Pomeranians, with their vibrant personalities and fluffy charm, are cherished companions. As devoted owners, we often ponder the intelligence of our furry friends and how they measure up against other dog breeds. In this blog post, we delve into the world of Pomeranian intelligence, exploring the methods used to assess it and shedding light on why the process is surrounded by controversy.
To gauge the intelligence of Pomeranians, renowned psychology professor and neurobiological researcher Stanley Coren developed a method outlined in his book, “The Intelligence of Dogs.” According to Coren, a dog’s intelligence is influenced by 51% genetics and 49% environment. He categorized intelligence into three aspects: instinctive, adaptive, and working in obedience intelligence.
Pomeranians, as a breed, secured the 23rd position in Coren’s intelligence ranking. Classified as excellent working dogs, they demonstrated the ability to grasp new commands with only 5 to 15 repetitions and obediently follow the first command given 85% of the time or better.
Despite the ranking, Coren’s method has faced controversy. The assessment solely focused on working in obedience intelligence and involved dogs associated with obedience judges. Critics argue that evaluating only one aspect neglects the multifaceted nature of a dog’s intelligence. Moreover, Coren never interacted with the dogs, relying on accepted data without personal verification.
Determining a dog’s intelligence encompasses various factors beyond obedience. Pomeranians display instinctive intelligence by guarding and protecting their owners, reflecting their historical role as working dogs. Their adaptive intelligence is evident in quick learning and adaptation to their environment, such as locating treats or reacting to non-verbal cues.
Pomeranians exhibit good memory capacity, recognizing familiar people, places, and objects. Their awareness intelligence allows them to sense changes in their surroundings, while perception intelligence showcases their ability to evaluate situations using their senses—smell, taste, hearing, sight, and touch.
Social intelligence involves learning from others, a trait seen in Pomeranians as they quickly observe and learn. Regarding emotional intelligence, dogs, including Pomeranians, express a range of emotions. However, debates persist on whether certain expressions, like guilt, truly represent emotions or are learned behaviors.
To nurture your Pomeranian’s intelligence, consider exposing them to diverse environments, people, and animals. Engage in daily play, vary walking routes, participate in obedience training, and challenge their minds with brain games, tricks, and agility courses. Celebrate your dog’s uniqueness and work together to improve areas where they may need assistance.
Pomeranians, ranked as the 23rd smartest dog breed, showcase remarkable intelligence. While assessments provide insights, it’s essential to acknowledge the individuality of each dog and appreciate their unique qualities. By actively engaging with our Pomeranians and offering diverse experiences, we not only enhance their intelligence but also strengthen the bond between us and our beloved furry companions.
