Why DO dogs tilt their heads - and is it really a sign of confusion? trends now

Why DO dogs tilt their heads - and is it really a sign of confusion? trends now
Why DO dogs tilt their heads - and is it really a sign of confusion? trends now

Why DO dogs tilt their heads - and is it really a sign of confusion? trends now

Why DO dogs tilt their heads - and is it really a sign of confusion?

View
comments

Dogs rarely look cuter than when they're titling their heads to the side and looking at you quizzically. 

But while they may appear confused, a recent study suggests the expression could actually be a sign of intelligence.

Researchers from Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary found the head shift is a canine's way of processing the meaning of words and making connections.

The study analyzed the behavior of 40 dogs as their owners asked them to fetch a specific toy by saying its name.

Approximately 33 of the pets were unable to learn the names of toys, but seven did -  and tilted their heads when they heard their owners call it out.

Six of those 'gifted dogs' were Border collies, regarded as one of the most intelligent breeds in the world.

A recent study reveals your dog may be gifted if it tilts its head. Researchers studied several dogs and found Border collies made the expression most. Pictured is Whisky, who was part of the study and was among the most gifted

A recent study reveals your dog may be gifted if it tilts its head. Researchers studied several dogs and found Border collies made the expression most. Pictured is Whisky, who was part of the study and was among the most gifted

'Often owners observe dogs tilting their heads and we still do not have a full understanding of the function and circumstances in which this behavior happens,' the researchers said in a statement.

'However, this study is the first step in this direction showing how this behavior could be related to the presence of meaningful and salient auditory stimuli for the dog.'

The tilting of the

read more from dailymail.....

NEXT The UK's most sustainable restaurants are revealed - and it's bad news for KFC ... trends now