What are common misconceptions about dog intelligence?
Written by
Elin Eriksson
Reviewed by
Prof. Edward Clarke, Ph.D.The common misconceptions people have about dog intelligence create unrealistic expectations for dog owners. I encountered this problem when I had clients who expected their smart border collie to be obedient. They became very frustrated because she wouldn't obey when she was told to do something. Intelligence is not flexibility. An independent thinker like the Afghan hound possesses a high intelligence for solving problems, yet they will not perform pointless drills.
Obedience ≠ Intelligence
- Biddable breeds like Goldens follow commands eagerly
- Independent breeds like Basenjis solve problems but resist repetition
- Trainability reflects motivation not cognitive ability
- Example: Bloodhounds track complex scents but ignore recalls
Breed Stereotypes Mislead
- Labeling stubborn breeds as unintelligent overlooks their adaptability
- Terriers demonstrate exceptional problem-solving in hunting contexts
- Guardian breeds show strategic intelligence in protection scenarios
- Each intelligence type serves specific evolutionary purposes
Instinct vs Learned Behavior
- Herding breeds demonstrate innate spatial intelligence
- Retrievers exhibit object-permanence intelligence naturally
- These instincts appear without training but aren't general intelligence
- Distinguish between genetic programming and learned cognition
I had a client who was an Afghan Hound that demonstrated a great deal of intelligence by opening intricate latches to access treats. Still, I ignored my requests for simple sit commands. This taught me to value various manifestations of intelligence. Motivation for independent breeds can be achieved through puzzle toys that tap into their potential to solve problems.
Some scent-hounds like Beagles get tagged as dim-witted when they don't do what someone says. They concentrate on scents of one sort or another, rather than on human instructions. I train with food scents so that the training uses their innate abilities and not against them. Try to respect the differences in the qualities of intelligence.
Avoid comparing intelligence abilities between different breed types. For example, herding dogs are adept at interpreting gestures made by humans. At the same time, terriers exhibit strong problem-solving skills in spatial contexts. Each has a distinct evolutionary background that makes it adept at this skill. Embrace the unique strengths of your canine's cognition rather than expecting your dog to behave in an "obedient" manner.
Read the full article: 15 Dog Breed Traits You Need to Know
