Summary
A group of researchers in Hungary explored whether dogs could ever learn to speak. They found that while the idea of talking dogs has captured people’s imaginations, it is unlikely to happen. Instead, they are now working on understanding the range of sounds dogs already make to better communicate with them.
Key Facts
- Researchers from the BARKS Lab at Hungary's Eötvös Loránd University studied dog communication for about a year.
- Their review was published in the journal Biologia Futura.
- The study examined if dogs could possibly learn to speak and considered if it would be ethical.
- They concluded that talking dogs are not feasible and raised ethical concerns about such possibilities.
- Dogs have lived with humans for at least 20,000 years, impacting their vocal behaviors.
- The team is now working to map out the various sounds dogs make to aid owners in understanding their pets better.
- The researchers are seeking public help by asking for recordings of unusual dog sounds for their study.
