If your four-legged friend follows the rules of don’t chew the carpet and don’t make a mess, you might think he is as smart as he needs to be. But how high could your dog’s intelligence quotient be? The test below not only results in a score, but also shows how trainable your dog is and what kind of problem-solving ability it has. If you are not interested in more scientific blah-blah, then bite on this link and you can immediately test how many points your pet scores.
The scientific approach behind dog intelligence
Although your best friend’s IQ level will not affect how much you love him, it very much helps you get to know him better and what he is capable of, what you can actually expect from him. However, it is important that if a dog is obedient, it does not necessarily mean that he is intelligent.
Some researchers claim that the level of a dog’s intelligence quotient can indicate how healthy he is.
Different types of dog intelligence
Two basic types of intelligence can be distinguished: instinctive and adaptive intelligence. Instinctive intelligence is the natural attribute of a given breed, of course to varying degrees among individual dogs. This instinctive intelligence makes terriers perfect in hunting small animals, hounds adept at following scent trails, while collies excel in herding sheep.
Adaptive intelligence, which determines the dog’s learning ability. This category includes the ability to learn certain tasks, socializability, and how well the dog can understand what you want from him.
Your dog may be stronger in one category and weaker in the other, but remember, this is just like with humans. Some people can easily play Mozart on the piano, while others can calculate the square root of Pi in their head. So every dog can be good at different things! When you test your buddy, remember that he may have natural talents and abilities that this test does not take into account.
Ready to assess your dog’s IQ level?
Some important things before the test:
- This is Dr. Coren’s IQ test for dogs, one among many, but quite widespread
- It is not recommended to have your dog complete all tasks on the same day, because your pet will find it strange that suddenly you put him in front of very different tasks and he will not understand what’s going on
- Don’t be negative! Don’t treat the test as a chore, but as a kind of game, and no matter how many points the little furball scores, reward him well after every task 😉
- Test
Take a large towel or blanket, let your dog get familiar with it, sniff it properly. When they are good friends, cover your dog’s head with it (testing problem-solving ability)
Scoring:
3 points: if he escapes within 15 seconds
2 points: if he escapes within 15-30 seconds
1 point: if it takes more than 30 seconds to escape
- Test:
Put a treat on the floor and cover it with a piece of cloth or towel and start the stopwatch again.
Scoring:
3 points: if he gets it within 15 seconds
2 points: if he gets it within 15-30 seconds
1 point: if it takes more than 30 seconds to get it
- Test:
Place 3 empty mugs (preferably plastic ) upside down in a row. When your little rascal is watching, put a treat under one of them. Before he pounces on the cup, distract him for a few seconds. This test indicates how well your dog can learn and retain information.
Scoring:
3 points: if he immediately pounces on the correct mug
2 points: if he finds it only on the second try
1 point: if only on the third try
- test:
Place a treat under a piece of furniture that your dog’s paw can still fit under deep enough to reach it. This task also tests problem-solving ability.
Scoring:
3 points: if he gets it within 1 minute using only his paw
2 points: if he uses both his nose and paw and puts his nose in first
1 point: if he just gives up on the whole thing
- test:
The last test requires some creativity from you as well ;). Take a cardboard box that is tall enough for your dog to jump over, but has the back side cut out. Cut a slit in the front that the dog can see through but cannot fit through. Show him a treat through the slit. Then encourage your dog for exactly 60 seconds to get the treat.
Scoring:
3 points: if he figures out within 30 seconds that he has to go around the cardboard to get the treat
2 points: if he figures out he has to go around the cardboard for the treat in more than 30 seconds
1 point: if he rushes and tears apart the barrier
Result:
13-15 points: Man, your dog is a real genius
10-12 points: Your dog is not an Einstein, but is undoubtedly very smart ;).
6-9 points: Your dog won’t be attending ELTE, but there is potential
5 points: Your dog definitely needs you to solve problems, but know that he loves you .
