HotmailHow smart is your dog? Give him an IQ test
This intelligence assessment can show if your canine is on Lassie's level or if he's more of an ordinary pup
Ever wonder why some dogs are so intelligent that they can herd sheep, rescue people from avalanches, or sniff out drugs for police, but some can't even seem to master "sit" and "stay"?
While there are many ways to define intelligence, your dog's problem-solving abilities are perhaps one of the best ways to determine how mentally adept they really are. Perhaps your dog may not know how to fetch, but do they automatically know that it's time to take a walk whenever you pick up the leash? That shows a kind of intelligence, too.
Are "doggie IQ tests" accurate?
As with the intelligence tests developed for humans, the IQ tests for dogs suffer from limitations. As you go through these tests, remember the results are being evaluated by humans not by other dogs.
Intelligence in dogs is also measured differently by different people. If I asked 50 people to describe what a intelligent dog would be, I would probably get 50 different answers. Maybe you think that a dog that can bring you your slippers when you get home is a really smart dog, or perhaps a dog that sneaks socks out of your drawer and chews them up is too smart for their own good. Another thing to keep in mind: Speed is not always a determining factor in intelligence -- persistence is just as important in problem solving techniques. So just because they take a while to solve a problem doesn't mean that those brain cells aren't working! Another thing to remember is that sometimes more intelligent dogs can be more difficult to train because they tend to question authority and see just how much they can get away with (just like intelligent humans).
Differences in intelligence
Just like in humans, there are different kinds of intelligence. For dogs, there are two basic kinds: Instinctive and adoptive intelligence. Instinctive intelligence comes with the breed and the type of dog, so certain dogs and dog breeds have inherent differences in natural ability. For example, some dogs like Greyhounds and Russian wolfhounds are sight hounds and will fare better at sight-oriented tests. Other breeds, like bloodhounds and beagles, use their noses to solve problems, and will therefore probably be better at scent-oriented problem solving tests.
But there is also a learning ability, and this can include environmental learning, social learning, language comprehension, and task learning. This is similar to humans - some human beings are better at math or logic questions, and others may fare better at creative solutions to problems or interpersonal relationships.
But these strengths aren't better than the other - they are simply different types of intelligence. The same theory works for different dogs - so while your dog may do well at one kind of test or another, it may not be due to intelligence as much as the dog's natural ability to achieve those results as well as their own way of looking and thinking through a problem.
Some standard tests
Below are some tests that you can do with your dog, as well as a scoring system to keep track of intelligence. Don't necessarily try to do these tests all in one day - your dog may become overwhelmed and not understand why you're sending them through all these strange and bizarre actions. And the most important thing - don't be negative! Make these tests fun for your dog - treat them like games! And always - no matter how high or low they score - give them lots of love and positive attention afterwards.
Towel test:
Take a large towel or blanket and gently place it over your dog's head.
If he frees himself from the towel in less than 15 seconds, give him 3 points. If it takes 15-30 seconds, 2 points. Longer than 30 seconds earns 1 point.
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