10 reasons why dogs are smarter than cats

Sharing is caring!

Are you a dog person or a cat person? The never-ending debate about whether dogs or cats are smarter has fueled countless conversations among pet owners. Dog owners claim that their loyal companions are the superior species, while cat owners will argue that their feline friends are cunning geniuses. But what does science have to say?

The good news (for dog people) is that research backs up the idea that dogs are, in fact, smarter. From their larger brainsto their ability to solve problems, dogs seem to have the edge in intelligence. Let’s dig into the fun, scientific reasons why dogs might just be the better pet when it comes to brainpower.

1. Dogs Have Bigger Brains and More Neurons

It all starts with the brain size. Studies, including those from Vanderbilt University and journal Frontiers, show that dogs have larger brains than cats relative to body size. More importantly, dogs have a higher absolute number of neurons in their cerebral cortex—the part of the brain responsible for cognitive function like problem-solving and memory.

• Larger brains give dogs an edge in intelligence.
• Dogs’ higher neuron count means they process more basic information than domestic cats.
• The average pet dog has roughly twice as many neurons as the average domestic cat.

In simple terms, dogs are built for thinking!

2. Dogs Are Masters of Emotional Intelligence

One of the most impressive things about dogs is their ability to understand and respond to human emotions. While catsmay notice when you’re sad, they’re more likely to continue lounging than to offer comfort. Dogs, however, have an innate ability to connect with their owners emotionally.

• Dogs can read facial expressions and body language.
• They often adjust their behavior based on your mood.
• Service dogs are trained to respond to emotional cues, helping people with anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions.

According to Dr. Stanley Coren, an associate professor of psychology, dogs are exceptional at picking up on subtle human interaction, which is why they’re such amazing companions.

3. Dogs Have Jobs—Real Jobs!

Ever heard of a service cat? Probably not! Dogs, on the other hand, have been working alongside humans for thousands of years. They’re used in various roles, from police dogs to rescue dogs and even therapy dogs for older people.

• Police dogs assist in law enforcement.
• Service dogs help people with disabilities, from guiding the blind to alerting their owners to seizures.
• Dogs even work in search and rescue operations.

Meanwhile, the most effort a cat might put in is knocking something off a table! (Cat people, don’t worry—cats have their charm, but dogs just win this round.)

4. Dogs Are Problem Solvers

Dogs excel at flexible behavior and solving puzzles. They’ve been shown to figure out problems like opening doors, navigating mazes, and even finding hidden treats. Their cognitive abilities are on display every time they learn a new trick.

• Border Collies and other intelligent breeds are known for their quick learning.
• They solve problems using both their brains and senses, especially when there’s food involved.
• Dogs adapt to new situations with ease.

Cats, on the other hand, tend to focus more on what benefits them immediately. If they can’t solve it with minimal effort, they move on. Not so for the ever-determined dog!

5. Dogs Are Social Butterflies

Dogs are social animals and thrive on interaction with humans and other animals. In contrast, cats tend to be more independent and may not enjoy socializing as much. Dogs love meeting new people, and they’re often eager to play and form new connections.

• Dogs are more likely to approach new people and situations without fear.
• Their social nature makes them ideal for therapy work and emotional support.
• Dogs have evolved to bond closely with humans, which also enhances their mental capabilities.

This is one of the reasons why dogs excel in human interaction while cats tend to keep a distance, focusing on their own territory.

6. Dogs Are Team Players

While cats are known for their independence, dogs thrive in groups. They work well as part of a pack or with humans. This trait comes from their evolutionary history as pack animals, which means they’re naturally inclined to cooperate and follow leadership.

• Dogs can be trained to perform tasks in teams.
• They follow commands better than cats, making them more reliable partners in work and play.
• Dogs have a richer mental state when it comes to cooperating with others.

If you’ve ever played fetch with a dog, you know what we mean. Try playing fetch with a cat, and you’ll see why dogswin in this department!

7. Dogs Have a Larger Variety of Breeds with Unique Skills

There are so many dog breeds, each with unique talents and skills. From the agility of Border Collies to the loyalty of Golden Retrievers, dogs are bred for different purposes, each requiring intelligence and flexible thinking.

• Larger dogs like German Shepherds excel in protection and law enforcement.
• Small dogs like Jack Russell Terriers are excellent at problem-solving.
• Working dogs are trained for various roles, from herding to retrieving.

Cats are more similar across breeds when it comes to intelligence, whereas dogs have evolved into specialists with specific tasks that require brainpower.

8. Dogs Understand Commands

While cats may respond to their names—when they feel like it—dogs are much better at following commands. Dogs can learn multiple commands, obey them, and even follow hand signals.

• The average pet dog can understand up to 165 words and commands.
• Some highly trained dogs, like service dogs, understand even more.
• Dogs respond better to training due to their strong bond with humans.

Meanwhile, cats tend to have a “what’s in it for me?” attitude. They know what you want them to do; they just choose not to do it!

9. Dogs Remember More

Dogs have excellent long-term memory and can recall people, places, and commands over time. Their ability to remember and act on that memory shows how flexible and intelligent they are.

• Dogs remember commands even after years.
• They can recognize people they haven’t seen in a long time.
• Their memory helps them navigate new environments without getting lost.

Cats may remember where the litter box is, but don’t expect them to remember much beyond their immediate needs.

10. Science Backs It Up!

Finally, the science is clear: dogs are smarter. According to Suzana Herculano-Houzel, who led a study on animal intelligence, dogs have a higher number of neurons than cats. More neurons mean more processing power for cognitive function.

• Dogs’ brains are more complex, allowing them to adapt, learn, and interact with the world in smarter ways.
• Results of the study show that dogs have better biological capability for intelligence.

Conclusion: Dogs Take the Crown!

While cats are lovable and independent, when it comes to smarts, dogs are the clear winners. Their ability to learn commands, solve problems, connect with humans, and even work in jobs like law enforcement and therapy proves that dogs are much more than just loyal companions—they’re also incredibly intelligent.

So, if you’re looking for a better pet when it comes to brains, you might just want to join dog people in celebrating the smarts of our four-legged friends. Cat lovers, don’t worry—your feline pals still rule the internet!

You might also like Why are tennis balls fuzzy? and Why do ice cubes float in water?

Sharing is caring!