How Smart is Your Mutt?
Brandon McMillan, star of the television show Lucky Dog, and author of the book Lucky Dog Lessons: Train Your Dog in 7 Days, recently contributed to an article about the smartest top 10 breeds of dogs.
But have you ever wondered whether mutts are smarter than purebred dogs?
Though the notion that “hybrid vigor,” or improved function of offspring as a result of mixing genetic contributions, may still be controversial as it applies to dogs, research suggests that mixed breeds are healthier than purebreds.
Does it follow then that if you cross a German shepherd with an Australian shepherd---two of the smartest breeds Brandon mentions---you get a super-star working dog with the IQ of Stephen Hawking?
Kibble for contemplation: With the holiday season upon us, you might have more time at home with your dog. Pay attention to see if you can figure out just how much he knows!
Listen to my recent segment with Brandon on Dog Talk (and Kitties Too!), and then let’s take a poll!
Leave a comment on Facebook, letting us your mutt’s mix, and whether you notice hybrid vigor at work in those genius-puppy eyes.
---Tracie Hotchner
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