You’ve probably heard the old saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ – but when put to the test with the most intelligent dog breeds like Border collies and German shepherds, this old saying or myth doesn’t just get debunked and turned on its head- it gets completely rewritten. Because these canine geniuses even defy age with their outstanding learning abilities, and conquer new skills from a young age, and well into their senior years.
These dogs prove that intelligence, curiosity, and trainability can’t fade with time. With the right approach and training, they not only learn but excel at new tricks, leaving the young puppies in the dust with their performance.
These common family pets have surprised the whole planet with their adaptation and learning skills, and must not be underestimated for their potential. These furry sidekicks who seem like underdogs are well and capable of taking the main roles and are leaving the rest of the animal kingdom behind, by becoming aids for the most intelligent species of the planet.
By helping us in safeguarding our homes and countries, searching and recovering vital evidence, and rescuing lives amid challenging conditions. These heroes with paws have made their mark on the world and contributed legendary tales to history.
Smartest Dog Breeds That Excel in Problem Solving, Perception & Training
Dog intelligence can be judged and measured in three different ways, according to Stanley Coren, a renowned dog researcher and author of “The Intelligence of Dogs: Canine Consciousness and Capabilities”.
The first way is to evaluate its natural instinct and ability to perform tasks without any training. The second way is to monitor the dogs’ adaptive problem-solving skills, like escaping, unlocking things, and secretly destroying their favourite dog treat stash. The third way is judging its school learning skills, what is your canine doing with your human instructions, how much of the human language does it understand, and how many new tasks has it performed and cues has it followed?
Stanley ranked dogs according to their IQ and Adaptation Abilities, Perception, and Trainability. According to him, the smartest dog in the world is the border collie, and the least intelligent dog is the Afghan hound. Let’s discover the most intelligent dog breeds in the world according to the experts and learn in detail about the top 7 smartest dog breeds that are maestros of the dog world.
1. Australian Cattle Dog
Life Span: 12-16 Years
The Australian Cattle Dog is a member of the herding group and is the tenth most intelligent breed according to Stanley. This outstanding chaser is a professor wrapped in fur.
It excels in problem-solving and learning new tricks when it’s not rounding a herd of sheep or traversing the challenging terrain of Australia. It is a highly energetic dog that requires affection and attention from its owners.
They love playing and being in the outdoors, and mental stimulation can transform these family pets into furry detectives, puffy search and rescue officers, and sturdy policemen. This Australian hero has also been featured in movies like ‘Last of the Dogmen’ and is a popular TV star.
2. Border Collie
Life Span: 12-15 Years
Border collie is a highly energetic and smart British breed that hails from the Anglo-Scottish border. PetMD states that it is a charming and eloquent descendant of the sheepdogs that were once found all over the British Isles.
This clever and agile hero, who has topped those charts and made its way to the Guinness World Records, is a workaholic and a herding dog that has boundless energy.
They are not only quick learners but also highly perceptive. This medium-sized athletic and alert pup can easily outsmart your 2 year olds and be on its way before you know it. The border collie has a higher IQ score, putting them closer in intelligence level to a four-year-old human.
This breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 and is now known as the most intelligent dog breed out there. Leading the pack of herding dogs to victory. It is the Valedictorian of the canine world.
3. Collie
Life Span: 12-14 Years
Collies are not only a fan favourite but also a royal favourite dog breed, as per the AKC. Queen Victoria’s favourite collie, Noble, was known for his loyalty and intelligence. This dog breed, which is from the herding group, is known for their high intelligence and excellent perception.
You can judge their keen sense and fast-paced adaptation from the fact that these noble and regal favourites made their way from royal portraits to the TV screens. Yes, the famous dog Lassie, known for her quick wit and energy, was a Collie.
These perceptive and protective dogs excel not only at herding and agility, which is their natural and inborn impulse, but also at obedience competitions.
These super smart and active problem solvers are known for their trainability, affectionate and energetic nature. They are great companions to keep; they also work wonderfully with children.
4. Golden Retriever
Life Span: 10-12 Years
This adorably photogenic golden dog was featured in the movie ‘Barbie: Princess Charm School’, where ‘Prince’, a golden retriever, jumps on Blair after recognizing her as family, as Britannica notes. But if you are wondering why this affectionate breed is listed as one of the smartest dogs on the planet.
You must know that Golden Retrievers are not only good family pets but also highly intelligent, taking the fourth position on the braniac canine list. This hero is an overachiever.
Most dog owners recommend golden retrievers for obedience competitions. They have exceptional canine intelligence, which, if coupled with proper training and mental stimulation, can make them an asset for investigation, search, rescue, and recovery.
5. Labrador Retriever
Life Span: 10-12 Years
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, one of the friendliest and most intelligent breeds out there, the Labrador retriever is a versatile dog breed. Originally bred in the 1830s to work alongside fishermen in Newfoundland, Canada. The lab has been working and serving humans for centuries, and according to Stanley is the seventh most intelligent breed on the planet.
Nowadays, labs are used as service dogs and therapy dogs. Dog owners benefit a lot from having a lab around; they are good with kids, ideal for families, and work great in search and rescue operations as well. It is a good-natured, happy, and playful pup with tons of energy and intelligence.
The Lab that is known for its natural retrieving and hunting skills can be taught new tricks and commands to follow. They are quick learners who can do many jobs precisely. Labs are also popular in law enforcement and police work.
6. Papillon
Life Span: 12-16 Years
WebMD warns to beware of the cute and adorable demeanor of this butterfly-eared doggie, because it can easily outsmart you. This beautiful dwarf spaniel was named papillon because of its butterfly-like ears, as the word ‘papillon’ means ‘butterfly in French.
It is another clever fur buddy that has made its way on the canine intelligence list, and takes the eighth rank because of its unique personality.
This continental toy spaniel originated in Europe and was popular in royal courts, and was loved by the famous Marie Antoinette. It is another regal favourite like the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the collie.
This playful and loyal breed makes training easy. They are great at obedience and agility, like the poodles, and give many larger dogs a run for their money in the matter of intelligence. These mental dynamos are short but powerful and are always ready for a challenge.
7. Doberman Pinscher
Life Span: 10-12 Years
According to My Family Vets, Dobermans are a strong and intimidating dog breed that first originated in the 1880s when a tax collector named Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, who ran a dog pound in Apolda, which is a place in present-day Thuringia, Central Germany.
He got an idea to create a breed for protection and guarding by cross-breeding many dog breeds available to him at that time.
This sleek and smart dog is a versatile breed, which is popular not only for military roles, police assistance, but also as a service dog. It is a highly energetic dog and an excellent guardian.
This highly intelligent dog has also been featured in movies like ‘The Doberman Gang’ and The Doberman Patrol’, where they were trained to rob banks and help kids solve mysteries.
Conclusion
If you are surprised to know the capabilities of your canine companion. Know this that with great intelligence comes great responsibility. Hence, whether you own some curly-coated cuties like the poodles, a gentlemanly bearded miniature schnauzer like the tramp, or a striking and highly intelligent Belgian tervuren, these eager-to-please and affectionate puppies require obedience training, early socialization, and proper exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
As a responsible dog owner, it is your job to train these active hunting or herding dogs that exhibit a strong desire to learn new tricks, are curious beyond expectations, and enjoy spending time with their pet parents.
