Published in Animal Cognition, this study investigated how age, sex, and temperament contribute to cognitive performance in companion dogs under 12 months of age. While prior research in working dog populations has shown age-related improvements in cognition during early development, comparable evidence from more diverse companion dog populations has been limited.
Dogs were tested once on two tasks commonly used to assess aspects of executive function: the Delayed-Search Task (DST), which measures inhibitory control and memory, and the Detour Reversal Task (DRT), which assesses cognitive flexibility. To capture temperament, owners completed the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ).
Contrary to findings from working dog studies, performance did not improve with age on either task. The authors suggest this absence of age effects is likely attributable to small sample sizes and substantial individual variability, rather than a true lack of developmental change.
Temperament emerged as a significant predictor of performance. On the DST, nonsocial fear and excitability were associated with task outcomes, but these effects differed between male and female dogs. On the DRT, excitability also predicted performance, with its influence varying depending on the dog’s age.
Importantly, the study found no correlation between the two cognitive tasks, raising concerns about construct validity and whether these tasks tap into shared executive processes in young dogs.
Overall, the findings highlight that early canine cognition is shaped by a complex interaction of temperament, sex, and developmental factors. The authors emphasize the need for larger, longitudinal studies and refined cognitive measures to better understand how individual differences influence cognitive development in companion dogs.
Source: Smith, J. G., Krichbaum, S., Montgomery, L. I., Cox, E., & Katz, J. S. (2024). A preliminary analysis of the effect of individual differences on cognitive performance in young companion dogs. Animal Cognition. Published April 1, 2024.
