Pooches, puppers, doggos – all these words mean the same thing. And, now it appears that the dogs themselves can connect similar linguistic labels, according to a new study from Eötvös Lorand University in Budapest, Hungary.

This principle of "label extension" is a pillar of language development in young children. For example, toddlers or preschoolers pick up words and then gradually learn to group those words or objects based on their use: a ladle is just a big spoon because they both scoop things; a "cup" can refer to a mug, a glass, or a flagon.

In the animal kingdom, few non-human species demonstrate such language skills, and only after much training in captivity.

Dogs, however, can learn these skills naturally, without specific training beyond a few play sessions with their owners.

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