Have you ever wondered how intelligent your dog is compared to other animals? Or if humans really are the smartest species? Recent studies have shown that the size of an animal’s brain may determine how smart it is. While there is still much debate about this theory, you may be surprised to see where traditional research has placed these animals in terms of their intelligence:
THE SYRIAN HAMSTER (Mesocricetus auratus)
This animal is most commonly kept as a house pet. Their small bodies are proportional with their small brains.
AVERAGE BRAIN WEIGHT: 1.4 grams
DID YOU KNOW? Also known as the Golden Hamster, its earliest recorded description was in a book published in 1797 about the natural history of the Aleppo area of Syria.
THE BEAGLE (Canis lupus familiaris)
This domesticated breed of dog has been favoured by many because of its lovable personality.
AVERAGE BRAIN WEIGHT: 72 grams
DID YOU KNOW? Its brain weight is larger than that of a cat’s, which is averaged at 30 grams.
THE GREAT WHITE SHARK (Carcharodon carcharias):
Largely feared, this powerful animal is also an intelligent and fierce hunter.
AVERAGE BRAIN WEIGHT: 34 grams
DID YOU KNOW? Divers have noted that these sharks seem to be aware of a diver’s eyes and often approach them from behind. These and other observations have shown that Great Whites can exhibit caution and are capable of learning.
THE SPERM WHALE (Physeter catodon):
This massive mammal is the largest toothed animal still alive in the world.
AVERAGE BRAIN WEIGHT: 8,000 grams (the largest of any organism ever recorded!)
DID YOU KNOW? Though it has a massive brain, it has a much lower estimated IQ than other whale species, dolphins and humans.
THE HORSE (Equus caballus):
Domesticated since 4,500 BC, this mammal has assisted humans in many ways throughout history.
AVERAGE BRAIN WEIGHT: 532 grams
DID YOU KNOW? They often perform mental tasks on a daily basis, such as gathering food. Recent research has shown that they are quick learners of simple tasks.
THE AFRICAN BUSH ELEPHANT (Loxodonta africana):
As the largest land mammals, elephants are considered to be gentle giants.
AVERAGE BRAIN WEIGHT: 4,783 grams
DID YOU KNOW? Elephants are able to make music, display grief, show compassion and even paint!
THE BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN (Tursiops truncatus):
This mammal is known as a curious, playful animal that can also be an aggressive predator.
AVERAGE BRAIN WEIGHT: 1,500 – 1,600 grams
DID YOU KNOW? Dolphins have a slightly greater brain mass than humans do. However, scientists have suggested that they are less intelligent than chimpanzees and humans.
THE COMMON CHIMPANZEE (Pan troglodytes):
With DNA that most closely resembles humans, chimpanzees have shown surprising intelligence.
AVERAGE BRAIN WEIGHT: 420 grams
DID YOU KNOW? In a test involving number memorization, college students scored lower than young chimpanzees.
HUMANS (Homo sapiens):
Us!
AVERAGE BRAIN WEIGHT: 1,300 – 1,400 grams
DID YOU KNOW? Although humans do not have the largest brain, theirs is the most complex, which allows for higher functions that include language, the ability to use tools and the ability to create and use technology.