Have you wondered about one common thing about sheep herding, police work, and French aristocracy? All of them hold the honour of having shaped the most intelligent dog breeds.
Some of the breeds are capable of reading your body language and even understanding your intentions before you finish speaking.
According to AKC, smartness is more than obedience; it is an amalgam of innate sharp senses, problem-solving, and awareness of what their owners want. Keep reading to explore more about intelligent dog breeds that may also outsmart your expectations.
Brilliant Dog Breeds That Outthink the Rest
1. Border Collie
Einstein of the dog world, the Border Collie is famous for its exceptional intelligence, and quick reflexes. These dogs were originally bred to herd livestock in Britain. They excel in canine sports; a proof, Rico dog, has the ability to understand more than 200 words, says the BBC.
These smart, nimble dogs are best for agility competitions, frisbee, and hiking. They make great family companions in active households. Often ranked as the smartest dog breed, and with boundless energy Border Collie needs proper physical and mental stimulation.
These spunky dogs are playful and enthusiastic around children. At their young age, they need at least an hour of exercise. This athletic and energetic dog breed also needs proper socialization and training to become a well-behaved pup.
2. Poodle
With an aim to please their owners, Poodles excel in different obedience and agility competitions, marking their name among the smartest dog breeds.
You’ll likely find these small, fluffy dog breeds snuggled up on the couch, but the American Kennel Club has ranked the Poodle in the top 20 intelligent dog breeds. These water dogs were originally bred to hunt waterfowl.
Poodles are typically kind and one of the friendliest dogs with their families. Being highly active dogs, they need active owners who can handle them with lots of exercise and consistent training.
Standard Poodles of large size are a bit hazardous around small kids, as they may accidentally knock them over during playtime.
Owing to high intelligence and great energy levels, Poodles demand both physical and mental stimulation. They are excellent at problem-solving skills. Poodles love long walks and playing with puzzle toys. Moreover, these quick learners are easy to train, thanks to their eagerness to please others.
3. German Shepherd
With an ability to think critically and being great at solving problems, the German Shepherd seamlessly shines among the smartest dog breeds. These versatile dogs are highly trainable with innate guardian instincts. They were originally bred to herd sheep and protect them against predators.
These working dogs are the happiest when they are assigned with demanding and stressful job. This intelligent breed excels as police dogs, guide dogs, and in search and rescue missions for so long. From instinctive intelligence to adaptive brilliance, these obedient dogs have never disappointed their owners.
Fiercely loyal GSD is a wonderful guard dog for families. They are gentle and affectionate around their humans and children.
Since they have a strong prey drive, and should be kept on leash. This high-maintenance dog needs regular grooming and exercise and is not a good option for novice pet parents.
4. Golden Retriever
This affectionate dog breed with a friendly nature is also blessed with a smart brain. Regardless of their size, they love to be cuddled and crave human companionship. Golden Retrievers not only have an amiable approach but also have cognitive abilities to rank among the smartest breeds.
Goldens are well-known family pets because they are great and loving with everyone. Being a medium-sized sporting dog breed, they have a lot of energy to burn off. To keep them happy and away from destructive behavior, mental stimulation is vital for them.
These smart dogs excel in obedience competitions, agility, and bird hunting. They are way easier to train, thanks to their kind temperament and eager-to-please nature.
They make a perfect dog breed for first-time pet owners. However, Golden retrievers have a thick double coat that sheds a lot and needs regular brushing.
5. Doberman Pinscher
A family dog and watchful guard dog, the Doberman Pinscher is a highly intelligent dog breed. They are highly perceptive and curious dogs who excel at obedience competitions. A properly socialized and trained Dobie is well-suited for active households having little humans and other dogs, says Purina.
Despite having smart brains, they have a playful nature and love to make fun companions. They are one of the fearless protectors due to their muscular build and exceptional courage, says AKC. Their working intelligence enables them to bloom in police and military work.
Their boundless energy means they need vigorous physical exercise, and they are the best companions for hiking. The pups need early socialization to become good family pets, as they are a little aloof around strangers. These brainy dogs quickly pick up new skills and follow your commands.
6. Shetland Sheepdog
Affectionately known as a Sheltie, the Shetland Sheepdog was bred in Scotland to be the herding dog of small livestock. These dogs are eager to please and are also celebrated for their high intelligence. Therefore, Shelties thrive in herding, obedience training, and working as therapy dogs.
While they are affectionate canines, they do best with active families who enjoy outdoor activities. To prevent their unwanted behavior, these high-energy dogs need ample physical and mental exercise.
As they belong to the herding group, they may chase after small pets having swift movements, so always keep them on a leash.
They are easy-to-train dogs and have the ability to outshine many breeds in dog sports. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods. They also make good watchdogs with loud barks that alert owners about unusual things in their surroundings, says Hill’s Pet.
7. Papillon
Perceptive little butterflies of the dog world. Intelligent Papillons are famous for their looks that resemble butterfly wings due to the shape of their big ears and hair. These little eager-to-please dogs have made the training breeze by quickly learning the new tricks and commands.
Papillons are small energy balls, yet fully packed with the power of the brain and speed. This popular breed makes wonderful family pets and service dogs as well. Happy and friendly Papillons love to spend their time with humans.
They would happily adapt to apartment living due to their small stature and love for indoor games. However, it has been observed that these toy dogs are more active than others.
A small fenced area is enough for them to meet up their energy levels. They may develop separation anxiety if left alone for a longer period of time.
8. Rottweiler
A large dog breed, the Rottweiler belongs to the Working group, and is famous for its intelligence and loyal nature. This dog breed is gentle and affectionate within its family and sees the world with aloofness. Owing to their close relationship with humans in the past, they make excellent family guardians.
When these smart dogs get bored, they may develop some destructive behavior like chewing. Enough mental stimulation should be provided to them in this case. While being protective of families, they generally show their love to one person only.
Rottweilers become vocal whenever introduced to an unfamiliar situation or individuals. That’s why they need early socialization with consistency. Their intelligence and eager-to-please nature make the training easier and fun.
9. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dog is another super smart dog from the herding group. They are nicknamed blue heelers or red heelers as they nip at the heels of animals. Despite their working intelligence, they are also good at reading human emotion and might know their owner’s next move.
These are medium-sized dogs and have a strong, muscular build and stamina. They are blessed with great endurance and a thick double coat, helping them to manage harsh climates. They are equally happy outdoor dogs and indoor playmates.
Australian Cattle Dogs demand a high degree of exercise and excel in running, jogging, and agility training. They form strong bonds with their owners and often refuse to be separated from them. Typically, this dog breed is friendly, but they may become aggressive if cornered or threatened.
10. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are privileged with smartness and adaptation. If we go back in time, the ancestors of these hardworking canines had served humanity as pulling, herding, and hunting dogs. They can be a good fit for living in a city apartment and on farms.
According to Coren’s research, Miniature Schnauzers are famous for their advanced problem-solving skills. They are capable of understanding their owner’s verbal and visual cues. Owing to their curious and pleasing nature, they quickly learn commands.
Being the best ratters around, they may tend to chase after small pets and even bark at neighbours and delivery boys. They should always be kept on a leash or in a fenced yard. Enrolling your miniature in dog sports classes is a good idea, as this breed loves to have a job.
11. English Springer Spaniel
Friendly and trainable English Springer Spaniel is another highly intelligent sporting dog breed. These sharp dogs bloom in hunting and retrieving skills. Springer word is derived from the breed’s historical springing game, where it was used to chase flying birds.
English springer spaniels are now acclaimed not only for their show dog ability but also for being great family pets. These playful and cheerful dogs are adaptable to any living environment with proper training and exercise. They make ideal pets for humans of all ages.
While being kind dogs, they show their greetings or excitement via barking; the ultimate extroverts. These smart brains respond well to gentle and patient training sessions. When it comes to their wavy and water-resistant coat, they need a bit of grooming as well.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, each of them proves to be a symbol of wisdom and dedication. These wagging tails with their curious minds have shaped themselves into some kind of brilliance to impress others. These breeds remind us that intelligence in pets is real, and it shines more when your pal not only obeys you but also understands you.
