Âé¶¹´«Ã½

How do dogs recognise that another animal is also a dog? (continued)

One reader recalls a white terrier’s excitement on seeing a model of a polar bear in a shop window - showing that dogs don’t always get this right

4 October 2023

Big dog meets small dog; Shutterstock ID 2045462630; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Sue Thatcher/Shutterstock

How do dogs recognise that another animal is also a dog when there is such a vast array of canine shapes and sizes? (continued)

Ian Watson
Glasgow, UK

In support of previous responses on visual pattern recognition, I once saw the following reaction to a Christmas display in a shop window. A West Highland white terrier showed obvious excitement on spotting from about 10 metres distance a model polar bear of similar size to itself.

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Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and…

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