Study Finds Dogs Understand Language

[Stapes]

Study finds dogs understand language

Thursday, June 10, 2004 Posted: 10:16 AM EDT (1416 GMT)

WASHINGTON (AP) -- As many a dog owner will attest, our furry friends are listening. Now, for the doubters, there is scientific proof they understand much of what they hear.

German researchers have found a border collie named Rico who understands more than 200 words and can learn new ones as quickly as many children.

Patti Strand, an American Kennel Club board member, called the report "good news for those of us who talk to our dogs."

"Like parents of toddlers, we learned long ago the importance of spelling key words like bath, pill or vet when speaking in front of our dogs," Strand said. "Thanks to the researchers who've proven that people who talk to their dogs are cutting-edge communicators, not just a bunch of eccentrics."

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[Stapes]

THE saying smile and the world smiles with you holds true — even for SHEEP.

Researchers at Cambridge University have found sheep can recognise up to 50 facial expressions of other members of their flock and handlers.

Neuro scientist Dr Keith Kendrick believes the discovery may offer insights into human conditions like autism and schizophrenia.

The breakthrough comes days after animal researchers in Leipzig, Germany, found eight-year-old collie dog Rico could understand an incredible 200 words.