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Matthew writes: Scientists worldwide have issued an alert that a German border collie named Rico not only has a 200 word vocabulary, but appears to learn language using the same “fast mapping” technique used by humans.

Julia Fischer, from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, states: “Through at least 10,000 years of close association with humans, dogs have gained abilities that are known not to exist in their close wild cousins, the wolves. For example, dogs bond well with humans, have an entire portion of their brain dedicated to interpreting human facial expressions, and have acquired the ability to learn language. These adaptations are clearly humanizing these animals through a process known as ‘uplifting’. As time progresses, dogs that mimic humans well will continue to be selected for, creating a feedback loop that will ultimately lead to full unquestioned sentience for canines—and that’s going to happen whether or not we intend it and even if we don’t use genetic engineering to encourage it. The question is, how long will it be before we face a canine uplift rebellion? Will our former companions remember their love for us, or are we doomed to a “Planet of the Apes” scenario? Will their greater ability to fetch overcome their lack of useful fingers and opposable thumbs? Only time will tell.