Do you think your dog spends all day dreaming of Milk Bones or wondering when you’re going to walk through the door?
Well, there may actually be a bit more running through his head. When it comes to the number of words or commands they can learn, dogs have roughly the same learning abilities as the average 2-year-old child.
In his book “The Intelligence of Dogs” researcher and psychologist Stanley Coren asked numerous canine-obedience judges to rank the intelligence of more than 100 dog breeds. When he compiled the results Border Collies, Poodles, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Doberman Pinschers topped the list. Shetland Sheepdogs and Labrador Retrievers were just behind them.
Don’t let it bother you if your dog’s not on the list, none of Joanne’s or mine are either and we think our dogs are super smart! The study of canine intelligence is a vast one and personalities and so-called smarts can vary greatly from dog to dog. So consider your dog one of the sharpest there is and shower him with love and appreciation for all that he adds to your life.
In loving remembrance of Tess and Brandi, two very smart, big hearted Goldens who left us this year.