Dogs exhibit a form of self-awareness, though it is different from human self- awareness. Research shows that dogs have body awareness—they understand the size and shape of their bodies and how these affect their interactions with the environment. They are able to recognize themselves through scent rather than sight, which is why they typically fail the mirror test. Studies, such as those conducted at Eötvös Loránd University, found dogs understand their bodies as obstacles when trying to retrieve toys attached to mats, indicating an awareness of their physical presence and its impact on tasks. Dogs also recognize familiar humans and animals distinctly and remember past experiences with them, further showing cognitive awareness. However, their self-awareness is not as complete or similar to humans’, and it operates largely through senses like smell and body perception rather than visual identification in mirrors.
In summary, dogs are self-aware to a degree primarily characterized by body awareness and sensory recognition (especially scent), but not by visual self- recognition typical in humans and some other animals. This represents a unique and valid form of self-awareness tailored to canine cognition.
