You may think your family dog is a highly intelligent breed, but in fact, they are among the least trainable dogs. If that is the case then you may have to face a lot of issues training such dogs.
That is why, people often search for popular dog breeds that are the most intelligent ones. Dog intelligence, just like human brains, comes in numerous forms that help dogs in obedience training. So, below, we have prepared a list of the smartest dog breeds according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Here’s a breakdown of some of the smartest dog breeds, plus key takeaways about what makes a dog intelligent:
Types of Dog Intelligence
- Instinctive Intelligence: What the breed was originally designed for (herding, retrieving, guarding, etc.)
- Adaptive Intelligence: Learning to solve problems on their own.
- Working and Obedience Intelligence: How well they understand and follow commands.
Smartest Dog Breeds
- Border Collie: The undisputed champion! Bred for herding, they’re incredibly intelligent, energetic, and need lots of mental and physical stimulation.
- German Shepherd: Known for their intelligence, loyalty, and work ethic. They excel in police and military roles, as well as being great family dogs.
- Golden Retriever: Friendly, eager to please, and highly trainable. Common as service or therapy dogs due to their temperament and intelligence.
- Doberman Pinscher: Originally bred as guard dogs, they’re smart, protective, and athletic.
- Shetland Sheepdog: Smaller herding dogs known for quick wits and obedience. They often excel in dog sports like agility.
- Labrador Retriever: Beloved family dogs, but also used for important work like search-and-rescue due to their intelligence and trainability.
- Poodle: Don’t let the fancy haircuts fool you! Poodles are highly intelligent and were originally hunting dogs.
- Rottweiler: Powerful and protective, but also smart and eager to work.
- Australian Cattle Dog: Bred for herding in tough conditions, making them independent, tough, and very clever.
- Papillon: These small, alert dogs are far from just lapdogs. They’re surprisingly trainable and athletic.
Key Takeaways
- Smartest Doesn’t Mean Easiest: Highly intelligent breeds need even MORE mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
- Training is Key: Even the smartest dog needs consistent, positive training to reach its full potential and be a well-behaved companion.
- Find the Right Fit: Consider your lifestyle when choosing a breed. A Border Collie won’t be happy in a small apartment, but a Papillon might thrive!
Remember: Every dog is an individual. With love, training, and understanding, dogs of any breed can be amazing companions!
Contents
List Of Top Smart Dogs Breed
Below, we have prepared a list of the most intelligent dog breeds that you can buy as your guard dogs. However, before knowing about the originally bred specifically popular breed that is the most intelligent one, let’s first know what makes a dog smart.
Well, is it their capability to learn something new, how they obey the owner’s commands, how much they are eager to please the owner, or anything else? However, the fact is some canines are smarter than others.
Thus, let’s now take a close look at the smartest dog breeds below. A smart dog can be a toy breed, a therapy dog, a gun dog, a guard dog, a working dog, etc. with natural abilities. So, let’s check the list below to know what dogs are considered the most intelligent dog breeds.
Border Collies
- Origin Country: UK
- Time of origin: 1570
- Weight: 25 to 30 kg
- Height: 50 to 56 cm at the shoulder
- Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
The Border Collie is the smartest dog breed in the world. The border collie is a devoted smarty and incredible workaholic, openly despising a passive lifestyle and becoming indescribably delighted with any activity associated with increased physical activity and energy consumption.
Representatives of this obedient companion are considered the smartest for unprecedented intelligence, high levels of energy and efficiency, extraordinary instinct, and workaholic character.
Border Collie is an incredibly fast learner. These shepherd dogs, who used to watch herds of sheep, have retained their powers of observation and agility. Thanks to highly developed speed and concentration, the Border Collie dog breeds achieve high sports results in agility. And Border Collie dog breeds are unpretentious pets that are suitable for families with children.
This dog started as a herding dog breed for sheep and herd livestock in Scotland and England. You will find this properly trained dog to be hard-working with great intelligence and instincts.
German Shepherds
- Origin Country: Germany
- Time of Origin: The end of the 19th century
- Weight: 25 to 40 kg
- Height: 55 to 68 cm
- Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
The German Shepherd consistently ranks at the top of lists of the most devoted, smartest, and easiest to train dogs. German Shepherds are frequently used by the military and law enforcement. You may also have seen them as police dogs. Among the smartest dog breeds is represented by intellectuals who put their skills to work by being trained to discover bombs and drugs as well as other crucial tasks.
These dogs are capable of learning the commands the first time; they are robust, intelligent, and brave. They are very simple to train. German Shepherds are renowned for being faithful family protectors in addition to being outstanding service dogs. Remarkably, this dog breed was carefully produced with intelligence in mind.
This intelligent dog breed happily serves as a police dog, watch-guard dog, medical assistance dog, and also a therapy dog, so it is no wonder that consistent obedience comes with this breed.
Golden Retriever
- Origin Country: UK
- Time of Origin: 19th century
- Weight: 27 to 40 kg
- Height: 51 to 61 cm
- Lifespan: 11 to 13 years
Golden Retrievers are smart hunters, impeccable family dogs, reliable friends, responsive to affection, and have a kind attitude toward their owners. A properly educated golden Retriever will willingly fulfill any master’s command and at the same time will not behave as if he had accomplished the greatest feat in the world.
Big, amiable retrievers are capable of learning almost 200 instructions! Because of their reputation as dependable helpers, persons with disabilities frequently choose to keep these dogs as pets. Golden retrievers are highly intelligent and are even utilized in search and rescue efforts. They make outstanding service dogs thanks to their agility and obedience as well as their outgoing personalities.
They are unpretentious in care and very obedient in training, and they also skillfully perform various tasks. Great pets and friends for the whole family. They are great therapy dogs and can work as search and rescue dogs.
Poodle
- Origin Country: France
- Time of Origin: 17th century
- Height- Standard: 37 to 39 cm, Medium: 28 to 30cm, Toy: 25 to 28cm
- Weight- Standard: 20.5 to 30 kg, Medium: 12 to 14 kg, Toy: 6.5 to 7.5 kg
- Lifespan: 12 to 18 years
With its harmonic constitution, a beautiful disposition, and high level of intelligence, the poodle embodies beauty and exuberant decorativeness.
Due to their innate intelligence and capacity for a wide range of tasks, poodles are regularly observed within the circus ring. Once bird hunters, they now make shrewd, submissive buddies. They are quite amiable and like their owners.
During times of war, this breed of dog performed a vital duty: they supplied soldiers with food. It makes sense that poodles are thought of as bright and tenacious animals. Also, training them is entertaining and simple!
Doberman Pinscher
- Origin Country: Germany
- Time of Origin: About 1890
- Weight: 30 to 40 kg
- Height: 65 to 69 cm
- Lifespan: up to 14 years
A German tax collector once carried this smart dog outside for security. Doberman Pinschers are extremely intelligent, self-assured, and simple to teach. Despite their bulk and intimidating look, they make loyal and gentle pets. They are bold, move quickly, and have a lot of stamina, which makes them great watchdogs.
They displayed all of the aforementioned traits while protecting troops and guiding them through thick woodlands during the Second World War. Doberman Pinschers are frequently trained for military and law enforcement work. With constant training, they make ideal watchdogs because they are obedient, surprisingly intelligent workaholics, and well-trained.
Shetland Sheepdog
- Origin Country: Scotland
- Time of Origin: 20th century
- Weight: 6 to 7 kg
- Height: 35 to 37 cm
- Lifespan: under 16
This shepherd dog breed is known for its keen intelligence and quick wit. Shetland Sheepdogs are very trainable, obedient, and nimble dogs who frequently place well in agility contests. These dogs are excellent for agility sports because of their persistence and capacity to pick up new information rapidly.
They are also excellent watchdogs, barking loudly when they perceive a warning or a threat. High intelligence enables them to complete practically all duties with ease, and a kind and caring nature make them wonderful family companions.
Labrador Retriever
- Origin Country: Canada
- Time of Origin: 19th century
- Weight: 30 to 45 kg
- Height: 55 to 57 cm at the shoulder
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
The Labrador retriever’s popularity can be attributed to a remarkably effective combination of outside factors and “working” traits that enable breed members to function as both companions and helpers to people.
The Labrador Retriever is renowned across the world as a loving, devoted, and lively family dog. They stand out in addition to having a keen sense of smell as well as excellent intelligence. These characteristics enable them to carry out very vital activities including searching for drugs, assisting the police, and taking part in search & rescue missions.
A Labrador Retriever can swim far in cold water thanks to its thick coat and heavy tail. This breed of canine intelligence is recognized for its members’ intelligence, patience, and gentleness. They can study, observe, and imitate human behavior, which allows them to learn plenty on their own. They are among the most intelligent dogs, making them excellent pets.
Miniature Schnauzer
- Origin Country: Germany
- Time of Origin: 1888
- Weight: 6 to 7 kg
- Height: 30.5 to 35.5 cm
- Lifespan: up to 15 years
Miniature Schnauzer is a versatile dog. He can be a hunter, a sensitive watchman, a strict customs officer, or he can simply illuminate your home with rays of joy and happiness. They are independent thinkers, smart, and can show the highest professional level in obedience competitions.
However, despite their high ability to learn, they must be properly educated from childhood. Like most of these dogs, miniature schnauzers require a lot of exercise and activity to keep them from getting bored and causing harm.
In the past, they were rat catchers, but today these dogs are charming companions and constant winners at dog shows.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Origin Country: UK
- Time of Origin: 10th century
- Weight: 9 to 12 kg
- Height: 25 to 30 cm
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a big dog with a small body. This characteristic is most often heard from the owners of these dogs. It’s amazing to have such a cheerful, sociable, and devoted yet intelligent dog breed at home.
And among the large service dogs, the Corgi will outperform several well-known human aides in terms of intuition and intelligence. Members of the breed were able to find love in many nations throughout the world thanks to their excellent character, incredible artistic talent, and charming beauty. It keeps gaining popularity among us.
Its representatives stand out thanks to their long bodies short legs and highly developed minds. Corgis are well-respected as watchdogs, service dogs, and companions. These sharp dogs are very trainable and can easily handle a range of exercises.
English Springer Spaniel
- Country of Origin: UK
- Time of Origin: during the early 1800s
- Weight: 20 to 25 kg
- Height: 43 to 51 cm
- Lifespan: up to 12 years
These muscular, strong, and highly intelligent dogs are bred specifically for hunting and cooperating with humans. Therefore, their mental abilities are estimated quite highly. They perfectly understand the owners, they are easy to train, trying to please them. They are excellent babysitters. English Springer Spaniels are hunters by nature, so they need physical activity and many hours of walks with mandatory sports elements.
Australian Cattle Dog
- Origin Country: Australia
- Time of Origin: Early 1800s
- Weight: 13 to 28 kg
- Height: 43 to 51 cm
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
Australian Cattle Dog breeds are happy to perform their duty because they were raised to herd cattle. This kind of dog is exceptional since they are not only exceptionally intelligent but also exceedingly mobile, hardy, and energetic. Amazingly intelligent and well-organized, dogs put everything in their proper places on their own.
They are incredibly intelligent and skilled at outwitting their owners while fervently guarding family members. They have a thorough understanding of how human teams function, and since they are so active and productive, they require continual physical exertion.
Rottweiler
- Origin Country: Germany
- Time of Origin: the middle of the 18th century
- Weight: 42 to 50 kg
- Height: 56 to 68 cm
- Lifespan: up to 12 years
Rottweilers are serious and energetic brutal, whose main purpose is to serve people. It is from Rottweilers that the best rescuers and guides are obtained, ready at any moment to risk their own lives in the name of saving the human.
Strong Rottweiler dogs have several benefits, including intelligence, affection, obedience, and loyalty. Their innately high intelligence shows up in the way they conduct guard, service, and police duties as well as in treatment.
One of the first dogs to be trained as guide dogs were this breed. Despite their size and strength, Rottweilers are fun and happy dogs who also stand out for their courage, patience, and intuition. Great pets care for and defend their owners.
Belgian Tervuren
Origin Country: Belgium
Time of Origin: late 19th century
Weight: 20 to 30 kg
Height: 56 to 66 cm
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
One of the four Belgian Shepherd breeds is bred for grazing. Like other herding dogs, the Belgian Tervuren is obedient, intelligent, and highly trainable. They require a lot of exercise, training, and attention to live a healthy life.
The development of the breed, as a versatile helper and attentive companion, went in parallel with the physical development of these balanced dogs, possessing strength and endurance. Today they work in the military and police force, in search and rescue services, help the disabled, act in films, and win dog shows
FINAL WORDS
If you dream of having an officially recognized smartest breed in the world, then the border collie will become your best choice. Other smartest breeds are German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, Shetland Sheepdog, and Australian Cattle Dog.
It is important constantly develop the intellectual abilities of the dog. This is the only way you will get a smart well-mannered pet who will delight you with his tricks and will not cause trouble in everyday life.
