Which Is Smarter
A Dog or a Crow?

Here's Our Head To Beak Comparison...

By Richard Worden

It's not unusual to see a backyard dog and squawking crow engaged in an "argument." This begs the question: Which is smarter, a dog or a crow?

Crows are smarter than dogs. The average dog may possess an intelligence level similar to that of a two-year-old human, but crows are thought to be as intelligent (if not more so) as a seven-year-old human.

If you've ever wondered whether your pup could outsmart a local murder of crows, this article can enlighten you. Without further ado, let's discover whether dogs or crows win the battle of wits.

How Is Intelligence Measured in Animals?

Which is smarter: a dog or a crow? Zoologists and biologists have used a wide variety of tests to answer this question.

Generally, scientists use indicators to measure the intelligence of any given animal. These indicators include:

• Memory
• Self-awareness
• Problem-solving skills
• Brain size
• Ability to use and make tools
• Responsiveness to commands

Memory and intelligence are closely related. Without memories, creatures are driven purely by their most basic instincts. They also cannot make decisions based on previous experiences, as they can't remember them!

Self-awareness is another cornerstone of intelligence. Being able to recognize oneself in a mirror is one of the most common ways that self-awareness is tested in animals. 

Though many people believe that humans are the only self-aware creatures, several animals exhibit signs of self-awareness, including apes, dolphins, and elephants. These animals also happen to be accomplished problem-solvers.

Solving problems, such as opening a box to access the food inside, is a significant indicator of intelligence. Generally, animals with larger brains are the best problem solvers.

Another way that intelligence is measured in animals is via tools. The ability to make and use tools is thought to be one of the primary catalysts of human intelligence, helping to kick-start human cognition in our earliest ancestors. 

Few animals can create and use tools, and those that can are considered relatively intelligent. 

Lastly, there's the ability to learn and follow commands. Household pets, like dogs and cats, are one of the best examples of this type of intelligence. When training these animals to obey commands, offering rewards (like food) is initially important. which is smarter a dog or a crow

Over time, the animal associates the command with a specific action and reward. When they complete the action, they use their memory and problem-solving skills.

Now that you're familiar with the hallmarks of animal intelligence, let's take apart the question, "Which is smarter, a dog or a crow?"

How Smart Are Dogs?

Dogs might be man's best friend, but how smart are they? 

The prevailing theory is that most dogs are about as intelligent as a two-year-old child. Dogs can follow simple commands, solve problems, and retain long-term associative memories.

If you've ever left a sandwich on a kitchen counter and walked away for a few minutes, only to come back and discover that the sandwich has disappeared and your dog is looking a little guilty, you've experienced canine intelligence first-hand. which is smarter a dog or a crow
That said, a dog's intelligence is highly variable, and not all breeds are equally intelligent. Some dogs struggle to learn commands and solve problems, whereas others seem to have an innate ability to learn and remember.

Pups bred to be working dogs tend to be some of the smartest. So, breeds created to help with human tasks, like shepherd dogs and labradors, are generally considered some of the smartest dogs. 

But dogs bred for their aesthetic appeal, like the Afghan hound, can struggle to complete even the most basic tasks!

Still, this may have more to do with personality than aptitude, as some dogs are fiercely independent and resistant to commands. So a dog might understand what you're saying but simply refuse to listen or obey.

Key Indicators of a Dog’s Intelligence

We can assess how smart dogs are by listing how many key indicators of intelligence they exhibit. 

For example, though it's rare, some dogs can make and use tools to achieve specific goals! Dogs can also understand about 165 words or commands on average, revealing their ability to form memories and act in self-interest.  

As such, the key indicators of a dog's intelligence include the following:

• Associative memory
• Problem-solving skills
• Responsiveness to commands
• Ability to make and use tools (uncommon)
  
  

How Smart Are Crows?

Crows are part of the corvid family, which includes ravens and magpies. This bird family (Corvidae) is distinctly intelligent, with most corvid species being excellent problem-solvers and tool-users.

For perspective, while dogs might have the intelligence of a human toddler, crows are considered as intelligent as a small child—potentially a seven-year-old elementary school student! 

After all, crows are at least somewhat self-aware, an aspect that allows them to make decisions based on self-interest. They can also use (and create) tools to access food and have astounding long-term memory.

In fact, crows can remember human faces for years. This ability not only allows them to bond with their owners but also helps them avoid threats. If you're ever cruel to a crow, there's a good chance they'll remember your face and hold a grudge against you for the rest of their lives.

Key Indicators of a Crow’s Intelligence

So, where do crows stand in terms of intelligence indicators? To be honest, these birds check all of the boxes. 

For example, crows exhibit:

• Excellent long-term memory
• Self-awareness
• Problem-solving skills
• Large brains
• The ability to make and use tools
• The ability to learn and obey commands

In short, these birds are highly intelligent creatures. For a more in-depth look at why crows are considered as intelligent as human children, check out this informative video:

Which Is Smarter A Dog or A Crow?...Final Verdict

So, which is smarter, a dog or a crow?

Without a doubt, the average crow is smarter than the average dog. While dogs are about as intelligent as a human toddler, crows have the same intelligence as an elementary school student!

Crows can make tools, remember people's faces, and solve challenging problems. These birds may also be somewhat self-aware, allowing them to make plans based on previous experiences and a sense of self-interest.

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Hi! I'm Richard Worden, the author and founder of We Know Birds.

Over 20 years ago I developed a keen interest in birds and birdwatching, and it has been my passion ever since. I am committed to spreading useful knowledge about birds to others so we might all enjoy them to the fullest.

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