7 Clever Dog Breeds That Learn to Unlock Simple Latches

If you’ve ever walked into a room to find your dog mysteriously on the other side of a closed gate—or somehow in the pantry with the treat bag shredded—you’re not alone. Some dog breeds are so incredibly intelligent that they can learn to unlock simple latches using their paws, nose, or even their mouth!

While most people think dog training just means teaching your pup to sit or stay, dog intelligence goes far beyond obedience. In fact, many dogs learn to solve problems, outsmart their environment, and even manipulate tools in ways that surprise even experienced dog trainers.

According to the American Psychological Association, dogs have the intelligence level of a 2 to 2.5-year-old human child, meaning they can understand up to 250 words and gestures, count up to five, and perform simple arithmetic. But some dog breeds go even further, showing advanced problem-solving and mental stimulation needs that require more than just a walk around the yard.

Let’s unlock (pun intended) the canine behavior and intelligence behind these latch-busting breeds—and help active families understand why mental stimulation is just as important as exercise when it comes to living with a clever pup.

Dog Breeds That Learn to Unlock Simple Latches

1. Poodle

Originally bred as duck hunters, Poodles are one of the most intelligent dog breeds. Today, they’re better known for stylish haircuts—but behind the curls is a brain built to solve problems.

Poodles thrive on mental stimulation and love to learn. They often unlock simple latches, open gates, or even figure out how to access food containers. It’s no surprise they’re frequent champions in agility competitions and obedience events.

These smart dogs respond well to dog training with treats and praise. They can master new tricks quickly, especially with consistent teaching. Their sharp minds also make them great at reading human emotions and anticipating behavior.

Toy Poodles enjoy staying active, so walking, playing fetch, and using interactive puzzle toys are essential. Without stimulation, boredom can lead to behavior issues like jumping, barking, or attempts to escape the yard.

Poodles ranked #2 smartest dog breed in Dr. Stanley Coren’s landmark study on dog intelligence.

2. Golden Retriever

Originally bred in Scotland for retrieving shot waterfowl, Golden Retrievers were designed to solve problems in the field and work closely with their humans. That working history still shows—they’re not just friendly family dogs, they’re sharp thinkers with strong memories.

Known for their eager-to-please nature, Goldens are easy to train using praise, treats, and consistency. They pick up new tricks quickly and are one of the dog breeds that learn to unlock simple latches, especially when there’s food or a favorite toy involved.

Dog trainers love Goldens for their balanced behavior, gentle attitude around kids, and strong desire to follow commands. They’re often used as service dogs because of their ability to read human cues and stay calm in stressful situations.

These smart pups need daily mental stimulation, from puzzle toys to advanced obedience drills. Without it, they might invent their own challenges—like opening gates or sneaking into rooms for a treat raid.

Goldens ranked #4 in Coren’s dog intelligence study for their problem-solving skills and fast learning ability.

3. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are one of the popular breeds in the US, according to PetMD. Originally bred in Newfoundland to assist fishermen, they were later refined in England to retrieve game, giving them sharp instincts, a strong work ethic, and a deep bond with humans. Their eagerness to help and ability to stay focused make them natural problem solvers.

Labs are known for their versatility. Whether it’s learning to fetch specific items, pull carts, or even assist people with mobility challenges, they excel in roles that require obedience and quick thinking. Their intelligence and desire to please make them easy to control, and they pick up teaching with enthusiasm.

Because of their curiosity and cleverness, some Labs are also known to be one of the dog breeds that learn to unlock simple latches, especially when there’s food or treats involved. Without enough mental stimulation, though, they can become restless, leading to a negative response like chewing, barking, or racing around the house.

Labs ranked #7 in Dr. Stanley Coren’s list of the smartest dog breeds, known for learning commands in fewer than five repetitions and responding correctly 95% of the time.

4. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are one of the most loyal and intelligent pets in the world. Known for their courage, focus, and versatility, they were bred in Germany to herd animals and protect property. Today, they’re trusted as police dogs, military working dogs, and dependable companions in homes around the globe.

These dogs are sharp observers, always watching their environment and picking up on subtle cues from their humans. They’re incredibly responsive and quick to understand what’s expected of them, making them one of the best breeds for structured training and advanced tasks.

What sets German Shepherds apart is their ability to learn from both praise and mistakes. They don’t easily forget what went wrong, and with the right guidance, they improve rapidly. This self-awareness, combined with their desire to do things right, helps people learn just how emotionally intelligent dogs can be.

German Shepherds ranked #3 in Dr. Stanley Coren’s list of the smartest dog breeds, known for their unmatched ability to learn complex commands and perform under pressure.

5. Border Collie

The Border Collie is widely considered the smartest dog breed in the world. These dogs don’t just want to work—they need to. Whether rounding up sheep or mastering agility courses, they excel at any task given to them.

With their famous intense stare and quick reflexes, Border Collies can learn a brand-new command in under five repetitions. Their brains and energy are always in motion, which means they need constant activity to stay balanced. Without it, they can easily become bored and destructive, no matter how well-trained they are.

While they are working dogs at heart, Border Collies also enjoy fun and thrive with active friends who can keep up. A great mix of brainpower and energy, they’re the ultimate example of what a truly intelligent dog can be.

Border Collies rank #1 in Dr. Stanley Coren’s list of smartest breeds—learning new commands in under five tries and obeying 95% of the time. They’re the gold standard, no matter the challenge.

6. Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog, affectionately known as the Sheltie, is a small but mighty breed celebrated for its sharp mind, loyalty, and work ethic. Originally developed in the Shetland Islands of Scotland, this breed was used for herding livestock in harsh climates, which explains both their resilience and intelligence today.

Shelties are incredibly quick learners and rank among the top performers in obedience and agility competitions. They can pick up new commands in just a few repetitions and are known for their almost intuitive understanding of what’s being asked of them. Their alert and observant nature means they are always tuned in to their environment—and their humans.

With a natural instinct to herd, many Shelties have even been known to try rounding up their family members at home. Their affectionate personality, combined with their energy and attentiveness, makes them a wonderful companion for those who can keep them mentally and physically engaged.

Shelties ranked #6 on Dr. Stanley Coren’s list of smartest dog breeds, praised for their responsiveness and consistent performance in both obedience and herding tasks.

7. Papillon

The Papillon may be small in size, but it’s one of the brightest minds in the canine world. AKC says that you can spot a Papillon from a block away thanks to the breed’s large, wing-shaped ears—“papillon” is French for “butterfly,” a fitting name for such a delicate and lively dog.

Originally developed as a companion to European nobility, the Papillon was cherished not just for its beauty but for its lively spirit and sharp intellect. These dogs are agile, enthusiastic, and exceptionally fast learners. Despite their small stature, they often steal the spotlight in competitive obedience and agility rings.

Papillons are known for their alertness and constant curiosity. They’re eager to engage with people and their environment, often learning new tasks after only a few attempts. Their quick wit and cheerful demeanor make them as fun to train as they are to live with.

Ranked #8 on Dr. Stanley Coren’s list of the smartest dog breeds, the Papillon holds the top spot among all toy breeds for working and obedience intelligence.

Conclusion

Dogs are more than just loyal companions—they’re curious, capable, and often surprisingly clever. From unlocking simple latches to excelling in obedience and agility, the breeds featured here prove that intelligence in dogs shows up in many fascinating ways. These dogs thrive when given challenges, structure, and the chance to use their brains every day.

Whether you live with a lightning-fast Border Collie or a sharp little Papillon, smart dogs need more than just exercise—they need mental engagement and purpose. With the right training, patience, and understanding, these breeds don’t just follow—they lead, learn, and impress us at every turn.