Of all the cute things dogs do, cocking their head to one side while they look at you may be the most endearing. Yet surprisingly little research has looked into why they do it. Now, a new study of “gifted” canines—those capable of quickly memorizing multiple toy names—shows they often tilt their heads before correctly retrieving a specific toy.
That suggests the behavior might be a sign of concentration and recall in our canine pals, the team suggests.
The researchers stumbled upon their find by chance while conducting a study of “gifted word learner” dogs.
Most dogs can’t memorize the names of even two toys, but these talented pups—all border collies—could recall and retrieve at least 10 toys they had been taught the names of.
One overachiever named Whisky correctly retrieved 54 out of 59 toys he had learned to identify.
I have always accepted that head tilts are a sign of anticipation (willingness to engage but waiting for the cue) after recognition and interest in a specific situation, with a specific person. Both of my dogs headtilt, often seems to be an acknowledgement of some type..
We call it a “twinch” in our household. It always looks to me like the dog is trying hard to hear exactly what you are saying, in order to understand it.
momofalex7 over 1 year ago
Because it’s so cute, especially from a dog like Kenny.
sarahbowl1 Premium Member over 1 year ago
I’m hooked!
gr8fuldean over 1 year ago
They should learn to do it in unison. Twice the cute!
Forest Dweller 54 over 1 year ago
Why is one eye blue and the other one not?
Silly Season over 1 year ago
I don’t see this applying to Kenny, though….
~
Of all the cute things dogs do, cocking their head to one side while they look at you may be the most endearing. Yet surprisingly little research has looked into why they do it. Now, a new study of “gifted” canines—those capable of quickly memorizing multiple toy names—shows they often tilt their heads before correctly retrieving a specific toy.
That suggests the behavior might be a sign of concentration and recall in our canine pals, the team suggests.
The researchers stumbled upon their find by chance while conducting a study of “gifted word learner” dogs.
Most dogs can’t memorize the names of even two toys, but these talented pups—all border collies—could recall and retrieve at least 10 toys they had been taught the names of.
One overachiever named Whisky correctly retrieved 54 out of 59 toys he had learned to identify.
~
Science Org
Why do dogs tilt their heads?
rockyridge1977 over 1 year ago
Drama teacher……
pheets over 1 year ago
I have always accepted that head tilts are a sign of anticipation (willingness to engage but waiting for the cue) after recognition and interest in a specific situation, with a specific person. Both of my dogs headtilt, often seems to be an acknowledgement of some type..
ladykat over 1 year ago
Kenny is thinking.
anomalous4 over 1 year ago
On Cute Overload, that look used to be known as “Baroo?” I SOOOOO miss Cute Overload!
bwswolf over 1 year ago
Easy Kenny, not quite as much angle ….. at least that was the way my Huskies use to do it ……….. :)
WF11 over 1 year ago
We call it a “twinch” in our household. It always looks to me like the dog is trying hard to hear exactly what you are saying, in order to understand it.
ScottHolman over 1 year ago
Ah, isn’t he cute!
Laurie Stoker Premium Member over 1 year ago
We do! We really do!!!
eddi-TBH over 1 year ago
I hear rocks rolling in there.