How come certain animal species talk, while others don't in the MLP Universe?

[Carbon Maestro 1,003]

As you might guess from the question, some species (Ponies, Breezies, Donkeys, Dragons, Buffalo) talk because their societies require them to do so. However, others like the Diamond Dogs and cows talk as well.

 

Do you consider it strange that Applejack's dog Winona doesn't talk while the diamond dogs can, even though these are technically the same species? Why is that so?

[Sugar Pea 2,682]

I believe it's because the are way separate from each other than they seem. Like, for example, this is a universe where ponies and other large animals have dominion over the smaller animals. Those animals are more woodland and wild, or fit as pets. :3 Dogs, bunnies, cats, birds, other basic animals are kept as pets in the show, kinda like we would. We're animals, but we talk and don't keep ourselves as pets. Haha

[Nulln 755]

I think only the hoofed animals and few exceptions (mostly mythical creatures) can talk, while everything else is just normal.  The diamond dogs are different from regular dogs, is why they can talk.

[M'aiq the Liar 5,804]

Because it is a magical land were you can make rainbow explosions.

 

 

And as for different species being able to talk, I think that while diamond dogs can speak, they are a very separate species to the normal domestic dog. Or they could not be dogs at all, but a race that shares similarities to dogs.

And faust herself said that all hoofed animals are sapient. Despite what filly vinilli would showcase.

[The Crimson Cross 7,532]

This is interesting. And a question that has been floating around in my mind for ages. I believe I brought up somewhere the fact that the cows in "Applebuck Season" could talk and yet the Pigs are unable to do so either.

Yet the Buffalo pack can. It is weird and I can't explain it.

 

I know that Fluttershy can understand most animals, so maybe the more advanced species have adapted to talk. 

[Rainblow H. Ash 5,091]

It might have to do something with magic of some sort, or just that certain species are just naturally like that.

 

Hooves does seem to have a big part in it, but more magical or strange beasts like Dragons, Minotaurs, Diamond Dogs, Griffons, Chimeras, and other things have been able to talk, so perhaps that also has something to do with it.

[Ashen Pathfinder 16,162]

For me, the better question is "if animals like cows can talk and think just as well as ponies, then why are they subjected to being herded and prone to stampedes?"

[Rainblow H. Ash 5,091]

For me, the better question is "if animals like cows can talk and think just as well as ponies, then why are they subjected to being herded and prone to stampedes?"

 

Perhaps it's because they are still prone to their base instincts?

 

It seems like the ponies have lost most of their instincts and have evolved past them, while, even though animals like cows can talk and reason, they are still comfortable with being cared for and can't help but run in fear from things like snakes.

[Ashen Pathfinder 16,162]

Perhaps it's because they are still prone to their base instincts?

 

It seems like the ponies have lost most of their instincts and have evolved past them, while, even though animals like cows can talk and reason, they are still comfortable with being cared for and can't help but run in fear from things like snakes.

 

Ah, good points all around! Never actually considered that.

[LZRD WZRD 1,929]

Some animals are more intelligent than others (like in the real world)

Edited June 11, 2014 by LZRD WZRD

[Forlong 1,726]

I've noticed that all creatures with voices are either hoofed mammals or reptiles.  So I'm going to assume the general rule is that reptilians and ungulates can all speak.

[~ Dr. Ocsid ~ 690]

What about Gryphons? They are neither, nor!

Lets go with: Reptilians, ungulates, and some mythical creatures can speak.

[Everleaf 541]

It seems to be animals only with hooves so maybe it's because they are a related species as so they cannot understand others...I don't know XD

 

however griffons...

Edited June 11, 2014 by Everleaf

[Pastel 7,630]

Do you consider it strange that Applejack's dog Winona doesn't talk while the diamond dogs can, even though these are technically the same species? Why is that so?

Actually I don't think the Diamond Dogs are actual dogs, because they look very different from them.

Winona and the DD may not be the same species.

[Rainblow H. Ash 5,091]

Actually I don't think the Diamond Dogs are actual dogs, because they look very different from them.

Winona and the DD may not be the same species.

 

It could be like Humans and Apes. Even though we have some similarities, we are completely different species. Same for regular dogs and Diamond Dogs.

[Yamato 1,348]

It is rather evident that species in the pony universe possess the capacity for speech only when the writers deem it necessary for them to possess it. It cannot be determined by species or mythological status, as it seems to be completely arbitrary.

[Darker 1,352]

It's been always like that on cartoons, where the carnivore and herbivore creatures don't speak alike. Sometimes they just cannot talk the same language, and it's pretty confusing.

[Cwanky 17,644]

 

Bad jokes aside, the point still stands. Its very likely that those that can't talk lack the sapience to do so.

 

Or maybe no one simply bothered to ask them.

[BitterBubblegum 75]

Uhhhh  Well. All things with hooves are granted brains or something. 

[Arctic Night 884]

It doesn't appear that the Diamond Dogs are the same "species" as common, domestic dogs. Moreover, some animals would have become more intelligent than others. Since the biosphere in Equestria is different than ours (and presumably the environmental conditions as well) ponies, dragons, sheep, etc, developed intelligence instead of humans. (Which likely do not even exist in Equestria.)

 

 

It could be like Humans and Apes. Even though we have some similarities, we are completely different species. Same for regular dogs and Diamond Dogs.

 

This was my initial thought as well. The Diamond Dogs might share very similar DNA to dogs as we know them, but they probably don't fall into the same species.

[Cwanky 17,644]

The goats are a rather odd bunch. they seem equally capable in doing tasks other salient creatures can, operating earpieces and machinery and communicating, if only indirectly.

 

What's odd is that they not only don't talk, but they're often passive to an awkward point, that make pets like Winona and Owliscious seem smarter at times.

[sweetolebob18 728]

Diamond Dogs talking & regular dogs don't?  Well, IRL humans are about 97% genetically identical to chimpanzees.  You can SERIOUSLY  piss off women by pointing out that is about the same difference as between men & women.  (Not that most bronies seem to need help pissing off women )

[They call me Loyalty 1,951]

Like on Earth, they all talk, that you can't understand their language, is another entirely different matter.