Why can some dogs effortlessly learn complex commands, while others struggle to remember their own names? Recent scientific research may have found the answer. A study has identified three key traits that seem to set highly intelligent dogs apart from the rest.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Dog Cognition Centre at the University of Portsmouth in the UK and the Dog Studies Centre at the University of Jena in Germany. The researchers focused on so-called "label-learning dogs"—those capable of remembering numerous object names—to uncover what makes them special.
The team recruited 11 dogs from the UK, the U.S., Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Germany, including breeds such as Border Collies, mixed breeds, Spanish Water Dogs, and Pugs. Each dog underwent eight cognitive tests designed to measure curiosity, problem-solving, learning ability, memory, and communication skills with humans.
Three Distinctive Traits of Intelligent Dogs
- Exceptional Curiosity: These dogs spent significantly more time examining new objects and showed a higher frequency of interest in them compared to the control group. Their strong curiosity drives their eagerness to explore and learn.
- Intense Focus: Smart dogs displayed deep concentration when interacting with specific items. Unlike average dogs that might play randomly, intelligent ones studied objects closely and systematically.
- Strong Self-Control: High-IQ dogs demonstrated superior impulse regulation, able to resist temptations better than typical dogs. Their ability to delay gratification reflects advanced cognitive skills.
For researchers, this discovery marks just the beginning. The next question is whether these traits are innate or can be cultivated through training. The team hopes their findings will help develop a "puppy intelligence test," paving the way to identify dogs with exceptional potential—particularly those suited for service or assistance roles.
