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The Genius of Dogs
How Dogs Are Smarter Than You Think by Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods
In partnership with
Dogs have succeeded where humans have failed—not because of what they understand, but because of what they want to understand.
What if man’s best friend is also a mind-reading genius?
In The Genius of Dogs, evolutionary anthropologist Brian Hare and science writer Vanessa Woods reveal a radical shift in how we understand canine intelligence. Forget IQ tests. Dogs aren’t smart in spite of being domesticated—they’re smart because of it.
Through decades of research, the authors show how dogs excel at one powerful skill: reading humans. Their social intelligence isn’t just impressive—it’s adapted for partnership, empathy, and survival. This book redefines what it means to be “smart” and invites us to appreciate how dogs co-evolved with us to become extraordinary companions.
SMARTEST TAKEAWAYS
Why Dog Intelligence Redefines the Word ‘Genius’
1️⃣ Dogs Are Social Strategists: Dogs don’t memorize shapes or solve puzzles the way chimps do—but they crush tasks involving human gestures, emotions, and communication. Their genius lies in social cognition.
2️⃣ Co-Evolution Is the Secret Sauce: Dogs didn’t just adapt to humans. Humans adapted to dogs. Over 30,000 years, dogs have evolved to read our body language, moods, and even eye movements better than any other species.
3️⃣ Different Breeds, Different Strengths: A border collie’s memory might impress you, but a Labrador’s empathy might save your life. Intelligence isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s shaped by what each breed was developed to do.
Brian Hare is an evolutionary anthropologist and founder of the Duke Canine Cognition Center, and Vanessa Woods is a science writer, researcher, and author specializing in animal behavior and cognition.
INSIGHTFUL EXAMPLE
The Pointing Test
In one experiment, researchers placed food under one of two cups. A human pointed to the correct cup. While chimps struggled or ignored the cue, most dogs instantly followed the finger—and found the treat.
Dogs aren’t guessing. They’re tuned into human signals in ways even our closest primate relatives aren’t. That’s a different kind of genius—one built on connection.
BOOK FACTS
The Genius of Dogs
First Published: October 29, 2013
Print length: 384 pages
Listening length: 7:59
Ratings: 4.5 Amazon, 4.0 Goodreads
PROTECT WHAT MATTERS
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FROM THE AUTHOR
Dogs Actually Have a Genius
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