August 13, 2020
The 10 Smartest Dog Breeds
1. Border Collie
Coming it at number one is the beloved Border Collie. They are expert herders and do well in areas where they have lots of room to roam. They have a lot of energy and thrive off of mental stimulation, making them great for training. They are also graceful, agile and according to Coren, can learn a new command in under five repetitions.
2. Poodle
Nowadays you can get almost any mix of poodle, from goldendoodle, cockapoo and labradoodle, the list goes on. They are excellent dogs not only for their beautiful coats, sweet personalities and hypoallergenic qualities, but also because they are incredibly smart. They are second on our list of smartest pups because they are very trainable, athletic and obedient.
3. German Shepherd
When the average person guesses what the smartest breed of dog is, they tend to go with the German Shepherd. They are often used in the police force and are famously obedient and loyal. They are quick to train, strong and make a great lifelong companion.
4. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dogs in America and are known for being very goofy and hyper, but they are actually also very intelligent. They respond well to training, if its balanced with a lot of love and attention.
5. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are often chosen for their guarding abilities. They have a natural instinct to protect and make a great addition to any home. They are excellent with commands and with proper training can be the fiercely loyal and loving guard dog you didn’t know you needed.
6. Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs are on the smaller side, but are full of energy. Also known for herding sheep, these dogs need a lot of exercise and space to run. They are also athletic superstars in the dog world, very agile and are always looking to please. They do best in an environment where they have lots to do.
7. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are another very popular breed in America and were originally used as hunting companions since they are natural swimmers. They are very quick learners and are often trained to be therapy dogs and as part of search and rescue teams.
8. Papillon
Papillons are the smallest dogs on this list, but one of the most agile. They are ranked as the top toy breed in obedience and are eager to please. Papillons are easily trainable and do well with even a novice a trainer.
9. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are also often seen in police forces and as seeing eye dogs. They are super strong and need owners that are able to provide a loving, disciplined home with plenty of exercise. They are known for having great instinctive intelligence and are very adaptable.
10. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle dogs round out our list of the top smartest breeds. These dogs are known for their endurance and work ethic – which sounds unusual for a dog, but they require lots of engagement or they tend to get into trouble. Keep this breed occupied and you’ll enjoy playing with them for a lifetime.
We’ve listed only the top 10 smartest breeds here, but there are a lot of super smart and easily trainable dogs out there, including lovable mutts. A few other honorable mentions are Bernese Mountain dogs, Alaskan Husky, Australian Shepherd, English Springer Spaniel and the Gordon Setter. However, no matter the breed or mix, you can definitely train your pup with lots of patience, love and positive reinforcement. If you’re interested in the full list of dogs ranked by intelligence, visit Cyberpet for a breakdown of 100 different breeds.