Do dogs have a sense of humor?

Many owners wonder if dogs have a sense of humor. Science does not provide a clear answer to this question. Although observations of pets suggest that dogs still understand jokes and know how to joke themselves.

Stanley Coren, professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia, dog trainer, animal behaviorist, and author of numerous books agrees with this, for example.

Why We Assume Dogs Have a Sense of Humor

Stanley Coren states that some dog breeds, such as Airedale Terriers or Irish Setters, behave as if they are constantly playing different roles and playing funny pranks that target other dogs or people. However, these pranks can significantly poison the life of supporters of strict order and silence.

The first scientist to suggest that dogs have a sense of humor was Charles Darwin. He described dogs playing with their owners and noticed that animals used to play pranks on people.

For example, a person throws a stick. The dog pretends that this stick does not interest him at all. But, as soon as a person comes closer to it to pick it up, the pet takes off, snatches the stick right from under the owner’s nose and joyfully runs away.

Or a dog steals the owner’s things, and then rushes around the house with them, teasing, letting them reach arm’s length, and then dodging and running away.

Or a four-legged friend sneaks up from behind, makes a loud “Woof”, and then watches as the person jumps in horror.

I think everyone who has such a dog will remember many more different entertainment options and pranks that pets can come up with.

Sense of humor in different breeds of dogs

We cannot yet say for sure whether dogs have a sense of humor. But if we draw a parallel between a sense of humor and playfulness, we can say that in some dogs it is very well developed. And at the same time, you can make a rating of breeds with this quality. For example, Airedales cannot live without play, while Bassets often refuse to play.

University of California scientists Lynneth Hart and Benjamin Hart ranked the playfulness of 56 dog breeds. The list is topped by the Irish Setter, Airedale Terrier, English Springer Spaniel, Poodle, Sheltie and Golden Retriever. On the lower steps are Basset, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Bulldogs, Keeshond, Samoyed, Rottweiler, Doberman and Bloodhound. In the middle of the ranking you will see Dachshund, Weimaraner, Dalmatian, Cocker Spaniels, Pugs, Beagles and Collies.

Being the proud owner of an Airedale Terrier (not the first and certainly not the last), I fully confirm that they are not lacking in playfulness. And the ability to play a trick on others, too. These qualities invariably please me, but I am well aware that there are people who can be annoyed by such behavior.

So, if you do not want to be the object of pranks from your own dog, it is better to choose someone from breeds that are less prone to “jokes” and “pranks”.