Fewer babies are being born in many wealthy countries, while more households are adding a dog. That overlap has helped popularize the idea of “fur children,” and it raises a blunt question: Are dogs taking the place of kids?

A study has found that intelligent companion dogs possess language learning abilities comparable to those of 18-month-old infants. Similar to how children learn to speak, dogs can also acquire new words simply by overhearing their owners' conversations.

Kids and dogs enjoy a surprise gift moment together.