Is YOUR dog gifted? Smart pups who can remember multiple object names are PLAYER than typical puppies, study shows
Previous studies have shown that a handful of dogs are ‘gifted’
These dogs can remember multiple toy names for over two months
In a new study, researchers surveyed the owners of these dogs on personality
Findings found that a key trait makes gifted dogs stand out – playfulness
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While many dog owners like to think their pets are gifted, only a few dogs are really smart enough to remember multiple object names.
Now, a new study led by researchers at Eotvos Lorand University has shed light on the personalities of these dogs.
Their findings suggest that an important personality trait sets gifted dogs apart from typical puppies – playfulness.
Ádám Miklósi, co-author of the study, said: “This study shows that there is a link between extremely high levels of playfulness and giftedness in verbal label learning in dogs.”
A new study led by researchers at Eotvos Lorand University has shed light on the personalities of gifted dogs. Their findings suggest that a key personality trait sets gifted dogs apart from typical puppies – playfulness
Previous studies have shown that only a few dogs worldwide demonstrate the unique ability to learn multiple object names.
These dogs — called gifted word learners — can learn the names of their toys very quickly and remember them for over two months.
In the new study, the team set out to find out the personality traits of these dogs.
The researchers asked the owners of 21 gifted dogs from around the world to complete a Dog Personality Questionnaire.
“This is a validated questionnaire that reveals personality traits in dogs and has already been used successfully in several published studies,” said Borbala Turcsan, co-author of the study.
The results of the questionnaires were then compared with the results of the same questionnaire given to the owners of 144 typical dogs.
The researchers limited the study to Border Collies, as most gifted word learners belong to this breed.
“However, it is important to point out that the vast majority of Border Collies do not display this talent,” said Dr Andrea Sommers, co-author of the study.
“And also that there are some gifted word learners who don’t belong to this race,” adds researcher Shany Dror.
The results showed that playfulness was the only personality trait reported significantly more in gifted dogs
The results showed that playfulness was the only personality trait reported significantly more in gifted dogs.
Although Border Collie is a breed that is very playful by nature, the gifted dogs were even more playful than the other dogs.
“However, it is important to note that this does not necessarily mean that playfulness is the cause of this talent,” said Mr Miklósi.
“We’re not ruling it out, but it could also be that the extreme playfulness in gifted individuals is driven or perceived by the owners as a result of frequent playful interactions with their named toys.”
Similarly, previous studies have shown that the ability to solve problems in humans is linked to playfulness.
For example, a 2013 study looked at the link between playfulness, creativity and math skills.
“This study confirmed that playfulness improves individual creative performance and that personal playfulness can predict and positively influence creativity,” the team wrote in the study.