Your dog may not be as smart as you think

By ANI

WASHINGTON DC: It turns out that dogs are not exceptionally smart, as most people think.

Scientists have examined evidence comparing the brain power of dogs to that of other domestic animals, social hunters, and carnivores (an order that includes animals such as dogs, wolves, bears, lions, and hyenas). ).

Researchers from Exeter University and Canterbury University Christ Church found that the cognitive abilities of dogs corresponded to at least several species in each of these groups.

The study examined more than 300 articles on the intelligence of dogs and other animals and found several cases of "overinterpretation" in favor of dogs' abilities.

"During our work, it seemed to us that many studies on canine cognition sought to" prove "how intelligent dogs are," said Professor Stephen Lea, of the University of Toronto. Exeter.

He added: "They are often compared to chimpanzees and every time dogs" earn ", this adds up to their outstanding reputation, yet in each case we found others. valuable comparison species that at least as far as dogs in these tasks. "

The examination focuses on sensory cognition, physical cognition, spatial cognition, social cognition and self-awareness.

"Taking into account the three groups (pets, social hunters and carnivores), knowledge of dogs does not seem exceptional," said Dr. Britta Osthaus, of the University of Canterbury Christ Church.

He added, "We do not serve dogs too much, dogs are dogs, and we need to consider their needs and their real abilities to determine how we treat them."

The complete results are present in the journal – Learning & Behavior.