Dogs are widely known for being extremely loyal, clever and affectionate. However, there’s apparently more to appreciate about dogs than just being a great friend. One interesting fact is that dogs have incredible memory and can instantly recall cars and humans.
Some dog breeds have the ability to sense that their car is on its way home. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), dogs have a superior “smelling sense” than humans. This allows them to detect and distinguish between scents associated with their families and the car. Moreover, dogs can hear their car’s engine miles before any human’s ears can detect it.
In this article, we’ll explore 7 different breeds that possess strong instincts that help them recognize their humans. After all, it’s heartwarming to know that our pet dogs are barking with joy way before we can see them.
Dog Breeds that Recognize Different Family Cars
1. Australian Shepherd

Physical Traits
The Australian Shepherd isn’t even Australian. Despite its name, these dogs were originally bred to herd livestock in America. Dogs of this breed are medium-sized and have merle or triple-colored coats.

This isn’t something you see in other breeds. These dogs also have some of the most expressive eyes and short (docked) tails!
Special Abilities
Australian Shepherd dogs are described as highly intelligent, highly trained problem solvers. Because of its impeccable memory and work ethic, it can instantly familiarize itself with its owners and their routines. This is great for when you want a loving watchdog.
These dogs are extremely energetic and can recognize patterns and disruptions, making them thrive on mental stimulation. They realize when something is wrong on the street or outside the house and quickly alert their owners.
2. German Shepherd

Physical Traits
The German Shepherd is confident and smart. It’s pretty easy to spot a German Shepherd. These breeds have a muscled frame and erect ears. They are also large and possess a thick double coat.

They also shed a lot and bark to alert you of some danger. Because of these physical assets, German Shepherds are top recruits for the military and police or any crime-fighting unit!

Special Abilities
German Shepherds were raised for herding and protection work. They have amazing memory and once they know your routine, you’ll find them at the door and anticipating your next move. They get along with children and other members of your household.
Since they are protective, they don’t get along with strangers, but it can vary depending on how the other members respond. They are also incredibly energetic and require mental stimulation.
3. Doberman Pinscher

Physical Traits
A Doberman Pinscher is a large, magnificent, fearless dog that is often in control of itself and its surroundings. It has a smooth, but short coat that is of 4 main colors. It sheds a lot but thankfully only requires monthly grooming.

Its ears is its most prominent feature, being long but cropped to stand erect. This is done to prevent injury while ensuring everyone’s safety.
Special Abilities
Emotionally intelligent and incredibly loyal, these dogs are not like other breeds. They can remember people or incidents for a long time, especially those in the past. You’ll also quickly notice how easily they can pick up patterns and routines, once given the proper training.

They are also very lovey-dovey and you can leave them with your children too! Moreover, they are highly adaptable, friendly and eager to please. They have lots of energy and require mental stimulation. This makes them an absolute treat to have around.
4. Border Collie
Physical Traits
This breed is medium sized with an athletic build. They come in two different coats, rough and smooth. It weighs up to 30-55 pounds. With a lifespan of 12-15 years and an average height of 18-22 inches, these dogs were raised to have alert eyes and immediately recognize signs.
Early puppy training and socialization are essential for Border Collie dogs. Unlike other dogs, they require positive exposure from a variety of people to formulate a friendly personality. This leads to successful tracking, agility and herding.

Special Abilities
The GENIUS of all dog breeds, the Border Coolie can learn more than a hundred tricks and cues. Some have even identified objects from words and pictures.
Since they’re so smart, Britannica states that they require mental and physical stimulation to keep themselves reliable and healthy. Therefore, it’s a good idea to play with them in the park or take them on a short walk.
They are better suited to home with older children and active dog owners. They can get lonely if not given proper attention and they really thrive on social interaction. So, make sure there is always someone around, even another animal.
5. Poodle

Physical Traits
Let’s correct a common misconception: Poodles have hair, not fur. They come in three different sizes–standard, teacup/toy and medium.
This German breed is hypoallergenic and was originally bred as a hunting companion. They also have webbed feet, making them great swimmers.
Special Abilities
The Poodle is probably the last dog that you would have thought to be an amazing memory retainer. These breeds are lively, quick learners who can remember other animals just as well as humans. They bark and yap a lot and are eager to please.
Their sense of smell is extraordinary because of its 220 million olfactory receptor cells. This explains why these pups show up at the door and answer even before anyone is in sight.
6. Golden Retrievers
Physical Traits
Probably the most beloved of all dog breeds, this dog is about 21-24 inches tall and weighs about 55-75 pounds.
Its coat is always a beautiful shade of yellow golden, and its head is strong and broad, always emanating a friendly expression. Their ears are medium-sized and have soft mouths good for grabbing objects without causing damage.
Special Abilities
Gentle and devoted, these dogs are friendly, as PDSA notes. These dogs make good friends and get excited once they’ve learned their owners’ routines and habits.
Commonly used as service dogs, this breed loves to play, walk, and bark. It is also highly observant and answers quickly to cues such as car engine sounds, door creaks, or other street sounds.
7. Labrador Retriever
Physical Traits
A related breed to the former, the Labrador Retriever was originally bred to identify and retrieve game. It has a sturdy frame and short, water-resistant yellow coat.
They are heavy shedders and can weigh up to 55-80 pounds. The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large-sized dog that originated from the UK.
Special Abilities
Extremely playful and not just as puppies, these dogs have a strong associative memory making it easy to identify and connect words to routines or actions.
They can also remember complex commands and route, making them a popular choice as a guide dog. They are also extremely athletic and affable, maintaining its reputation as the best family dog.
Conclusion
Unlike other breeds, dogs like the Labrador Retriever, Poodle and Australian Shepherd are highly observant. They form strong, emotional bonds with their families, learning their routines. These dogs often recall familiar cues and habits, making them good partners.
Some of these dogs are preferred for their high intelligence and responsiveness while other dogs are chosen due to their smelling and hearing senses. All of these dogs may not be of the same breed, but they rely heavily on emotional bonding and habit learning.
Whether you’re walking in the park or going out for a treat, your dogs will be sitting and waiting. They notice and answer you before you even see them. These dogs of different breeds are a pack of dogs that play, recognize, and identify important habits over the course of time. So, stick with them and you ‘ll be a pair of friends.