Dog IQ has long been underestimated. But many dog owners agree that their four-legged friends are not only loyal but also astute.
Great intelligence potential of dogs
You have known from movies that dogs are far more alert than their reputation. In everyday life, they help the disabled, sniff out diabetes, work as drug dogs at customs or show the blind the right way. But how does the intelligence of your fur noses express itself?
Dog intelligence: different types of intelligence
- The instinctive intelligence (inherited skills)
- Adaptive intelligence (learned skills)
- The work and obedience intelligence (obedience)
Of course, a man’s best friend is not as gifted as Marie Curie or Albert. But the IQ of your furry friends is also impressive. The American canine researcher and psychologist Stanley Coren determined a breed intelligence ranking in 2008 as part of a broad study. To determine the intelligence, Coren tested and rated the work and obedience intelligence of the animals.
The result: dogs can at least be assigned a mental ability of two to two and a half-year-old children.
But not all dogs are equally smart. The intelligence of the different dog breeds differs significantly from one another. And when is a dog smart? Clever specimens, for example, find the shortest and easiest route to their destination and are able to operate the simplest mechanisms such as a door handle. In addition, dogs can differentiate between words such as “sit”, “place”, “stay” etc. and their meaning. On average, dogs understand around 150 words. You can use specialized online iq test free for dogs and find out.
Intelligence Beasts: Races in Comparison
Above all, the Border Collie emerges as the winner of the ranking and thus secures its reputation as the most intelligent and attentive dog. Second place goes to the poodle. Poodles are considered to be very lively. They were once used for hunting in the water. They are not only particularly loyal and loyal companions, but they are also characterized by their high learning and training abilities.
Third place went to the German Shepherd Dog. His intelligence, strong nerves and his balanced character make him ideal police and guard dog. Golden Retrievers are not only particularly family-related dogs, they are also extremely smart. The retriever takes fourth place in the ranking. Fifth place goes to the Doberman. In addition to the German Shepherd Dog, he is also a popular animal helper for the police and customs. He is also often used as a rescue dog. His nature is balanced. Dobermans are peaceful family dogs, who still take action in dangerous situations and know exactly what to do.