8 Reasons Why Pigs Are Smarter Than Dogs

Dogs may win the popularity contest, but pigs are secretly the brainiacs of the barnyard. With surprising memory, problem-solving skills, and even emotional depth, pigs often outshine pups when it comes to pure brainpower.

While dogs are loyal and lovable, pigs bring serious smarts to the table — and not just because they can find it. Curious, clever, and quick learners, pigs give man’s best friend a run for his biscuits.

Puzzle Solving Skills

Pigs have been shown to solve complex puzzles, even using mirrors to find hidden food. This level of abstract thinking is impressive and rivals — if not surpasses — what most dogs are capable of in problem-solving tests.

Memory Power

Pigs remember locations, people, and routines with incredible accuracy. Their spatial memory is so good they can navigate mazes and remember them days later. Dogs might forget where they buried the bone; pigs wouldn’t.

Social Smarts

Pigs understand social hierarchies and can manipulate situations to their advantage. They can recognize dozens of other pigs — and people — by sight and voice, a level of social recognition that many dog breeds don’t consistently show.

Emotional Intelligence

Pigs show empathy and emotional sensitivity, even reacting to the moods of their companions. They comfort distressed herd mates, suggesting a depth of emotional awareness that dogs usually reserve only for humans they’re bonded to.

Communication Skills

Pigs use over 20 distinct vocalizations to communicate different needs, emotions, and warnings. While dogs bark, growl, and whine, pigs speak a richer language that includes pitch, rhythm, and context to convey meaning.

Training Speed

Pigs can be trained to respond to commands — and often faster than dogs. They quickly learn tricks, use litter boxes, and even play video games with joysticks in lab studies. Yes, pigs playing video games — look it up.

Self-Awareness

In some studies, pigs have passed basic mirror tests for self-recognition, a sign of higher cognitive function. Dogs typically don’t pass these tests, suggesting pigs may have more awareness of “self” and surroundings.

Adaptability

Pigs adjust quickly to new environments and changes in routine. Whether on a farm or in a house as a pet, they adapt with minimal stress. Dogs can struggle more with change, often needing longer to adjust.

Smarts Wrapped in Snouts

While dogs capture our hearts with wagging tails, pigs quietly steal the intellectual spotlight. Their memory, learning ability, and emotional depth make them surprisingly sophisticated — and more than deserving of a bit more respect (and maybe a belly rub).