Review Of "The Intelligence Of Dogs: Canine Consciousness And Capabilities" By S. Coren

Document Type

Book Review

Publication Date

10-1-1994

Published In

Choice

Abstract

Coren has written an entertaining and highly readable treatment of the mental abilities of domestic dogs, using the theory and techniques of human intelligence testing. Although written by a social scientist, the book is not a scholarly analysis of data on the performance of animals in standardized tests. Breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club are ranked on the basis of questionnaires and interviews with obedience trial judges. Evaluation of the different types of canine intelligence is accomplished by the author's personal observation as a dog trainer and by lively anecdotes. Chapters also treat the intelligence and cognitive abilities of animals, how to give one's dog intelligence and personality tests, and suggestions for improving the performance of a dog. There are no references to the large literature on animal intelligence, although there is a brief "suggested reading" section and an index. There are several older engravings of breeds of dogs and helpful line drawings showing dog communication and testing systems. General; graduate through professional.

Comments

This work is freely available courtesy of Choice Reviews. The review has been reproduced in full in the abstract field.

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