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Scientists say that dogs are not exceptionally intelligent compared to other animals, including dolphins and goats.
Researchers from the University of Exeter and the University of Canterbury, Christ Church, have reviewed more than 300 articles on the power of brains in animals.
Studies have compared dogs' cognitive abilities with those of other domestic animals, social hunters and carnivores, such as wolves, bears, lions and hyenas.
They showed that dogs' abilities, such as a man's facial tracking and facial recognition, were at least equivalent to those of several species in each of these groups.
For example, dogs are unable to recognize themselves in a mirror, unlike animals such as chimpanzees and dolphins.
Professor Stephen Lea, of Exeter University, said the research had identified several cases of "overinterpretation" in favor of dogs' abilities in studies.
"In the course of our work, it seemed to us that many studies on canine cognition sought to" prove "how intelligent dogs are," said Dr. Lea.
"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 focused on sensory cognition, physical cognition, spatial cognition, social cognition and self-awareness.
Dr. Britta Osthaus, of Canterbury Christ Church University, said that dog knowledge "does not seem exceptional" compared to other domestic animals, social hunters and carnivores.
Dogs are dogs, and we must consider their needs and their real abilities to treat them well.
Dr. Britta Osthaus
"We do not do dogs a favor, hoping too much.
"Dogs are dogs and we need to consider their needs and real abilities in the way we treat them," said Dr. Osthaus.
Goats, pigs, dolphins, seals and sea lions do at least as well as dogs on human robbery.
Pigs are also able to identify humans by their smell, while sheep, pigeons and chimpanzees can identify humans by their faces.
Cats do at least as good as dogs to identify humans by their voice.
Donkeys, mules and horses are as capable of getting around obstacles as dogs, while wolves, raccoons and hyenas can pull a string to release food.
Dolphins, chimpanzees, giant pandas, badgers from America, two species of bears and sea otters can use tools at least as well as dogs.
Unlike dogs, animals like pigs, pigeons and chimpanzees have the ability to remember what, where and when of an event.
The research is published in the journal Learning & Behavior.
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