THEMost of us have no doubts, our dog is the best in the world, and also the most intelligent. We could be satisfied with this unshakable certainty or put it to the test. As? A group of dog experts tried to understand what characteristics puppies must have to become very intelligent dogs as adults.
Intelligent dogs, the three fundamental characteristics that make them special
He explains it a BBC article. The research, conducted in collaboration between the Dog Cognition Center of the University of Portsmouth in England and the DogStudies Unit of the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena in Germany, examined some of the gifted dogs in the world. AND found that three key features may be critical to canine brain development.
The researchers selected 11 “dogs that learn labels”: that is, dogs capable of recognizing hundreds of objects by name. Among these animals, from countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Germany, was also Harvey, a border collie seven-year-old famous for his acumen.
Curiosity, concentration and inhibition: what does it mean?
Analyzing the group’s test results, the researchers discovered that the most important characteristics are curiosity, concentration and inhibitionor the ability to control one’s reactions.
For example, dogs had to be curious enough about objects to want to know and understand them… but not too much interested in ignoring the commands and running away with the toy.
The case of Border Collie Harvey who “understands” the names of 220 toys
This relative interest allows Border Collie Harvey, for example, to find and bring back 220 toys by listening to their names.
Dr Juliane Kaminski, a professor at the University of Portsmouth who led the study, explained that Dogs learning the names of things are “extremely rare.”
“It is an inherent natural ability, specific to that dog, and not a quality that many dogs possess.” The study has a meaning that goes beyond the curiosity and pride of the owners: The researchers hope that their results will make identifying the most intelligent dogs a less random process, and for serious purposes.
An IQ test for puppies, to select guide and police dogs
Scientists want to develop a “Puppy IQ Test” to try to predict which puppies will become the smartest. This could help trainers choose animals for working rolessuch as guide dogs or police dogs: roles in which canine intelligence is not just a source of pride for the owners but a truly useful characteristic.