Scientists Say Dogs as Smart as Two Year Old Humans
Scientists at the University of British Columbia have discovered that the average dog is about as smart as a two-year-old human. The Telegraphreports that the average dog undestands 250 words and gestures, can count to five and can perform simple mathematical calculations.
"The average dog is about as bright linguistically as a human two-year-old," said Professor Stanley Coren, a leading expert on canine intelligence at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver who has carried out the work.
"This means they can understand about 165 words, signs and signals. Those in the top 20 per cent were able to understand as many as 250 words and signals, which is about the same as a two and a half year old.
"Obviously we are not going to be able to sit down and have a conversation with a dog, but like a two-year-old, they show that they can understand words and gestures."
Domesticated dogs were much better are wild dogs at understanding human language and signals. The researchers also discovered the most intelligent dog breeds. Here is a list.
