We already know all dogs are good dogs—but is yours also a certified smarty paws? While the average dog can match a two-year-old child in basic understanding, some pups go well beyond belly rubs and fetch, showing signs of exceptional intelligence.
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, most dogs can learn about 165 words or gestures, but standout pups can recognize up to 1,000. So how do you know if your dog is one of the gifted few? Newsweek asked veterinary experts to weigh in on the signs that your dog might be smarter than most.
They Learn Tricks in a Flash
Dr. Liza Cahn, a veterinarian with Embrace Pet Insurance, says smart dogs don’t need endless repetitions. Intelligent dogs tend towards learning new tricks in a short amount of time.
“Some dogs require lots of repetition to learn a new trick or command, but highly intelligent dogs may learn very quickly after just a few tries,” she said.
If your pup catches on fast—like mastering “sit,” “stay,” or even “roll over” after just a couple of demonstrations—you might have a quick study on your hands.
They Understand More Than You Think
Beyond basic commands, brainy dogs often recognize specific toys, people, and routines. Some can even follow multi-step commands like “Go get your ball and bring it to the door.” They also have the ability to remember and recognize places that they have been.
“To test your dog’s memory, teach them a new trick but don’t practice it for a few weeks. Do they still remember it?” Cahn suggested. “Or hide a toy or treat and see if they come back to it later.”
They Solve Problems Like a Pro
Highly intelligent dogs often excel at puzzles, especially when there’s a treat involved. They might figure out how to open doors, navigate tricky toys, or even escape a crate. Cahn recommends giving your pup a dog puzzle or tossing a blanket over them to see how quickly they wriggle free.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), adaptive problem solving is also a window into your dogs brain, being able to find a way around a barrier or opening a box is a clear sign that they are smart and easily trainable.
They Get Into Trouble (Because They’re Smart)
If your dog keeps managing to swipe snacks from the counter or unlock the back gate, that could be a sign of high intelligence—not just mischief. Curious and clever pups may find ways to test boundaries, especially when they’re bored. You may find them locating items on the counter they shouldn’t have, or figuring out how to escape their crate.
They Love to Learn
Dr. Gary Dattner, a veterinarian at Cornell University and CVO of Tandem Vet Care, says that the most intelligent dogs enjoy training time and actively seek it out.
“Dogs that enjoy training and even show signs that they want to train beforehand are typically very intelligent and show drive to work,” he said.
Some can even learn through observation, mimicking your movements or figuring things out just by watching you. Dogs that can instinctually perform tasks without training like retrieving, guarding or herding at a young age may also be a sign your dog is of higher intelligence, according to the AKC.
Love and Patience Matters
But nurture matters too. Regular training, enrichment, and activities like agility or scent work can help sharpen your dog’s mind.
So if your pup has a knack for solving puzzles, mastering tricks, or outsmarting you at every turn—you just might be living with a four-legged Einstein.
