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New research shows that people who think dogs are exceptionally smart are barking the wrong tree.
Scientists have examined evidence comparing the cerebral potency of dogs with that of other domestic animals, other social hunters and other carnivorans (an order including 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 highlighted several instances of "overinterpretation" in favor of their 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.
"They are often compared to chimpanzees and every time dogs win, that adds up to their reputation as exceptional.
"Yet in each case we found other valid comparison species that do at least as good as the 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.
"We do not do dogs a favor by waiting too much, dogs are dogs, and we need to consider their needs and their true abilities to determine how we treat them."
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The paper, published in the newspaper Learning and behavior, is entitled: "In which way are dogs special? Canine cognition in a comparative context."
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