If you’re firmly in ‘camp dog’ like me, hide this story from your cat-loving family and friends.
A new study on canine intelligence says that while man’s best friend is smart and trainable, they are not “exceptional” – despite what us dog owners will tell you.
It’s the finding of Professor Stephen Lea from the UK’s University of Exeter, who decided to investigate the claim that dogs are super-smart after a number of studies on their higher intelligence.
His team compared dogs with a range of other animals including wolves, cats, chimpanzees, dolphins, horses and pigeons.
Their findings? “Almost everything a dog claimed to do, other animals could do too,” he said.
See the fur fly
Dogs also fell short compared to other animals that can use tools, such as crows, dolphins and chimps.
The researchers says it’s much easier to show intelligence in dogs because they like to be trained – hence the inflated view of their mental abilities.
That said, I’m not convinced about the science behind this study – first of all, Dr Lea admits he’s a cat person (bias!)
Secondly, he hasn’t had a dog whose managed to steal food off a six foot high shelf (twice).
And as long as my dog’s giving me unconditional love – and of course saving me after I fall into a well – I don’t care.
