Female but not male dogs respond to a size constancy violation

Abstract

Differences betweensexes in cognitiveprocesses are widespread in humans and permeate many, if not most, cognitive domains. In animal cognition research, however, possible sex differences are still often neglected. Here, we provide striking evidence for a sex-specific response in an object permanence task in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris). Female dogs responded with significantly increased looking times to a violation of expectancy-a ball 'magically' changing size while temporarily occluded. By contrast, male dogs, irrespective of their neuter status, did not respond to the size constancy violation. These results indicate that sex differences in basic cognitive processes may extend to mammals in general, and call for increased consideration of possible sex effects when analysing and interpreting data in animal cognition. © 2011 The Royal Society.