By: Song E.
Have you every wondered how smart your dog actually is? Well, now there’s an IQ test for dogs. Yup, and IQ test… for dogs. How awesome is that? Now I haven’t tried this with my own dog, but I’m actually very curious as to how well he would do. Sometimes I think of how intelligent my little Yorkie is and how he can do to things he does or how he knows or learns certain things. But there are also times where I think… did he just do that? What a dumbass.
I really do love him to death!
So the one question that arises in my mind when I think about an IQ test for our dogs is: How accurate is it? I guess there’s not really a definite answer for this question––not yet at least. And what is intelligence to dogs anyway? Most of the tests within the IQ test are related to speed, but speed does not always determine intelligence––there are different kinds of intelligence. And maybe a dog isn’t fast but they are persistent, which is also important. The evaluation of intelligence may vary on the breed of dog. Maybe some dogs are intelligent and are harder to train because thy question authority––they see how much they can get away with.
There is distinctive and adoptive intelligence that can be based on a breed and type of dog. Distinctive intelligence is their natural ability. This could be how they’re better with their sense of sight or smell. Adoptive intelligence is a dog’s ability to learn. This could be how they comprehend our language or learn tasks. Not only does breed determine how a dog behaves, but all dogs are individuals. They are very different from each other and have different personalities and grew up differently.
It’s difficult to determine how smart a dog is if they are completely different. This is the same concept as humans when we talk about someone better being at math or someone else having a more creative mind. They’re both good qualities to have, but it doesn’t mean that one is lesser than the other––they’re just different kinds of intelligence. Also, these dogs are being evaluated by humans and not other dogs. So what could be possibly know?
The Tests
Here are some tests you can try out on your pooch. Add the scores up at the end to see how smart they really are! Some dogs can easily feel overwhelmed by so many tests, so treat them like games!
Towel Test:
Put a towel or blanket over your dog’s head and see how long it takes him to get free.
Less than 15 seconds –– 3 points
15-30 seconds –– 2 points
Longer than 30 seconds ––1 point
Bucket Test:
Place a treat under one bucket and place it next to two other buckets. Show where the treat is then turn your dog away for a few seconds. Then let him find the treat!
Picks the right bucket immediately –– 3 points
Two attempts –– 2 points
Looks under other two buckets first –– 1 point
Favorite Spot:
Rearrange your furniture (without your dog in the room) then see if he goes to his favorite spot when he re-enters.
Directly to spot –– 3 points
30 seconds –– 2 points
Picks new area –– 1 point
Chair Test:
Place a treat under a chair, couch, or table that your dog can only fit their paw under (not their head). See how long it takes for them to get it out.
Within one minute –– 3 points
Uses paws and nose –– 2 points
Gives up –– 1 point
Ready to Walk:
Choose a time you don’t typically walk your dog and grab your keys and his leash as if you’re getting ready to go. And make sure he sees you and watch how he reacts.
Immediately gets excited –– 3 points
You have to walk to the door –– 2 points
Dog sits confused –– 1 point
Barrier Test:
Construct a cardboard barrier that is about 5 feet wide and taller than your dog when he’s on his hind legs. Cut a small hole in the cardboard that’s big enough to see through but too small to actually go through. Toss a treat on the other side of the barrier and see if your dog can get to it.
Goes around barrier within 30 seconds –– 3 points
Goes around 30-60 seconds –– 2 points
Gets head stuck in hole –– 1 point
Drum Roll for the Results!
These tests can be fun and games but don’t let a low score bring your dog down! Remember that all dogs are very different in terms of breeds and individuals, just like us.
16 points or higher – Basically genius!
13 to 16 points – Above average
9 to 12 points – Average
5 to 8 points – Below average
1 to 4 points – They’re cute and lovable
