New research shows goats rival dogs in ability to understand humans

KENT, ENGLAND — Scientists from Queen Mary University of London have been observing goats the past few years to gauge their cognitive capacity and their sophistication in terms of human interaction. New research published in the journal Biology Letters reveals that goats may actual rival dogs in their ability to get through to people.

As part of the research, Dr. Christian Nawroth and Dr. Alan McElligott put goats at Buttercups Sanctuary through a series of experiments, one of which involved the goats having to retrieve a treat from a sealed container using a lever, a task previously used to measure intelligence in apes. When the goats were able to do this, the scientists then made it impossible for the lids to be opened, and the goats would stare at their humans in frustration, begging for help retrieving their treat.

This reaction is similar to one made by domesticated dogs, who are known to gaze at humans to demonstrate a plea for help when their treat is stuck under a table or out of reach. Goats may be one of only animals who, along with cats and dogs, share this ability to connect with humans in more nuanced forms of communication.

The scientists hope that by showing the world how intelligent goats are, our newfound respect may lead to better welfare practices for their care.