IQ (or intelligence quotient) is designed to measure a person’s ability to reason using a combination of language, logic, and critical thinking skills. The average dog has an IQ of 100 –– the same as a toddler.
But this isn’t the only measure of intelligence, as explored in this article. A dog’s social skills can challenge that of an older adult, and their ability to form relationships with humans is impressive. Find out how intelligent your dog is and what you can do to raise their IQ.
Dogs Have an IQ of About 100
Do you ever look at your dog and wonder just how much they understand? It could be a lot more than we give them credit for.
Research has found that the average IQ of a dog sits around 100 – a similar IQ to that of a child between two and two-and-a-half years of age – and this is due to several factors.
Dogs can learn around 165 words, plus several signals and gestures; for those that sit on the higher end of the IQ spectrum, they may be able to learn up to 250 words. In addition, intelligence can refer to a dog’s ability to respond to obedience cues, their intuitive intelligence, or the capacity to learn from and understand humans.
When we talk about IQ, we often talk about a measurable form of intelligence, but let’s not forget that there are several other ways that dogs can demonstrate their intelligence. Regarding social and emotional maturity, dogs compare well to much older humans. For example, a dog’s connection with a human is an impressive bond that points to a deeper understanding of our emotions and routines.
Border Collies Are Among the Smartest Breeds
Different dog breeds possess different general levels of intelligence (though a dog’s exact IQ depends on many factors, not exclusively the species). Many experts agree that the most intelligent dog breed is the Border Collie, thanks to its solid work ethic, excellent sheep herding skills, unmatched instinct, and general abilities.
Other intelligent breeds include:
- American Pit Bull Terriers. Not only are these dogs intelligent, they’re also eager to learn new tricks.
- Doberman Pinschers. A breed with excellent stamina and speed is in demand to act as both police and war dogs.
- German Shepherds. The top breed in police and military work, thanks to its excellent people skills and abilities.
- Golden Retrievers. Originally bred as a hunting companion, the golden retriever’s intelligence and eagerness to please makes them ideal as assistance dogs. This is also an excellent breed to assist search and rescue missions.
- Papillons. The Papillon is a particularly alert breed that is confident without being aggressive.
The most “intelligent” dogs are often defined as those most likely to respond to working and obedience tests.
How Do Dogs Show Their Intelligence?
IQ is not the only way to measure intelligence. As Einstein once said, “If you judge a fish by the ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.” Rather than one single measure, overall intelligence combines several different factors.
There are a few ways in which dogs can demonstrate their intelligence. In the traditional sense of “IQ” or general intelligence, dogs demonstrate their smarts through their ability to learn language skills and remember hundreds of words.
But dogs can also demonstrate their intelligence through various social and emotional behaviors such as understanding cues and gestures, forming connections with humans, showing empathy toward family members, and responding to the emotional cues of a human voice.
One way dogs demonstrate empathy toward humans is to yawn after their owner’s yawn, as shown in a 2008 study. Another study by the University of Helsinki indicates that dogs can sense danger in humans and learn to respond accordingly.
In addition, dogs demonstrate their intelligence when they apply previously learned knowledge to similar future situations. This type of intelligence is particularly prevalent among guide dogs.
Dogs might only possess the IQ of a toddler. Still, their overall intelligence is much more advanced, and they may be one of the best animals for understanding social behaviors.
How You Can Boost Your Dog’s IQ
As in humans, your dog’s IQ is not “fixed,” and there are several simple activities that you can engage in to improve your dog’s intelligence.
In general, anything that stimulates them mentally holds the potential to increase your dog’s IQ. This includes puzzle-based games, interactive toys (like ring stackers), and obstacle courses. When you engage in these activities with your dog, ensure that you reward correct actions with treats to help your dog learn and understand.
