Are Rats Smarter Than Dogs? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Rats have a bad reputation, and many dog breeds were even bred to hunt them. Despite all this, rats are actually extremely intelligent animals. Some studies even allude to rats being more intelligent than both dogs and humans. It’s tempting to jump to conclusions, but it’s important to carefully read through the data. Rats are certainly smart, but it’s unfair to compare their intelligence to dogs.

Intelligence is a broad term, and both rats and dogs are intelligent in different fields. We’ll go over each animal’s type of intelligence. By the end, we’re sure you’ll have a deeper appreciation for both of these smart animals.

Dogs and Rats: An Unfair Comparison

Comparing a rat’s intelligence with a dog’s intelligence is like comparing apples to oranges. They’re two very different animals that are wired to live completely different lifestyles. For example, dogs were bred to be companion animals. They can be trained to perform tasks that help humans, which is why you can find many dogs working in different fields.

While rats can be amazing and fascinating pets, they weren’t intentionally bred to help humans. If anything, rats have a long history of being at odds with human civilization. However, this doesn’t reflect their intelligence. Rats are incredibly smart animals, and their wits helped their species to survive for millennia. They might not be able to be trained to perform the same tasks that dogs can, but this doesn’t mean they’re not smart. Rats use their intelligence in other ways to ensure their survival. They’re also capable of forming strong bonds with their human caretakers and becoming loving and sociable pets.

How Smart Are Dogs?

It’s hard to determine the intelligence of dogs as a whole because different breeds have different levels of intelligence. In general, dogs are said to be very intelligent creatures, but what we have to understand about dogs is that there are different types of canine intelligence because different dogs were bred for different tasks. A researcher named Stanley Coren has worked extensively to determine canine intelligence, and he has broken it down into three different categories: instinctive intelligence, adaptive intelligence, and working and obedience intelligence.

Dog breeds were judged on different tests to determine what type of intelligence the breed has. Some breeds had stronger instinctive intelligence (what they were bred for), some had stronger adaptive intelligence (learning from their environment to solve problems, and some had stronger working and obedience intelligence (what they can be trained to do).

Some of the smartest dog breeds are those that have stronger working and obedience intelligence, meaning they can be trained to do specific tasks and jobs. These breeds include Border Collies (considered the smartest dog breed), Poodles, German Shepherds, and Golden and Labrador Retrievers.

However, it is estimated that the average dog has the mental abilities equivalent to a 2–2.5-year-old human. The average dog can also learn up to 165 words, while the most intelligent breeds are capable of learning up to 250. So, in general, dogs are pretty intelligent, no matter their breed.

How Smart Are Rats?

Considering their small size, rats have extraordinary cognitive and emotional intelligence. Studies have shown that rats have excellent pattern recognition skills and are able to understand the rules of a situation and work them in their favor. In fact, one study conducted at KU Leuven resulted in rats outperforming humans when tasked with distinguishing patterns and applying these patterns in new situations. Another study found that rats are skilled at finding situational loopholes and using them to achieve their tasks more quickly and easily.

Rats are skilled and observant opportunists who know how to work smarter, not harder. However, they’re also social animals that thrive on having an established social network. It’s recommended for pet rats to live in pairs or in small groups because individual rats can feel lonely and depressed.

Rats are able to recognize each other through their keen sense of smell, and they’re able to recognize different humans through similar means. This means that rats can get attached and form strong bonds with their human companions. Rats may not express their affection in the same way that humans, or even dogs, do. However, if you know what signs to look for, you can tell if your rat likes you. For example, rats will often emit high-pitched squeaks when they feel happy or excited. They’ll greet you when you approach their enclosure, and they’ll love playing with you.

Do Rats Get Bored?

We’ve established that rats are intelligent and social animals, meaning they need daily mental stimulation and social interactions to feel happy and content. Rats can get bored easily, and under-stimulated rats often develop behavioral issues.

If you plan on bringing home a pet rat, it’s important to first consider if you have enough space. Even though they’re small, rats require a large cage with at least two stories and ample room to climb and burrow. It’s also important to have a safe space where your rat can roam freely. Rats won’t be happy being contained in a cage their entire lives, and they need the extra space to explore and exercise.

It's also important to consider bringing home more than one rat. Rats need companionship, and a solitary rat can feel bored and lonely. Rats can keep each other company, take care of each other, and play together. They often thrive when they live in groups of three to five rats.

Along with providing plenty of toys to play with, your rat will love participating in training sessions with you. Rats like to learn and play, so teaching them new games and tricks is sure to make them feel happy and loved. Some games you can play with your rat include hide-and-seek, scavenger hunts, and maze runs. Most rats also enjoy swimming and will be happy to swim around in a shallow bathtub or kiddie pool.

Can Dogs and Rats Live Together?

Considering how intelligent and social both animals are, it’s possible for pet dogs and rats to live in the same home. However, it’s important to make careful considerations before committing to living with both types of pets.

You must ensure that you can provide a safe and stress-free environment for your pet rat. Many types of dog breeds were bred to hunt and can have a strong prey drive. Many terrier breeds were specifically bred to hunt rats and small vermin. So, your dog’s breed and temperament will play a significant role in your decision to bring home a pet rat. If you have a high-energy dog with a strong prey drive, it’s unlikely your home will be a safe environment for your rat. In contrast, if your dog has a gentle and mellow personality, it’s possible for a healthy bond to form between your dog and your rat.

Final Thoughts

Rats are unique animals that shouldn’t be dismissed so quickly. They’re extremely smart, and it’s fair to say that both rats and dogs are intelligent in their own ways. Both animals are social and are capable of forming meaningful friendships with humans. They both deserve some love and recognition, and we know that they each have the potential to become amazing pets for animal lovers.