Do you know? Dogs possess cognitive abilities close to a human child aged 2 to 2.5 years, as mentioned by the American Psychological Association. The intelligence of various dog breeds differs. Canine intelligence, like human intelligence, can also be measured in different ways.
There are three types of dog intelligence:
Adaptive: It refers to a dog’s ability to learn from the environment to solve problems.
Instinctive: It is the ability of dogs to perform tasks based on their instincts.
Working and Obedience: It is equivalent to school learning and determines what dogs learn to do with human instructions.
Smartest dog breeds are known for their ability to learn new things quickly and respond to their owner’s commands. They are eager to work and please their humans. It is worth mentioning that smart dogs are not always ideal pets, so find a breed that suits your lifestyle.
Have a look at these 10 most clever dog breeds in existence.
Most Clever Dog Breeds In Existence
1. Border Collie
The Einstein of the dog world, the Border Collie, is a herding dog that outsmarts other breeds. They learn quickly and respond to the cues during training. Chaser, a Border Collie, was able to learn the names of 1,022 objects and understood the meaning of those separate names, reports The Seattle Times.
Trainability
Their intelligence makes them highly trainable. Border Collies possess exceptional problem-solving skills and excel in obedience and agility competitions.
Energy Levels
These energetic canines possess boundless energy and can work tirelessly for extended periods. They need at least two hours of exercise every day, explains PDSA.
Best Suitable for
These athletic dogs make excellent companions for farmers and ranchers. Border Collies tend to herd cattle, so they are well-suited for families with older and well-mannered children.
2. Poodle
Originally bred as a hunting dog, the Poodle comes in three varieties including standard, miniature, and toy. All Poodle types are whip-smart canines and eager to please their owners. You might find a modern-day Poodle relaxing on a couch, but it still makes the list of smartest dog breeds.
Trainability
Poodles are easy to train; these agile dogs excel in a variety of canine sports, including obedience, agility competitions, and tracking. Due to their love for water, they make a good fit for dock diving and water retrieving tasks. They respond best to positive reinforcement and consistent training.
Energy Levels
Poodles are active dogs who require plenty of exercise to stay healthy. PetPlan recommends one hour of daily physical activity with two good walks for them.
Best Suitable for:
Poodles are well-suited for families with an active lifestyle. These people-oriented dogs also do well in multi-pet households and are a great option for first-time owners.
3. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzer makes it to the list of clever dogs due to their alert and playful nature. Originally bred to work on farms, they are always up for learning new tricks. These little terriers have a bright and vigilant temperament, and they make good watchdogs.
Trainability
Miniature Schnauzers are easy-to-train dogs. Agility and obedience competitions are a great way to engage these pups. They are receptive to training but possess a stubborn streak, due to which they require a firm and patient trainer.
Energy Levels
These energetic dogs require regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They can adapt well to city or country life and need a fenced yard to run and chase a ball. Mini Schnauzers will impress you with their ability to learn.
Best Suitable For
These smartest dogs can be a good choice for novice owners due to their trouble-free trainability and easygoing personalities. Their hypoallergenic coat also makes them well-suited for allergy sufferers.
4. English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is another sporting dog breed ranked for its intelligence, trainability, and friendly demeanor. This intelligent dog breed is a reliable bird hunter in the field. They make wonderful family pets and love to stay close to their people.
Trainability
English Springer Spaniels have a strong desire to please, which contributes to their easy trainability. Both field-bred and show-bred, ESS excel at dog training, hunting, and retrieving. Field-bred Spaniels tend to have more instinctive abilities.
Energy Levels
ESS are incredibly energetic dogs who require plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Without enough exercise, they can get bored and exhibit undesirable behaviors like excessive barking or chewing.
Best Suitable For
Their intelligence, eagerness to please, and high trainability make them easy to handle for those who are new to dog ownership. Due to their attentive and affectionate nature, they also do well in homes with children and make loving playmates for all family members.
5. Belgian Tervuren
Belgian Tervuren are members of the herding group. These hardworking dogs love having a job to do. Belgian Tervurens are highly intelligent dogs, capable of mastering complex tasks while also enjoying playful activities.
Trainability
Tervs need consistent training and socialization to behave well. They are highly trainable but need to be treated with patience and respect. They excel at tasks that help them flex their muscles and brains, such as herding, agility, and obedience.
Energy Levels
These energetic dogs require plenty of activity for physical and mental stimulation. Tervs need one and a half to two hours of physical exercise every day. It can include activities like brisk walking, jogging, and interactive play sessions.
Best Suitable For
Belgian Tervurens are more suitable for active owners who can fulfill their exercise needs. They do well with experienced owners due to their high energy levels and high grooming needs.
6. Schipperke
Schipperke are the small and ever-alert dogs who were originally bred to work. They were supposed to protect boats and hunt rats. Even today, they love having a job to do. One of the smartest breeds, Schipperke are protective, vigilant, and affectionate towards their owners.
Trainability
According to Hill’s Pet, the Schipperke is an intelligent dog breed, but a bit stubborn. It makes training a bit difficult, particularly for novice owners. They excel at canine sports like agility and obedience competitions.
Energy Levels
Schipperkes are active, energetic, and super busy dogs who love playing and exploring. Brisk walks, play sessions, puzzle toys, and ongoing obedience training can help keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Best Suitable For
Schipperkes are not suitable for first-time dog owners. They need enough room to play and exercise, so they are better fit for owners who have a big fenced yard.
7. Rottweiler
This big, loyal, and intelligent dog has been serving as a service dog for many decades. These confident guardians are courageous and possess strong protective instincts, but are not aggressive. Due to their playfulness, downright silliness, and smartness, they are loved by everyone.
Trainability
Rotties have a strong desire to please their owners, which makes training a breeze. However, some Rottweilers can be stubborn. Training should start from an early age.
Energy Levels
Rottweilers are highly energetic and athletic canines who need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Puzzle toys are a great way to keep them busy. Training should be firm and consistent.
Best Suitable For
They make ideal pets for active owners who can keep up with their exercise needs. Roughhousing should be avoided as it can lead to aggression.
8. Papillon
These cute dogs with butterfly ears are the tiny balls of energy that learn new commands very quickly. Papillons are the only member of the Toy group in this list. They are super fast and bond firmly with their owners.
Trainability
Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them easy to train. Papillons excel at agility and obedience and have also been working as therapy and service dogs.
Energy Levels
These active mutts are known for their confident and energetic personalities. They need regular exercise to stay healthy, but don’t require extensive physical activity. Daily walks and play sessions are important.
Best Suitable For
Due to their playful nature, Paps are well-suited for households with kids. They may not do well in multi-pet environments. It is a great option for first-time pet parents who want to travel with their dog.
9. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is one of the friendliest dogs you will ever encounter. They have a history of retrieving and working alongside humans. Labs have strong protective instincts and are quite perceptive and outgoing.
Trainability
This smart dog breed is known for its intelligence and learns quickly, making training quite easy. They are the champions of retrieving, obedience, and therapy work. The Labrador Retriever can also be trained to serve as a service dog.
Energy Levels
Labs are the high-energy dogs who need more than two hours of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They love swimming and playing games of fetch, and going on long leisurely walks with their owners.
Best Suitable For
They do well with sole owners as well as families. Labs can easily adapt to houses with kids and other pets. The Labrador Retriever is one of the top dogs for new pet parents.
10. Collie
Collies have always had a reputation for being the smartest dog breed. You might remember Lassie, a Collie, from the movie “Lassie Come Home”, as mentioned by Wikipedia. Lassie is a female Rough Collie depicted in this movie.
Collies belong to the herding group and are quite friendly. They make ideal problem solvers and loving family pets.
Trainability
Collies are highly intelligent and trainable dogs with an eagerness to please. They are quick learners who do well with gentle training.
Energy Levels
They possess high energy levels and are a pro at herding, agility, and obedience competitions. Make sure to provide adequate mental and physical stimulation to your Collie.
Best Suitable For
Collies require active and experienced owners who can keep up with their exercise needs.
Conclusion
The dogs mentioned in the above article are the most clever dog breeds in existence. They are quick to learn and respond to their owner’s commands. They are highly intelligent dog breeds that are eager to please their humans and thus make great companions.
Several dog breeds, such as Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers, and Poodles, are known for their intelligence. These clever dogs are eager to please and easy to train. They bond firmly with their owners and stay loyal to them.
If you are planning to adopt a brainiac from the canine world, make sure to take care of their exercise needs and ensure adequate mental enrichment.
