Intelligence in animals has long been studied through species-specific behaviors, yet identifying a broad, cross-task cognitive factor—known as the “g factor” in human psychology—has proven challenging outside our species. In a 2023 study published on bioRxiv, Z. Bognár and colleagues demonstrated that dogs also exhibit a hierarchical cognitive structure with a general intelligence component, providing a new foundation for comparative cognition research.
Using seven behavioral tasks, the researchers conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to examine how different aspects of cognition relate in domestic dogs. They identified two main domains—problem-solving and learning ability—which together contributed to a higher-order canine g factor. Remarkably, this structure remained consistent across ages, suggesting that while intelligence declines with age, its underlying organization is stable throughout life.
The study found that training level, personality traits, and body condition were strong predictors of canine g. Dogs with higher activity and excitability scores, better physical condition, or more advanced training showed superior overall cognitive performance. Conversely, older dogs and those whose owners held overly emotional attitudes tended to perform lower on general cognition measures. These findings highlight the dynamic interaction between biological, environmental, and social influences in shaping dog intelligence.
Longitudinal data collected over three years revealed distinct aging trajectories: some dogs showed cognitive decline, others remained stable, and a subset improved with time and continued engagement. This variability reinforces dogs’ potential as a translational model for aging and cognitive resilience in humans, offering insight into how lifestyle and emotional context influence mental sharpness over time.
By confirming the presence of a canine g factor, this research establishes a framework for studying general intelligence across species and emphasizes the importance of training, enrichment, and emotional balance in maintaining cognitive health throughout a dog’s life.
Source: Bognár, Z., Turcsán, B., Faragó, T., Szabó, D., Iotchev, I., & Kubinyi, E. (2023). The Hierarchical Structure of Canine Cognition: Two Domains and a General Cognitive Factor. bioRxiv. Published February 7, 2023.
