How to Measure the IQ of an Animal

IQ stands for intelligence quotient, which is a score derived from an array of standardized tests that assess intelligence. Although humans are known to have the highest IQs due to our ability for higher, abstract forms of thought, many animals also score high on intelligence tests. Animals with the highest IQs are elephants, whales and dolphins. There are many different IQ tests to measure animal intelligence, with each test specifically designed for each animal. Dr. Stanley Coren, professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia and prize-winning dog trainer, created viable IQ tests for dogs. You can test your dog's IQ at home using Coren's series of tests.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog that is at least 1 year old and has lived with you for at least 3 months
  • Empty soup can
  • Cheese
  • Bath towel
  • Dog biscuit
  • Stopwatch
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Instructions

  1. Dog IQ Test 1: Problem Solving

    • 1

      Tell your dog to sit. If your dog doesn't sit, have someone hold it down by the collar.

    • 2

      Show the dog a small morsel of food, such as a piece of cheese, and let the dog sniff it.

    • 3

      While your dog is still looking at the morsel, slowly place the cheese about 6 feet away from the dog. Put a can over the cheese.

    • 4

      Using a stopwatch, time how long it takes for your dog to get the food. Encourage your dog to go after the food.

    • 5

      If the dog knocks over the can to retrieve the food in less than five seconds: dog earns 5 IQ points. If it does so in five to 15 seconds: 4 points. 15 to 30: 3 points. 30 to 60: 2 points. If the dog only sniffs around the perimeter of the can and doesn't retrieve the food after 60 seconds: 1 point.

    Test 2: More Problem Solving

    • 6

      Hold a towel above your dog's head. Let your dog sniff the towel.

    • 7

      Throw the towel over your dog's head so it covers its neck and shoulders.

    • 8

      Using a stopwatch, time your dog to see how long it takes to free itself from the towel.

    • 9

      In five seconds or less: 5 points; five to 15 seconds: 4 points, etc. (Same point system as last test.)

    Test 3: Social Learning

    • 10

      Have your dog sit about 6 feet away from you. Tell your dog to sit and stay.

    • 11

      Stare at your dog's face until your dog looks at you. After three seconds, smile widely at your dog.

    • 12

      If the dog comes toward you with its tail waging: 5 points. If dog comes slowly or only halfway without tail waging: 4 points. If dog stands or rises up to a sitting position but doesn't come to you: 3 points. If dog moves away from you: 2 points. If the dog does not pay any attention to you: 1 point.

    Test 4: Moving Objects

    • 13

      Have your dog sit and stay in front of you. Show your dog a bigger piece of food, such as a dog biscuit, and let the dog sniff it.

    • 14

      With your dog watching, place the food 6 feet away and place a towel over it.

    • 15

      While encouraging your dog to get the food, use a stopwatch and time how long it takes for your dog to retrieve the food from under the towel.

    • 16

      Retrieves in 15 seconds or less: 5 points. 15 to 30 seconds: 4 points, etc.

    Test 5: Language

    • 17

      Have your dog sit about 6 feet from you. Call out the word "refrigerator" in the tone of voice you use to call your dog's name.

    • 18

      If the dog does not respond, call its name.

    • 19

      If the dog comes to you or moves toward you after calling its name: 5 points. If the dog doesn't move, and you call its name a second time and dog comes toward you: 4 points. If dog shows no response: 3 points. If dog doesn't come toward you, call out the word "movies" in the same tone of voice. If the dog comes: 2 points. If the dog doesn't come toward you at all: 1 point.

    • 20

      Scoring:

      25 points: Genius

      15-25: Smart

      5-15: Not very bright

      Below 5: Has mental deficiencies