rank low in the survey. But does the fact that they are slow to respond to new
commands mean they are unintelligent, or merely that they are independent and
not overly doting on their masters. Be that as it may, dog owners whose pets
rank highly probably enjoy and take comfort in the results.
A number of
do-it-yourself tests for dog owners to measure their particular pet’s adaptive
intelligence can be found on the internet and in Dr. Coren’s book as well. These
involve things like: (1) Letting your dog sniff some food he likes, then placing
the food under an empty soup can and timing how long it takes for him to knock
over the can to get the food; (2) Having your dog sniff a large bath towel, then
throwing the towel over his head and measuring how long it takes for him to free
himself; and (3) staring intently into your sitting dog’s face and when he looks
at you, counting silently to three, then smiling broadly, and seeing whether he
comes to you, tail a-wagging or not, or whether he does not move at all, or
moves away from you.
Such “tests" really do seem almost laughable as
measures of intelligence. Really, as a dog owner, what should interest you is
your pet’s willingness to obey your commands and his overall temperament. And if
you do not yet own a dog but are thinking of getting one, you should speak to
breeders to get an idea of what breed best matches the characteristics you are
seeking in your new dog.
---------- Michael Rupkalvis operates the
TakeCareofYourPet website. The website offers a new product called Hope for
Pets, an all-natural supplement that he believes is the very best natural supplement for dogson the market to aid in optimizing healthier and lengthier lives for
our dogs.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
