After reading many researches and studies in animal cognition and behavior, I wanted to create a new subtype for animals of advanced intelligence for Pathfinder. They are not magical beast, but have a natural cunning that place them apart from normal beast.
This subtype would mainly includes apes, whales and dolphins, which could receive a +2 (or +4 ?)Intelligence, but no automatic language known without training. This new Intelligence score could allow them to put skill ranks in any skill and to gain any feat they are physically able to use. Such beast could also be easier to Feint than normal beast (no bluff penalties against them) but could gain a +2 or +4 racial bonus on save against enchantment spell specifically used to affect animals.
I am also thinking about a Charisma buff...but i'm not sure.
Any comments, suggestions or ideas ?
The advanced template and Awaken spell may give you some ideas.
If all you are really arguing for is a higher than 3 (animal) intelligence on some creatures then just give it to them......
having skill ranks outside of what is natural for a particular critter is a bit different .... a dolphin with ranks in swim is one thing but a dolphin with ranks in knowledge(arcana) is another.......
If that IS what you want then you should probably check out the Advanced Race guide as you are essentially creating a himebrew dolphin race.......