The 18 Smartest Dog Breeds

Your puppy is one of the smart cakes, but is that among the smartest dog breeds? Find out with a ranking supported by our science.

Smartest dog breeds, ranked

Your puppy is one of the smart cakes, but is that among the smartest dog breeds? Find out with a ranking supported by our science.
Dogs have become loyal friends of humanity since the age of stone, and it’s not just because they are very funny. They are smart in an ideal way for humans, a completely intentional situation; For thousands of years, humans breed dogs to be the perfect dog friends. Every time in history, the smartest dog breed has functioned as more than male friends: they are navigators and field guides, friends of war, detectives, garbage collectors, film stars, and security consultants, as famous dog researchers and professor Stanley Coren , PhD, showing in his iconic book The Intelligence of Dogs. Dogs are among the few animals that have traveled into space, and they have saved countless lives, both literally and metaphorically.

“There are three types of dog intelligence,” said Coren, who defines the intelligence of dogs by dogs interacting with humans. The first is “instinctive” and focuses on what has been raised by dogs by humans. The second is “adaptive,” or how well dogs learn from their environment to solve problems. The third is “work and compliance,” or how hard the dog is willing to work to please the people and do his job. What supports the three is the desire and ability to communicate effectively with humans – both by understanding human signs, actions, and commands, and by expressing themselves through barking, body movements, and actions.

Dogs on average can understand 160 words, according to Coren, and some dogs understand as many as 250 or more. But what might be more fundamental for effective communication between dogs and humans is that dogs, as a general rule, really care. “Dogs are very concerned and responsive to us,” Alexandra Horowitz, head of the dog cognition laboratory in Barnard College, Columbia University, told American Kennel Club (AKC).

Although this applies to all dogs, the most intelligent dog breed has certain traits that put their intelligence one step above. Just like some of our hairy friends are known as loving dog breeds, small dog breeds, or dogs that are not published, others are known as the smartest dogs, at least according to the Coren rubric. So, how smart exactly dogs? The children in our list may not be ready to challenge you to a card game, but they do their work, and well.

1. Border collie

According to the Intelligence of Dogs, which ranks 131 dogs in terms of their relative intelligence, border coollie is the smartest dog breed that is known to humans. Need proof? Chaser, Collie Talented Language Border from South Carolina, can recognize more than 1,000 words. But this is not just a matter of becoming a “smart book.” European shepherd dog descendants who live along the British rocky border, Scottish and Wales, border coollie are bred to be quite cunning and athletic enough to survive from dangerous landscapes. It is also blessed with a strong work ethic. AKC, who recognized Breed in 1995, described the border not only as “intelligent, loving, and energetic,” but also as “very bright work addicts.”

Collie border owners must be prepared to provide a lot of mental and physical stimulation of Doggo, according to AKC. This breed is very intelligent and good at communicating with humans so it doesn’t make sense to imagine that many are quite proficient in getting what they want from their owners. That is why we declare the smartest border of the collie dog in the world.

2. Poodle

Pudel, one of a number of elegant French dog breeds, is often seen as high maintenance. (However, curly hair will not arrange alone.) But don’t be fooled to think that makes them less smart. This breed has a high value because of its emotional and cognitive intelligence. In fact, Coren ranks the second puddle among the smartest dog breeds, right after the Collie border.

And yes, of course, the dogs can look rather luxurious, but they have also been employed during the war to send supplies to soldiers on the battlefield. The work requires compliance, focus that is firm, and clear decision making, and fast learning pudel is a clear choice. Veterinary doctor Wendy Hauler, DVM, said Pudel was easily trained and enjoyed activities that allow them to be challenged, such as hunting, tracking, agility, and compliance work. Above all, this breed has a cheerful sense of humor and a tendency to do tricks and deliberately act funny. Not that humans need more reasons to love them. No matter the size – from tea cups to standards – Food is a lot of fun and very funny.

3. German shepherd

German shepherd is the second most intelligent shepherd dog and the third smartest dog as a whole, according to Coren’s ranking. This breed is raised because of its high intelligence (they can learn new commands at first, according to AKC), the level of focus, desires, and high abilities to obey (which makes training easy), and protective instincts regarding fellow members of “packages”.

One of the power of this breed is its ability to evaluate complicated situations and decide the best action, according to Jill Cline, PhD, Director of the Royal Canin Pet Health and Nutrition Center in Lewisburg, Ohio. That is one of the reasons you will often see German pastors working in law enforcement, with a search and rescue team, and as a service dog for people with disabilities. In fact, it was the first dog breed taught to fulfill the role of seeing eye dogs.

4. Golden retriever

Dog intelligence is not just about brain strength. When they came to Golden Retrievers, their willingness to “comply with the commands or tasks requested by them by their owners,” as Cline said, was what pushed them into slot number four. Because of their encouragement to please their humans, these dogs can be relied upon to act consistently in various situations. Raised in Scotland to become a friend of hunting and game taker, they are often employed in search and rescue operations, assisted by relative agility and strong walking style.

As diligently a worker like Golden Retriever, is also loved throughout the world as a reliable and obedient friend. Bright dispositions and talents for learning orders (as many as 200 of them, mostly studied in the first experiment) make Golden Retriever a pet that is liked for people with disabilities. Fun Fact: These dogs are also some of the best dogs to have seniors.

5. Doberman pinscher

Described by AKC as Fear of Fear, Loyal, and Alert, Doberman Pinscher who is very intelligent and is easily trained to be raised by a German tax collector who has a little extra time in his hands during the season outside the season, as well as many abundant motivation to provide guards Perfect dog. (Because let’s face it: people can be very fussy when tax collectors come to call.)

“Known for the nature of those who are not afraid, speed, and deep stamina,” athletic creatures who are tough but look elegant, this strong makes this ideal guard dog, according to Coren. But as frightening with this type of dog that looks fierce may appear, this breed is actually known quite soft. That, and they are among very good dogs for training.

6. Shetland sheepdog

Sigebog Shetland who concisely did everything that could be done by a larger shepherd dog but in much less food. That’s why they were bred as “Collie’s little cousin.” Farmers in the British Shetland Islands use it to carry out the task of shepherd, and not only for sheep. Sheltie, as some people know, found the job of shepherding pony and poultry as well.

Enthusiastic to be fun and motivated to keep trying until they do it properly, great places in learning new commands in just a few repetitions. Because of their relative intelligence, obedience, and speed on their feet, they are ranked sixth in the list of the smartest dog breeds. Like Golden Retriever, Shetland Googdogs is very loved because of their dog intelligence as well as their personality, and they are also one of the best dog breeds for families with children. But as small as this fluffball, they also make a very good guard dog, thanks to their ability to feel danger. That’s instinctive intelligence there.

7. Labrador retriever

Developed by the 16th century settlers on the island of Newfoundland Canada, Labrador Retriever was a descendant of St. John Dog (who is no longer there) and Newfoundland relatives. This breed got his name in the 19th century, after the British aristocrats returned from Canadian visits with what they called “Labrador Dog.”

Once in the Land of England, the characteristics of Breed Labrador Retriever (such as the water oppression coat) are honed further so that they will be proficient in taking ducks in the hunt. Coren ranks the seventh smartest ranking, highlighting the amazing sense of smell and the ability to make a good assessment based on him. Labrador Retriever is known for self-training-I can and want to learn from humans, not by being taught but by watching and imitating. For all these reasons, this loved autodide is the number one most popular type of dog in the United States, a favorite among people with disabilities, and one of the best emotional supporting dogs.

8. Papillon

In the Coren ranking, the smallest of the smartest dog breed is Papillon. One of a number of large-ears puppies, this breed can track its roots for almost 700 years and play an important role in his intelligence, according to Caitie Steffen, a pet expert with tracking tracking of animal activities, whistle, and Angela Hughes, DVM, PhD,, Genetic Expert Veterinarians with Dog DNA Test Wisdom Panel. As one of the oldest dog breeds, Papillon has more time than many people to evolve into one of the smartest dogs in the world, and their breeders have used that time wisely.

Papillon, whose name is the word French for “butterflies” and nods to the ears like its wings, originated as a companion for noble members. According to AKC, they came from the European spaniel lines but were bred with toy dogs to become miniatures. Their happy and friendly attitudes are combined with the desire to please and high talents to learn and obey orders, making these natural friends.

9. Rottweiler

Rottweiler originated from the Roman Empire, when it was used to lead cattle. “Today, Rotties is respected as one of the most intelligent dogs for their sharp perceptions, unwavering loyalty, and acute awareness; That is why they are often employed as search and rescue dogs, guard dogs, and police dogs, “said holistic pet therapists and writer Sally Morgan. Coren ranks ninth rottweilers among smart dog breeds, making it one of the biggest dogs in size and intelligence .

Rottweiler is strong, rough, strong, also known to be very loving and loyal, according to Coren and AKC. They not only make fantastic police dogs, but they are also great compliance competitors, service dogs, therapy dogs, and daily pets. Although Coren believes Rottweilers have gained a reputation for fear, he shows that the truth is the opposite. “They did not avoid defending the master and their families,” he said.

10. Australian cattle dog

This small but tough dog is bred in Australia (naturally) to herding livestock (naturally), and they are often credited because they have played an important role in the development of the country’s beef industry, said Coren. Very motivated to do their duties, Australian cattle can be a challenge for a city occupant or anyone who does not have a means to keep their small shepherd stimulated and busy.

In other words, if you don’t give this dog something productive to do, they will find something to do with their time – something you might not appreciate. On the positive side, Coren said this type of Australian dog was “very smart and organized” so that the dogs “returned their belongings after using them.” Really want to learn, Australian cattle make a great couple for human entertainment such as catching.

11. Pembroke Welsh corgi

Loving, intelligent, and alert, Pembroke Welsh Corgi has been a type of British royals dog since 1933, when Duke of York at that time (which was later named King George VI) brought home Corgis Dookie and Jane as pet for Elizabeth and her sister , Margaret. It is estimated that in her reign for 70 years, Queen Elizabeth had collected more than 30 Corgis.

Value number 11 In the Coren ranking of the smartest dog breed, the Welsh Corgi Pembroke may have attracted the royal family because this breed is known to be very obedient, very skilled in tracking, and very athletic. Even though the legs are short, the muscles are strong. And with an attitude without fear, it makes a very effective supervisor. According to Dr. Hauser, this type of happy and short -legged dog is most fulfilled when there is work to do. There is no shepherd job for your puppies? Don’t be surprised if it is shepherding family members, especially young people.

12. Miniature schnauzer

This beautiful bearded dog, which is the smallest of the three Schnauzer races, is ranked 12th among the smartest dog breeds, according to Schnauzer Collective. “These fast students enjoy challenged and often excel in sports where they have to use their intelligence, such as competitive agility and compliance,” Steffen said.

As shown by Dr. Hauler, “Unlike many other breeds in the Terrier group, Miniature Schnauzers have a strong desire to please and intelligence to do it.” Friendly, intelligent, and obedient, these puppies have great trust in the body of a small dog. They were raised from standard schnauzer to work on agriculture as a kind of four -legged pest control, sniff out and send mice. This bearded Brainiac also makes a great city companion, thanks to its size, the ability to adapt, and general love for children and other small animals (excluded mice, of course).

13. English springer spaniel

Blessed with excellent memories and beautiful green eyes, British springer spaniel is the most intelligent type of dog in the Coren list. Friendly, fun, and obedient, raised for centuries ago to water and take birds of games in the highlands of the English. Over the years when this breed was developed, British spaniel springer practically could not be distinguished from the breed which was finally identified as a British spaniel cocker and British field spaniel (both of them were among the 50 smartest dogs, according to the Coren’s ranking system).

However, lately, British spaniel springer has distinguished himself as a separate breed – which is very bright, alert, and wants to be fun. If there is a loss to the breed, it is a tendency to be so attached to humans so that it can look quite “miserable,” as AKC said, when it is not invited to join in pleasure.

14. Belgian Tervuren

With “intelligent nature and affinity to sports such as agility, tracking, grazing, and rising aches,” Tervuren Belgium certainly gets its place among the most intelligent dog breeds, according to Steffen and Dr. Hughes. Coren placed him at number 14, right above Schipperke, the type with which he shared the same inheritance.

Tervuren Belgium not only has a brain and executive function skills that have been a shepherd who is valued in many Belgian farms, but is also a very concerned friend with a strong, very loyal, and great protective instinct in tricks. Breed dogs that are relatively rare, Tervuren Belgium remain a little easier to find in the United States than some fellow Belgian Gayak dogs, such as Malinois and Laekenois.

15. Schipperke

Known as a “small captain” because it is specially bred for pest control on the Flemish canal (“Schip” is the word flemish for “boat”), Schipperke landed at number 15 in the rank of Coren Smart Dog. This has a strange, smart, and confident nature (how else can catch mice on a ship?), A large number of courage for its size, and a unique combination of intensity and damage. Although Schipperke has been bred to have a face like a smooth fox, its muscular body is about work, even in its small size. So, if you buy or adopt one, make sure you have a lot of space to play your new BFF.

16. Collie

Long before Queen Elizabeth II became captivated to Corgis, another queen from the world was known for his dedication to friends from four-legged varieties. We talked about Elizabeth’s great -grandmother, Queen Victoria. He had many dogs during his life, but his two favorite was Collies who lived during the second half of the 19th century.

But only in 1943 Collie took the world with a storm. That’s when the film Lassie Come Home was premiered, introducing the world of sensitive and loyal puppies who had never met a child in a danger that he did not save. In other words, your typical Collie. But the long-ned-ned dog that is loved carries more than just children. They have such a high level of intelligence and a great desire to be help so they make a reliable guide for blind people and very competent rescue workers, according to Steffen and Dr. Hughes.

17. Keeshond

Another number 16? You have that right. This adorable fluffball is tied to Collie for our 16th place in our smart dog race list. Once known as the Dutch Barge Dog, Keeshond (said “Kayz-Hawnd”) could not be in the place in the Coren list just because it looks like a living teddy bear. After all, we rated the race to the smartest dog, not Fur’s ball that wanted to be brought home and curled up. No, you can thank the racial intelligence and personality that is eager to it.

Initially bred to act as a guard dog and friend in a commercial barge, Keeshonden found themselves coming out of work because, for years, the size of the ship increased and work needed a bigger dog. But this loved type does not allow it to make his eyes bright. This day, may find work as a vision or therapy eye. There is only one thing to remember if you think of bringing home Keeshond: These dogs are very friendly and so tied to their humans so they are called clingy. But hey, with a face like that, deliciousness may be a good thing.

18. German shorthaired pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer has almost everything for it – and it is mostly based on design. In 1861, German hunters departed to breed an ideal friend for all types of hunting, all types of games, and all types of conditions. “They managed to surpass their wildest imagination,” according to Akc, who said this breed was very intelligent and willing to be fun.

Slim and muscular, with quite unusual coloring that often involves a number of “beats” (luxury dog ​​language for “fur spots”), German Shorthaired Pointer is very easy to train, loyal, and loving. Although this type is known for self -confidence and self -control while hunting, compliance training can help dogs become the best, most obedient, smart pants.