{"id":14448,"date":"2023-04-19T21:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-19T21:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/?p=14448"},"modified":"2023-04-21T16:05:29","modified_gmt":"2023-04-21T16:05:29","slug":"are-small-dogs-smarter-than-big-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/are-small-dogs-smarter-than-big-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Small Dogs Smarter Than Big Dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dogs are lovely companions. They provide us fun, entertainment, and a sense of belonging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, dogs come in different sizes. In this article, we will find out whether big dogs are smarter than small dogs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to a study published in Animal Cognition<\/a>, <\/em>bigger dogs with bigger brains can perform better than smaller dogs in some intelligence measures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is known as ‘executive functioning.’ This intelligence is associated with self-control in both canines and humans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This executive function allows dogs to keep context-appropriate behavior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researches also revealed that breeds with bigger brains come with better self-control and short-term memory than smaller dogs<\/a> regardless of the kind of training. <\/p>\n\n\n

\"are-big-dogs-smarter-than-small-dogs\"<\/p>\n\n\n

However, smaller dogs are skilled in different tasks, which is an example of social intelligence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This intelligence includes their skill of using reasoning to follow commands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does the size of the brain relate to the executive function of dogs? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some studies revealed that the sizes of the brain might relate to cognition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The number of neurons and differences in the connectivity between neurons may be considered a factor for dogs’ intelligence level<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bigger the brain, the more connections and neurons which allow it to store memories better and process information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, dogs have different intelligence levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dog Intelligence<\/h2>\n\n\n

\"are-big-dogs-smarter-than-small-dogs\"<\/p>\n\n\n

Just like humans, dogs may also have different aptitudes and intelligence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adaptive intelligence <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This intelligence determines how dogs can solve problems without the intervention of humans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, your pet needs adaptive intelligence for retrieving food that fell in place that is hard to reach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instinctive intelligence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is the aptitude of dogs to perform tasks they were reared to do. Take, for instance, the hounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are breeds trained to hunt and track their prey. On the other hand, herd dogs are initially bred to specifically herd cattle and sheep and working breeds that are bred in doing specific activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instinctive intelligence determines how dogs can perform their instinctive tasks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is also associated with how companion dogs stay attuned to their emotional cues and moods. Each dog has instinctive intelligence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working and Obedience Intelligence<\/h3>\n\n\n

\"are-small-dogs-smarter-than-big-dogs\"<\/p>\n\n\n

The intelligence shows how quickly and how well dogs are trained in performing tasks and behave on various dog commands<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any dog that excels in this type of intelligence can stand out in sports, agility, obedience, and other forms of training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Big dogs VS Small dogs <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Take note that small dogs can also score well in other levels of intelligence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that IQ tests for dogs can concentrate on problem-solving and reasoning skills than trainability and obedience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, why do little dogs are likely to perform in this category poorly? Well, it can be caused by various factors, including the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head Shape <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some studies show that the shape of the head of a dog is associated with easing of training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The theory states that brachycephalic dogs<\/a> (flat-nosed dogs and short-faced dogs like pugs and bulldogs) and dolichocephalic dogs<\/a> (dogs with elongated, narrow faces like greyhounds) are bred for specific tasks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brachycephalic dogs are bred for guarding and fighting, while dolichocephalic dogs are bred for chasing prey and running. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mesocephalic dogs (dogs with average shape heads such as Labrador retrievers) may lack specialization, providing them with better cognitive flexibility, allowing them to quickly learn new activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pet Parents\u2019 Influence<\/h3>\n\n\n

\"are-small-dogs-smarter-than-big-dogs\"<\/p>\n\n\n

There is also a theory that small dogs’ poor performance regarding training and obedience category is irrelevant to conditioning and treatment and innate ability. Instead, it can be an influence of their pet parents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In an Applied Animal Behavior Science study in 2010, small parents may intermingle with their dogs, reinforcing excitability, aggression, fearfulness, and undermine obedience training<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, small dogs’ parents are usually inconsistent when it comes to interacting and training with their dogs compared to big-dog parents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Small-dog parents likewise lean towards relying on punishment like leash-jerking and scolding for improving their dog’s behavior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study similarly suggests that small breed parents are less likely to engage in shared activities and play like taking walks or playing fetch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Temperament <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The temperament of the dog can also influence their submissiveness and trainability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the intelligent breeds include Border Collies<\/a> and Golden Retrievers,<\/a> who are friendly and easy to please. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other side, small dogs are more stubborn and willful, excitable, and anxious. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to make your dog smarter<\/h2>\n\n\n

\"are-small-dogs-smarter-than-big-dogs\"<\/p>\n\n\n

Now that we had an idea about the smarter dog between small and big dogs, let us know how to make your dog smarter. The following are some tips to make your dog more intelligent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n