Dogs are widely known for learning action-based commands such as sitting or staying, but remembering the names of objects is usually difficult for the species. Recent scientific research has shown that a small group of unusually talented dogs can go beyond this limit. The study was conducted in Europe in the early 2020s by researchers from Eötvös Loránd University (pronounced URT-vush LOH-raand) and the University of Veterinary Medicine in Austria. Scientists observed about ten adult dogs that already showed strong word-learning skills. During the experiment, owners talked about a new toy with another person while the dogs listened nearby. Later, the dogs were asked to find the correct toy from a large group. Seven dogs succeeded, showing a significant ability to learn object names without direct training. The research was published in the journal Science, highlighting why this rare skill attracts growing interest in animal cognition.

The findings show how learning can happen through passive listening, a process often linked to human language development. This cognitive ability is uncommon in animals, with only a few species known to demonstrate similar skills. Researchers explained that the dogs learned even when the toy was hidden, suggesting that sound-based information alone was enough. Such results have important implications for understanding how animals process language-related signals. The research also raises questions about training methods, as indirect exposure may support learning in some cases. However, the skill remains limited to a small and distinctive group of dogs worldwide.