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 began her career as a radio personality with a live show – DOG TALK® (and Kitties, Too!) – on the local NPR station in the Hamptons, Peconic Public Broadcasting (WPPB) from Southampton, New York (the show is now also carried on the NPR station Robinhood Radio in Connecticut and the Berkshires). DOG TALK® won a Gracie® Award (the radio equivalent of an Oscar) in 2010 as the “Best entertainment and information program on local public radio” and continues weekly after more than 450 continuous shows and 9 years on the air. Tracie’s live weekly call-in show CAT CHAT® was on SiriusXM satellite radio for seven years until the Martha Stewart channel was canceled in 2013.
Tracie lives in Vermont where the Radio Pet Lady Network studio is based, on 13 acres well-used by her all-girl pack – two lovely, lively Weimaraners, Maisie and Wanda, and a Collie-mix, Jazzy.