Pigs

Sus scrofa domesticus

Last reviewed: January 10, 2026

Summary

Pigs are highly intelligent and sentient animals with cognitive abilities comparable to dogs and 3-year-old children. They demonstrate self-awareness, complex social structures, emotional depth, and sophisticated problem-solving abilities.

Cognitive Abilities

Problem-solvingTool useSelf-awarenessSocial learningMemoryEmotional depthPlay behavior

Evidence Summary

Cognitive abilities: Pigs have been extensively studied and consistently demonstrate remarkable intelligence: Problem-solving:

Can learn to operate joystick-controlled video games
Navigate complex mazes
Use mirrors to locate hidden food (mirror self-recognition)
Learn from watching other pigs Memory and learning:
Excellent long-term memory
Can remember locations of food sources
Recognize individual humans and pigs
Learn names and respond to them **Social

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