Dogs have the ability to think like humans, even smarter than children.

A recent study found that the smartest dogs possess cognitive abilities comparable to young children, demonstrating superior social intelligence and problem-solving skills. 

Conducted by a team of canine cognition researchers, including Zachary Silver from Yale University and Claudia Fugazza from Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, the study found that dogs demonstrate superior social intelligence, such as interpreting human gestures, understanding speech, and considering human perspectives.

Some dog breeds, notably Border Collies, have been observed to exhibit problem-solving and social reasoning skills similar to those of human toddlers. The study highlights how domestication and evolutionary pressures have shaped dog cognition, while also providing insight into human social development and conditions such as autism.

Social intelligence in dogs mirrors human intelligence

Dogs have evolved social intelligence that allows them to deeply understand humans, a trait shaped by thousands of years of domestication. They can track human cues such as pointing and gaze direction, as well as evaluate interactions with humans, showing a preference for helpful individuals over unhelpful ones.

This demonstrates their ability to 'read' humans in ways previously thought to be unique to primates or young children. Research shows that the smartest dogs excel at problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and even simple arithmetic. Some dogs have been observed using deliberate deception to obtain rewards, highlighting complex cognitive strategies. Their performance in these areas often rivals that of young children, suggesting a high level of mental flexibility and learning ability.

Understanding the human perspective

Research led by Silver and Fugazza found that dogs can consider what humans know or see, effectively demonstrating perspective taking. This ability to understand human intentions and beliefs reinforces their cooperative behavior and strengthens the unique bond between humans and dogs.

Some dog breeds, especially Border Collies, consistently score higher on intelligence and social skills. These dogs demonstrate exceptional memory, learning speed, and responsiveness to human cues, making their cognitive abilities more in line with the intellectual capacities of young children than previously thought.

Research on dog cognition offers insights into human evolution and social behavior. By understanding how dogs process information and interpret social cues, researchers hope to shed light on developmental conditions such as autism and the evolution of social intelligence. Dogs' cognitive abilities also highlight the importance of social interaction and environmental enrichment in fostering intellectual development.

The smartest dogs are able to process and respond to information in a similar way to young children. Their advanced social intelligence, problem-solving skills, and understanding of human perspectives make them uniquely attuned to our own behavior. This research demonstrates that dogs don't just follow commands, they actively interpret and interact with the world around them, thinking in surprisingly human-like ways. 

Micah Soto

Update 08 October 2025