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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Nicola Davis Science correspondent

‘Gifted learner dogs’ can learn words by eavesdropping, study says

Border collie holds a toy in its mouth, surrounded by lots of other toys on the floor
Squall, a nine-year-old border collie, participated in the study and knows the names of many, many dog toys. Photograph: Bobbie Kurivial

Whether it is a piece of food or a four-letter expletive, words can be learned by young children overhearing adults – but now researchers have found certain dogs can do something similar.

Scientists have discovered canines with the unusual ability to learn the names of myriad objects can pick up such labels by eavesdropping on conversations.

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