People who believe that dogs have a unique intelligence, you’re barking up the wrong tree, scientists say. They revised the work, which compare brain power of dogs and other Pets social predators and carnivores (this includes dogs, wolves, bears, lions and hyenas). Scientists from the University of Exeter and Canterbury University found that the cognitive abilities of dogs at least was equal to a few species in each of these groups.
The study examined more than 300 works on the theme of the intelligence of dogs and other animals, revealed several cases of “biased interpretation” abilities of dogs.
Dogs are not as smart as you thought
“During our work we felt that many studies on the cognitive abilities of dogs aiming to “prove” that dogs are intelligent,” says Professor Stephen Lea of Exeter University. “They are often compared to chimpanzees, and whenever the dog “win”, it adds to their reputation of exceptional beings.”
“In each of the cases examined, we found that the comparative species could do the same as dogs, at least not worse.”
Considered primarily sensory perception, physical perception, spatial perception, social cognitive skills and self-awareness.
“Taking into account all three groups, it can be noted that the cognitive abilities of dogs don’t seem exceptional,” says Dr. Britta Ostkhaus. “We provide the dogs a disservice by expecting too much from them. Dogs have dogs, so we need to take into account their needs and real ability, when we decide how to treat them”.
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Who said that dogs have exceptional intelligence?
Ilya Hel