The intelligence of dogs is a feature that distinguishes our quadrupeds from many other animals. However, do you know what features prove that we can consider dogs very intelligent? It is also worth noting that a quadruped’s intellect largely depends on his breed.
Dogs are among the most intelligent animals we know. That is evidenced, among others, by their ease of learning new skills and commands, problem-solving ability, and sensitivity to emotions. Some dog breeds are more intelligent than others, such as Border Collies, Labradors or Poodles.
What will you learn from this article?
• dogs are recognized as one of the most intelligent animals
• have great ease in learning new skills and commands during training
• dogs can think logically, so they can solve problems they come across while achieving a specific goal
How intelligent is the dog
I think that every dog owner feels that their pet is the smartest and brightest. But how is it with this intelligence in dogs? They say that dogs have the intelligence of a 2-year-old child, but is this true? I think the topic of dog wisdom is fascinating and allows us to get to know dogs from a new, previously unknown side.
At the outset, I think it’s worth admitting that dogs will vary in their level of intelligence. But not every dog will be equally intelligent and wise. A lot depends on the dog’s genetics, which is primarily his breed but not only.
Is the dog intelligent?
Dogs are undoubtedly one of the most intelligent animals. Who else is in this group? Other brilliant animals are ravens, rats, dolphins and also pigs. So as you can see, contrary to appearances, dogs are not the only intelligent animals.
With a pet by my side in everyday life, I am often amazed at how much my pet can understand. What’s more, sometimes I have the impression that he can read my emotions and knows exactly how I feel. I think that is one of the reasons why so many owners consider them best friends.
Dogs’ intelligence means we can create a significant and robust relationship with them. Your pet understands much of what you want to convey your pet, which makes him get closer to you.
What proves the intelligence of the dog?
You’re probably wondering what features of a dog’s character make it perceived as a knowledgeable animal. Several skills distinguish our domestic pets from other pets. I will tell you about some of them. I’m curious if you’ve paid attention to them daily with your dog.
Acquiring new skills
One main characteristic that makes us consider dogs knowledgeable pets is their susceptibility to learning new skills. Teaching a dog to follow our commands proves that dogs are intelligent.
Dogs are eager to learn new skills, and training with a guardian gives them a lot of fun and joy. Training is one way of actively spending time with my dog, which is especially pleasant for him.
If you want to learn more about why it is worth training a dog, I refer you to a separate article devoted to this topic, which you can find HERE.
A dog acquiring new skills testifies to his intelligence and develops it. The dog strengthens his intellect while learning new skills.
Sensitivity to emotions
Dogs can recognize emotions, not only those they experience themselves but also the feelings of their loved ones. My pet rarely leaves my side when I am sad or sick. He tries to be with me all the time. He acts as if he knows I’m not well and would like to help me in his doggy way.
His support and close presence make me feel better. My pet gives me strength in difficult times. The same is true when I am excited and happy about something. I can see that my dog is comfortable with me. It’s great to have someone who cares so much about your emotions.
It is also interesting to observe from the guardian’s perspective how my dog reacts emotionally during various situations that happen to him. When he sees the neighbour’s dog, with whom he loves to play, his joy is enormous. I also see the gratitude in his eyes when I am with him in stressful situations and try to protect him.
Emotions are also manifest in mutual sympathy for each other. Dog friendship is an exciting and beautiful phenomenon. The relationship between two dogs looks different than it does with humans. Nevertheless, they can be just as solid and durable. You can read more about dog friendship in my other post, which you can find HERE.
Dog toy |BONE brown
Troubleshooting
An essential feature of an animal’s intelligence is his problem-solving ability. That is mainly due to the innate creativity of the pet. That kind of skill is hard to develop.
What do I mean by problem-solving? It is coping with a situation that is somehow limiting for the dog. I will present my example of an event in my home.
My dog is an eager eater, and his favourite delicacy is meat. Once when I prepared a roast for my guests, I put it in the middle of the table so the dog couldn’t reach it even if he climbed on a chair. I know my pet well, and the smell of cooked meat can be highly tempting for him.
My idea of putting the dish in this way was a good one. The dog climbed onto the chair and tried unsuccessfully to get to her. I didn’t foresee only one. I spread a tablecloth on the table. My dog, realizing he could not reach the centre of the table, moved the dish towards himself, pulling the tablecloth with his teeth.
That is how my dog solved his problem. Logical thinking helped him achieve his goal. But I don’t think I need to tell you how I felt when I realized what had happened.
I hope my very illustrative example has made it clear to you what canine intelligence is all about. That is what distinguishes dogs from other animals. Not many animals can think the same as my dog or look for creative solutions to their problems.
The most intelligent dog breeds
All dogs are intelligent, but are they equally? Well, no. Some dog breeds are more intelligent than others. Wisdom is indeed a great dog’s asset but often forgotten that, at the same time, a pet is more demanding towards the world.
The dog’s intelligence means the guardian needs to be more involved in his training. Otherwise, such a dog can be stubborn and unruly in everyday life.
Border Collie
This breed is often considered the most intelligent dog. Border Collie dog requires a lot of guardian involvement in his training. At the same time, training in the case of dogs of this breed is very efficient because they are brilliant and quickly master new commands.
Poodle
Due to this breed’s distinguished appearance, many underestimate poodles’ intelligence. You couldn’t be more wrong. Poodles are very intelligent. What’s more, dogs of this breed are amiable and family-friendly.
Labrador
It is not baseless that dogs of this breed are trained to be guide dogs. Labradors are very intelligent quadrupeds and show great empathy towards others. They get along well with the family.
German Shepherd
Dogs of this breed, when they have proper training, can be very obedient and perform well the commands given to them. That is why German Shepherds chose him to work alongside uniformed services. It is an intelligent dog.
Is your dog intelligent?
How do you evaluate your dog’s intelligence? Is it one of the most intelligent dog breeds? Perhaps you have not noticed those features in your dog that testify to his high intellectual abilities.
Please share with me in the comments your observations and opinion on whether you think dogs are intelligent animals.
If you have any questions or want me to discuss a topic in the next post, share it in the comments section.
