Do you think your dog is the smartest because it understands your instructions like “stay”, “here”, and “go”?
Your neighbor might believe his pup is even higher in intelligence because it learns different tricks and games really fast. Both of you can be quite right; dog intelligence is a nuanced subject, and all owners might have their own (sometimes biased) ways of judging how brainy their dog is.
But is there some criteria to tell if a dog is bright or just kind of dumb? Stanley Coren was a psychology professor, and he didn’t just have a lot of opinions about dogs’ intelligence; he went on and did some research, coming up with ways to rank doggos.
Maybe in another dimension, some dog is writing a book about Stanley Coren’s intelligence! But in our dimension, Coren has ranked different dogs for different types of intelligence. According to the AKC:
Some dogs have great instincts that help them with their jobs, like herding and guarding, etc.
Others have better adaptive problem-solving skills.
Other dogs are awesome at school learning, which means they can be taught new skills and tricks fast.
Here’s our pick of the 9 most intelligent dog breeds you should know about.
Most Intelligent Dog Breeds You’ll Want Around
1. Border Collie
It’s no coincidence that the Border Collie is on top of this list; they’re the smartest dog breed according to Stanley Coren’s ranking, literally number 1. Many Collie owners tell you they don’t need Stanley’s ranking; they already know their pup is a complete package of doggo intelligence.
From learning complex tasks easily to having the day-to-day commands and cues on their fingertips (sorry, paws), Border Collies are a joy to train, as this dog parent demonstrates in this TikTok.
These high-energy herding dogs come with superb instincts (that can make them restless at times as they herd small dogs or moving objects).
Just like Chaser, the world’s smartest doggo, most Border Collies can learn nouns and characterize objects based on labels pretty well, if you’re up to teaching them. Purina also mentions they’re great at agility and obedience competitions.
2. Poodle
There are many reasons to want a Poodle as your family pet or an adorable little companion. Their gorgeous, thick coat and cute faces are at the top for some fanciers, while others pick them because these hypoallergenic pooches won’t trigger their allergies.
If you don’t mind spending some time combing your thick-coated dog, a Poodle can be a joyful company. They’re water dogs (with water-repellent fur) and make amusing swimming partners.
But that’s not all, though they look like bundles of laughter and bounciness, Poodles are one of the most brainy dogs out there.
Apart from their playful nature and ability to get along with kids, Poodles are desirable doggos as they are quick learners. With proper training, they can learn many tricks and master puzzle toys; maybe even beat you at them.
3. German Shepherd
German Shepherd is a lot more than your average herding dog; though it comes with awesome instincts as a shepherd, it’s also a celebrated guard dog. No wonder they’re one of the most popular dog breeds among people who cherish the companionship of these animals.
From taking confident strides by your sides on trails to patiently looking after your property, they don’t take their job casually.
There are many stories about these pups protecting their human family members. As highly trainable canines, they make fabulous police and search and rescue dogs; both jobs demand an ability to learn commands and solve problems.
Originally bred in Germany by German captain Max von Stephanitz, these pups were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908, as per Britannica.
4. Golden Retriever
Did you know that our beloved Golden Retrievers are one of the many dogs with webbed feet, which help them swim well? Well, now you know that, so next time you put on a swimming costume, make sure to invite your Golden to take a splash.
It’s easy to envy anybody with a Golden Retriever by their side. Their silky coat, cheerful and doting nature, and loyalty make them pets worth holding closer. They’re also great therapy dogs.
The American Kennel Club mentions that with proper therapy dog training, Golden Retrievers can help their human owners deal with debilitating mental illnesses.
They come 4th on Stanley Coren’s ranking of brightest dogs, but if we may, it’s hard to imagine them behind any other canine in smartness. As they were originally retrievers used to bring hunting game to their hunters, these pups still have the fabulous working intelligence.
If you want a doggo that can ace obedience and agility competitions, this breed is a wonderful choice. They’re energetic dogs known for their love for playing fetch, and they remember what they’re taught.
5. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers were bred by a German tax collector; they’re named after Louis Dobermann, who wanted his own protection dog. Dog lovers all across the globe should definitely thank that guy for the labor, as Dobies are undoubtedly one of the most loved dogs and fabulous guards.
You definitely would want a Doberman Pinscher around, especially if you want your property guarded or live on a farm with a need for some extra protection. Dobies are graceful pups with a sleek, black coat and rust markings, which enhance their athletic stature. Their perky ears are a good nod to their alert nature.
For a watchdog like Dobie, just fearlessness and loyalty don’t cut it. If it wants its job done well, it has to beat the competition with its brain as well, and learn cues and commands fast. Dobies are number 5 in Coren’s ranking, but they’re pretty much incomparable.
Their spectacular instincts, paired with their ability to learn and respond to commands, make them one of the smartest dog breeds.
6. Shetland Sheepdog
Let’s start with a fun fact: Shetland Sheepdogs were originally called Toonies (nothing to do with the Looney Tunes). Since Shelties were livestock herding dogs, they ended up getting this title, as Toon happens to be the Scottish slang for farm, as noted by National Purebred Dog Day.
Shelties are friendly and adorable dogs that make great family pets as well as companions. They don’t like an idle lifestyle, though, so if you want to cozy up on a sofa all day, your Sheltie is going to have opinions about it.
As smart herders, Shelties are one of the most versatile dogs; they don’t just nip at the heels of animals, they also have a thing for kicking sheep to get them from behind.
They’re the 6th brightest dogs, according to Stanley Coren. They don’t just have great working intelligence and instinct; they’re also great problem solvers and know how to work independently.
7. Labrador Retriever
Labs might be in the 7th position in Coren’s ranking, but they place higher in the hearts of their owners. Labrador Retrievers will be hard to beat in any dog popularity contest with their faithful and loving companionship.
Lab puppies are so cute that they will make you want to drop everything and launch cuddle time. A grown-up Labrador Retriever is a highly active pet for active families who are all about hiking, swimming, and picnics.
According to PetMD, they’re amazing with kids but should be watched around toddlers, due to their energetic nature.
So, what makes Labs one of the highly intelligent doggos? For one thing, they’re retrievers; working independently to retrieve game (mainly waterfowl) for their owners is a job that needs working intelligence and the ability to follow cues.
8. Papillon
Papillons are great companions for people who want both looks and personality in their pooches. These dogs are quite the crowd pleasers with their cheerful nature and butterfly-like ears that have earned them their name (as Papillon = French for butterfly).
Some Papillons also have down-turned ears and are called Phalene (French for “moth”). These dogs are all about human companionship and get along well with other pets as well.
They don’t appreciate being forgotten for long periods of time. This breed has enjoyed the company of royals like Marie Antoinette; being pampered is in their genes.
Papillons are small dogs with exceptional intelligence. They come in the 8th position in Stanley Coren’s ranking, which makes them the smartest toy dogs.
Their intelligence can be seen in the way they rock agility training and solve mental games like puzzles. These charming but spunky dogs need their regular mental stimulation, as well as play sessions, to stay happy.
9. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are big and sturdy dogs of mastiff origin and are widely preferred as guardians. They’re generally calm canines, but do need some regular physical exercise to stay in their best health.
Rotties can be quite loving to their humans and wary of strangers; this combination makes them one of the most desired, watchful pets. As the 9th smartest dog, there’s much to be considered about their abilities and versatility.
Rottweilers don’t just bring in the working intelligence and obedience, they’re also super protective and possess sharp instincts; literally multidimensional. So, having a Rottie means you not only get to feel safer, but also feel proud when they win the obedience competitions and master agility courses.
Conclusion
The dogs mentioned in the above article are a wonderful blend of beauty and brains; these intelligent dogs are worth having by your side due to their many merits. All pups require some early socialization, and some become even more fabulous with consistent training.
It’s all about how much time, resources, and energy you can put into their training and in giving them the stimulation they need. These are one of the smartest and most clever dog breeds that are eager to please and offer their services to their owners.
