Who is Stanley Coren? Guide to Dog Intelligence & Behaviour

There are several well-known canine behaviourists and dog trainers familiar to many dog owners, including Barbara Woodhouse, Cesar Millan, and notably Stanley Coren. Among this select group, Stanley Coren stands out as a leading expert whose groundbreaking work has greatly deepened our understanding of how dogs think and what they are capable of. His research has been widely acknowledged and frequently cited by trainers and behaviourists worldwide. This guide explores his life, key research contributions, and how they can benefit every dog owner.

More about Stanley Coren

Stanley Coren is a Canadian/American professor of psychology specialising in neuropsychology and sensory processes, with significant research dedicated to both human and canine cognition. Born in 1942, he has authored over 400 papers alongside 19 books, many of which have become bestsellers. His acclaimed work, The Intelligence of Dogs, first published in 1994 and revisited in 2006, ranks dog breeds by their intelligence, particularly obedience intelligence—their ability to understand and carry out commands.

Coren holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a PhD in Psychology from Stanford University. He is a Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia and has been honoured as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada among other accolades recognising his scientific contributions.

Canine behaviour and the human-canine bond

Before turning his focus entirely to canine behaviour, Coren conducted neurological research on humans, investigating phenomena such as handedness and colour blindness. His later work delves into dog behaviour, employing large-scale observational studies and extensive surveys of dog owners. This approach allows him to collect comprehensive data about canine behaviour beyond the limits of smaller controlled groups.

In his book Why We Love the Dogs We Do, Coren analysed how owners' personalities influence their attraction to certain breeds. This study involved personality testing of over 6,000 dog owners and examined how these traits affected interactions with various breeds. The personality test from this research has since become a helpful tool for prospective dog owners considering which breed fits them best.

Expanding on human personalities, Coren also studied the personalities of dogs themselves, highlighting behaviour variations among different breeds. His publication Why Does My Dog Act That Way? offers valuable insights and advice to owners about typical traits and natural behaviours across breeds.

An additional essential work, How to Speak Dog, focuses on interpreting dogs' understanding of human commands and non-verbal body language. This book equips owners with practical ways to communicate effectively with their dogs, fostering stronger mutual understanding.

The intelligence of dogs

Perhaps Coren’s most influential accomplishment is his book The Intelligence of Dogs. This work compiled years of research with various breeds, ranking them according to intelligence, which initially sparked debate among owners and experts alike.

Coren’s assessment categorises canine intelligence into three parts: obedience intelligence (how well a dog learns and obeys commands), instinctive intelligence (skills related to the dog's inherent working ability), and adaptive intelligence (problem-solving and learning from the environment). Breeds scored differently across these categories, with the overall rankings reflecting a balanced evaluation.

While some may find a breed’s ranking surprising, the research is widely regarded as a valuable guideline for what to expect in training and behaviour from different breeds. You can explore more about Coren’s canine intelligence rankings in our detailed article here.

Responsible dog ownership and choosing the right breed

Coren’s work underlines the importance of matching a dog’s natural traits and intelligence with the owner’s lifestyle and personality. Prospective owners benefit greatly from understanding breed-specific behaviours and training needs, promoting responsible ownership and ensuring a fulfilling relationship for both dog and human.

When considering a new dog, seeking reputable breeders and understanding breed characteristics help secure a healthy, well-adjusted canine companion. Coren’s personality-based approach to breed selection remains a valuable resource for informed decisions.

Conclusion

Stanley Coren’s extensive research has reshaped how we view canine intelligence, personality, and communication. His accessible publications support dog owners in nurturing strong, understanding bonds with their pets. By recognising the unique traits of each breed and the needs of their humans, his work continues to inspire responsible, informed dog ownership across the UK and beyond.