Summary
A new study by researchers from the University of Portsmouth and the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena looks at what makes some dogs exceptionally smart. They found that traits like curiosity, focus, and self-control help certain dogs, known as label-learners, recognize many objects by name. The study is a step toward creating an IQ test for puppies.
Key Facts
- Researchers from two universities studied what makes some dogs exceptionally smart.
- The study looked at "label-learner" dogs that can recognize hundreds of objects by name.
- These dogs are considered rare and have been studied for the first time for their traits.
- Three key traits identified in these smart dogs are curiosity, focus, and self-control.
- The study involved 11 dogs from several countries, including the UK and Germany.
- Dogs showed more curiosity by spending more time with new objects.
- Focus was shown by targeted interest in specific items, not random exploration.
- Self-control was better in smart dogs, important for preventing impulsive reactions.
