Are Pigs Smarter Than Dogs? See How Smart They Really Are

Anytime you think of what animals belong on a farm, pigs are on the list. They’re some of the cutest, most responsible animals you can own. Pigs love to roll around in mud and play around. Much like humans, pigs also enjoy massages and listening to music. Pigs deserve to be outside and somewhere they can roam around. One thing people might not realize is just how smart pigs are. Because of the things they like and how they always find their way home, it’s even made some wonder if they’re smarter than dogs. So how smart are pigs and where do they rank amongst other animals in terms of their brain power?

Are Pigs Smarter Than Dogs?

There’s been lots of research done and studies surrounding this question, with the answer being yes. Pigs are in fact smarter than dogs, and even three year old humans. Something pigs have that dogs don’t is problem solving skills. Dogs will go to humans or other dogs for help, but pigs will continue to try to solve a problem for as long as possible. Even though pigs are smaller animals, they’re incredibly strong if they bite you. When pigs are in the wild, they travel in groups together to stay safe. They know the importance of having each other’s back and staying together. When pigs are babies, they sleep right next to their mothers for their own safety.

Pigs are even smart enough to figure out how to befriend other animals. After making friends, pigs will do everything they can to continue being social, as they’re some of the most social animals on the planet. With other pigs, there are 20 sounds pigs make in order to communicate with each other. Even though they’re thought of as dirty animals who play in mud, pigs prefer clean areas and even know how to make their areas clean. Pigs are able to display different emotions, something only intelligent animals can do. If pigs are this smart, how do they compare to other animals?

Where Do Pigs Rank Compared to Other Animals?

Overall, pigs rank as the seventh smartest animal on the planet, with orangutans being the smartest. It’s no surprise to see orangutans at the top of this list, as they share most of the same DNA with humans. The other animals that are ahead of pigs are octopus, parrots, elephants, chimpanzees, and dolphins. This makes pigs the smartest animal you’d find on a typical farm in the United States. Other smart farm animals include chickens, sheep, cows, and horses. Since pigs share so much in common with dogs, are you able to train them the same way you’re able to train dogs?

Can You Train A Pig Like How You Would A Dog?

If you were looking for a reason to train your pig, consider this the confirmation you need. Since pigs are smarter than dogs, you can train them. In some cases, it’s even easier to train a pig due to their level of intelligence. Pigs are able to understand commands like “Come here” and “Sit” much like a dog. Pigs are playful enough that they can even learn and master tricks like some dogs.

If you’re looking to have your pig roam around your house, it’s smart to train it. Pigs love to make humans happy, since they’re social creatures. You can train a pig where to dig and play at, and where to avoid. The key with training pigs is to use positive reinforcement. This is no different than other animals, as being rewarded releases dopamine in the brain, making you want to do it again. Pigs are stubborn animals so if you give the pig a reward worth behaving for, the pig will become trained.

Can You Pet A Pig As If It Were A Dog?

Because pigs are social animals, it’s natural to wonder if you’re able to pet them. Pigs love to be rubbed, scratched, and soothed. The key is to not pick them up like a dog. Pigs don’t like that at all and will make it known. Pigs show their love and affection to you in many different ways. While a dog may want to run up to you and leap all around, a pig will walk up to you and snuggle up.

Pigs are some of the most interesting and amazing animals we have on Earth. It’s important to protect them and treat them the way they deserve to be.