The Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds

The Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds

FOR DOG PEOPLE | By Kike Kane The Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds The smartest dog breeds might surprise you. These top ten canine Einsteins all share two qualities: the ability to quickly learn new commands, and the obedience to perform them 95% of the time or better. While not every dog fits on this list, recent research, such as that by Dr. Brian Hare, shows that most dogs are much smarter than we ever knew.

10. Australian Cattle Dog

There’s a reason that people are devoted to this breed! These beautiful dogs are a unique crossbreed of blue Merle shepherds imported from England and the native Australian dingo. High energy and hard-working, these smart dogs thrive in an active home doing intensive sports like agility, rally obedience, herding trials, and fly ball . 

9. Rottweiler

Ancient Roman cattle herders, cart pullers, and guardians, rottweilers are renowned for gentleness with family and friends, and strength and bravery in defending them. Thorough training and socialisation is an absolute must for puppies to mature into solid canine citizens.

8. Papillon

The papilla is named for its graceful feathered ears. Royal portraiture shows small spaniels resembling the papilla as far back as the 16th century! This toy breed is active, companionable, and highly trainable—the smartest of the toy dog breeds.

7. Labrador Retriever

The most popular dog breed in the U.S., the Labrador retriever is named for the cold waters off Newfoundland where they were first bred. A short thick coat, webbed feet, and a heavy tail help this intelligent dog swim long distances in cold water. In addition to their hunting prowess, Labs are popular favourites for canine water rescue, therapy work, and assistance dog training. Labs excel in the canine sport of dock jumping.

6. Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland sheepdog may look just like a miniature collie, but they started out as a local variant of the Icelandic sheepdog found in the Shetland Islands. These small dogs were then bred to rough collies to create this unique breed. Playful and energetic, the shelter is equally at home working on the farm or in the ‘burbs, showing off in agility, fly ball, and obedience.

5. Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman pinscher was originally bred by a German tax collector for protection on his rounds. Modern Dobermans are far less aggressive and make wonderful family dogs that love to play and are extremely loyal.

4. Golden Retriever

Originally hailing from Scotland, this popular dog breed was started in 1865 from a lone yellow pup in a litter of black wavy-coated retrievers, crossbred with a local water spaniel by Lord Tweed mouth of Anguish. This gorgeous, friendly dog still excels in retrieving, as well as agility and obedience, and as service dogs. But they’re favourite job is being the family pet.

3. German Shepherd

The German shepherd was standardised by breeder Captain Max von Stephanie in 1889 with a goal of “utility and intelligence.” As Germany modernised and the need for herding dogs declined, von Stephanie worked with police and dog clubs to develop a set of protection and obedience tests known as Schultz.

2. Poodle

More than just a foofoo haircut, poodles consistently land on the list of smartest dog breeds. This intelligent dog was originally bred in Germany for bird hunting and water retrieving. Their storied history includes many occupations and locales, from herding sheep to crossing the battlefield to bring supplies to the wounded to the performing arts. These hunting dogs are remarkable for their loving nature, trainable intelligence, and sense of humor.

1. Border Collie

And finally, no list of smartest dog breeds would be complete without a mention of this handsome dog. Originally known as the “Scotch sheepdog,” the border collie hails from the highland border of England and Scotland. Bred to think independently and at long distances from human shepherds, they have the problem-solving intelligence and strong working drive to maintain control of the flock. Chaser, the dog who knows 1,022 toys by name, is an amazing example of her breed.

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1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
2. Miniature Schnauzer
3. English Springer Spaniel
4. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren)
5. Schipperke
6. Belgian Sheepdog
7. Collie
8. Keeshond
9. German Shorthaired Pointer
10. Flat-Coated Retriever