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Dogs smart as toddlers, study says
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Border collie/AKC.org
If your dog acts like toddler, there might be a good reason.
Researchers at the American Psychological Association believe the average dog is about as smart as a 2-year-old human. The research was presented during a conference in Canada this week by psychologist and dog expert Stanley Coren, Ph.D., of the University of British Columbia .
Experts say dogs have problem-solving skills similar to those found in humans.
“Their stunning flashes of brilliance and creativity are reminders that they may not be Einsteins but are sure closer to humans than we thought,” Coren said in a prepared statement.
And we thought our dogs were just being comedians -- with a gross sense of humor. Butt sniffing and rolling on dead worms doesn’t seem too intelligent.
So what might prove a dog’s intelligence? Studies show that a dog’s ability to find a hidden treat is about the same as a toddler’s. Dogs also have basic language and math skills, researchers say. The average dog understands 165 words, while the geniuses of the canine world are capable of learning up to 250 words. Most dogs can count as high as five.
Dog intelligence is measured three ways: Instinctive (based on breeding), adaptive (problem-solving) and working and obedience. Breed also plays a strong role in determining dog intelligence.
Like any study, the results should be viewed with a skeptical eye. At the very least, the findings reveal what many dog owners already suspected: Their canine companions are a lot smarter than some people might think.
Top five smartest dog breeds
1. Border collies
2. Poodles
3. German shepherds
4. Golden retrievers
5. Doberman pinscher
The findings were based on 208 dog obedience judges from Canada and the United States.
Coren is the author of several books on dog intelligence including How Dogs Think and How to Speak Dog.
Sources: American Psychological Association, Atlanta Journal Constitution
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