Dogs' thinking abilities are not unique, but are influenced by their evolutionary history, social behavior, and domestication. By comparing dogs to wolves, cats, hyenas, chimpanzees, dolphins, horses, and pigeons, researchers found that dogs' cognitive skills are shaped by being carnivores, social hunters, and domesticated animals. Dogs' senses, physical abilities, spatial awareness, social skills, and self-awareness are similar to other animals in these categories. This suggests that dogs' intelligence is not exceptional, but rather a result of their place in the animal kingdom.