Mongrels are smarter than their pedigree pals

London, December 28 : A new study has shown that mongrels are better than pedigree dogs in respect of spatial awareness and problem-solving abilities.

Dr David Smith of the Department of Animal Sciences, Aberdeen University, describes the study results as indicating that crossbred dogs are better suited for work as police dogs and as guides for the blind.

During the study, 100 dogs were put through seven tests, and each was given a mark out of 30.

A collie-spaniel cross, named Jet, was found to be the brightest dog with maximum points.

The researchers point out that seven out of the top 10 performing dogs were crossbreeds.

"Being a purebred does not improve the intelligence. The risk of medical problems among crossbreeds is also significantly lower," the Telegraph quoted Dr Smith as saying.

"Crossbreeding a German shepherd with a rottweiler, for instance, would produce as good a police dog as a purebred German shepherd," he added.

Matthew Bottomley, the breeding manager of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, said: "That's interesting because we are finding that, statistically, crossbreeds make better guide dogs."

ANI