We’ve looked at Dr. Stanley Coren’s research that shows dogs can understand up to 250 words. There are numerous stories from dog owners backing this up.

Coren also concluded that dogs could do basic math – at least, they know that one plus one equals two, he says. John Mitchell, a dog breeder quoted in the article, puts it this way:

There’s an old saying: If you don’t think a dog can count, just put two cookies in your pocket then give him one and see what happens.

Clearly, dogs understand the concept of “more” and “other”. Mike O’Neal of Moscow, Idaho, says of his border collie:

He knows just what I mean when I say that we’re going to go outside using “the other door,” and he doesn’t associate the word with a particular door–there’s the door he’s looking at, then “the other door,” and either of the doors can be the other.

Border collies are, in fact, the most intelligent breed of dog, Coren has concluded after studying data from obedience trials. Poodles and golden retrievers, two breeds whose owners can cite numerous words they understand, are high on the list, too. Although Jack Russell Terriers don’t make the top eight, they have a reputation for intelligence. Judi Perkins once owned an “incredibly literate” JRT which, she says, could count to 10.

Even if your pet isn’t one of the “superdogs” whose intelligence equals a human toddler’s, he’s probably aware of more than you realize. Dogs have been bred for centuries to pick up on humans’ cues – and they’ve learned to interpret even the ones we don’t know we’re giving.

So, while you can’t expect your dog to balance your checkbook, don’t expect him to forget about that second treat you have in your pocket, either.