Have you ever seen a pup writing a plot for a blockbuster movie and an action thriller? Or seen a dog solving crimes and mysteries? Perhaps a furry scientist experimenting to create a super dog food, Anyone? This sounds like a dream-like fantasy, a concoction of some foolish mind, and an unbelievably bizarre imagination, right?
But the truth is, these furry pups that are usually quite small and fragile, or even large dogs, have heightened senses and brain power way beyond human imagination.
These dogs learn, perceive, and evaluate things that we can never be able to. Their keen senses and exceptional skills make them good guardians, alert watchdogs, vigilant herders, and lovable family members. If taken into consideration and noticed in depth, it can bring forth realities we would have never expected.
These canines are unique and smarter than other breeds. They are the brightest and most intelligent dog breeds and include curly-coated cuties like the poodles, to the cloud-like fluffy shelties.
Most Smartest Dog Breeds In This World
1. Australian Cattle Dog
This underdog might not be popular on the AKC popularity rankings, but it is a smart dog with exceptional abilities. Also known as the Red, Blue, or Queensland Heeler, the Australian cattle dog is related to the Aussie’s wild dingo dog. This immaculate and articulate herder is perceptive and incredibly understanding.
These pups will never be found sitting still or lounging around because they are always on alert and inquisitive about everything around them.
Their boundless energy doesn’t let them slouch on the job, and they remain ecstatic when given constant challenges and consistent training. Hence, what’s not to love about these exceptional doggos?
2. Border Collie
Border Collies are considered the smartest dog breed due to their incredible focus and high energy levels. Owners throw their hands in the air when these sneaky fellas outsmart them. The border collie is undoubtedly the most intelligent dog breed out there.
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, these pups were originally bred to be herding dogs, but they gained their importance on the world stage by showing their exceptional learning and perception skills. Nowadays, border collies are also used by law enforcement agencies, including the police and military, and even S.W.A.T. might hire these genius fur babies for their knowledge and high canine intelligence.
These dogs are quick learners and swiftly responsive to cues, fast as lightning, herding dogs who a heavyweight workers and enjoy getting the job done.
3. English Springer Spaniel
This reliable bird hunter is an eager-to-please, friendly, and playful puppy. The English Springer Spaniel is an outgoing class salutatorian that excels in trainability and is the perfect candidate for a respectable household. These sociable creatures were originally bred for hunting and retrieving.
Hence, they can sometimes be mischievous or destructive to your house furniture. But they are energetic dogs that pass obedience training and socialization skills with flying colours. These adorable pooches are quite people-oriented and love to be near their owners. They enjoy fun family activities like hunting, hiking, and swimming.
Purina says they’ll be the happiest if you take them out for a game of fetch or let them explore new horizons, like taking a new trail on a hike. These pups also love playing in a sprinkler and enjoying some fresh summer breeze.
4. Golden Retriever
This dashing retriever is known for its legally blonde-like sunshine golden coat. They literally look ethereal. These larger-than-life dynamos are not from the herding group, but are good at protecting and watching over your babies.
Omlet describes this magical golden puppy as an active and intelligent dog breed that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to be its natural, elated self. These dogs excel at many games and outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, running, retrieving, playdates, barn hunts, and even agility and obedience competitions.
These working dogs from the sporting group are golden goofballs and are oh so adorable and funny in nature. Once you own this always eager-to-please outperformer, there is no going back, as they capture the hearts of their owners forever.
These naturally born sweethearts are known to be great search and rescue dogs, service dogs, assistance dogs, and therapy dogs. These pups excel at therapy work and have taken straight A’s in many intelligence surveys. Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle nature and adaptability, making them excellent family pets.
5. Labrador Retriever
Iconic people pleasers that have held the most popular dog breed rank in the States for the last 27 years, Labs are phenomenal companions. This high-spirited retriever with high intelligence and natural swimming abilities is the ultimate sport at home.
You’ll never see a Labrador retriever denying any group activity because these pups are renowned team players who are game for almost anything on earth.
Swimming champions, marathon runners, and sports enthusiasts, these labradors are athletic and magnetic at the same time. These sleek and muscular charmers can be seen in search and rescue missions, police units, K-9 detection squads, and at the airport security protecting and safeguarding ungrateful hooman like us every day by risking their lives in active service and duty.
Continental Kennel Club explains that the Labrador Retrievers are also friendly and intelligent, making them one of the most popular family dogs. They get along well with other dogs and children.
6. Miniature Schnauzer
This shabby and scruffy-faced dog with a beard and serious demeanor originated in Germany in the mid to late 19th century. These dogs were originally bred for working on farms in Germany by crossing smaller-sized standard schnauzers or mixing schnauzers with small dog breeds like the affenpinschers, miniature pinschers, and poodles. Farmers bred this small dog to be an efficient ratting dog.
Orvis states these pooches are spunky in attitude but also aloof and independent; they have good guarding and protecting instincts. But don’t necessarily have a predisposition to harm and bite. Miniature Schnauzers are alert and playful, requiring avid mental stimulation to keep them happy.
They love to play fetch, tug of war, and hide and seek, and look quite adorable playing in the field due to their small and compact size. Miniature Schnauzers also excel at agility and obedience training games, and they also enjoy water play.
You’ll often find this small yet sturdy fellow joyfully chasing a laser pointer. They are the only member from the terrier group to make the canine intelligence ranking and list. They are smart, perceptive, and quick learners who pick up cues and tricks efficiently.
7. Papillon
These small butterfly-eared Papillons are small but highly intelligent dogs that are not only quick learners but also excel in agility competitions. These unique small dogs from the toy group that are the only toy breed on this list should not be underestimated because even though they are petite, they are quite smart dogs that are high on brain power.
According to PDSA, Papillons are super-fast and cute, tiny balls of pizzazz that make training a walk in the dog park. These confident, energetic, and loyal pups aren’t your typical lap dogs.
These 5-pound natural athletes are capable enough to take home awards for the most difficult agility competitions. They are highly active and easy to train, and on the scale of canine intelligence, they stand high, which is really cool for this highly perceptive puppy.
8. Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs are recognized for their problem-solving skills and ability to learn quickly. These immaculate brainiacs originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland and were originally bred to herd sheep, but will herd just about anything from children to small pets.
The sheltie is fast, clever, and quick on its feet; hence, they’re known to win agility competitions. The sheltie is a collie in miniature form that outsmarts and outshines the many large dogs in dog sports.
PetMD says these adorable and fluffy shelties nowadays work as therapy dogs because of their affectionate and loyal temperament. These pups suit active families who are adventurous and love to enjoy the great outdoors.
You’ll see these cloud-like fluff balls barking, chasing, and herding all day long but their love for cuddles and nuzzling erases all hard feelings in no time.
9. Belgian Tervuren
Belgian Tervurens are energetic and agile, suited for active families that can provide them with mental challenges and physical exercise in the great outdoors. Owners who cannot understand their strong desire and urge to work and be purposeful should not adopt these pooches.
It is another dog from the herding group that asserts control and herds sheep independently, which may come over as daunting. They have a natural instinct to protect sheep and their loved ones from harm and danger.
Britannica says these highly intelligent pups need a job to do, or else they’ll get bored. Moreover, these courageous dogs can even outsmart their owners when put to work; they excel at even the most challenging tasks and sports. These majestic pups love to play with puzzle games and do brain training activities. Training sessions provide them with mental exercise, which is necessary for this dog.
It is advised to include short, frequent training and playing sessions to keep these pups engaged rather than introducing long training marathons. Just make sure these pups flex their muscles from time to time to keep them happy.
10. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that excel in obedience and require regular mental stimulation. They were originally bred to be fearless protectors of their pack and family.
Named after Louis Dobermann, a tax collector, night watchman, and dog catcher who made these dogs by crossing several dog breeds like the Rottweiler, German pinscher, black and tan terriers, weimaraner, and short-haired shepherds to create a protective dog that can accompany him on his rounds. This pup can easily be the manga cum laude of the working group.
Hence, these sturdy hunks make excellent guard dogs and love running, hiking, swimming, and doing agility work. Petplan says Dobies are versatile dogs that excel in obedience competitions. They are highly perceptive yet curious pups with a constant need for exercise and mental stimulation.
Doberman pinschers are ideal family pets for active owners and families. Just make sure to provide them with early socialization and proper training to enhance their protective instincts and positively channel their talents.
Conclusion
On an ending note, these adorable and smart pooches can outsmart humans easily with their clever tactics and ideas. Hence, make sure to be extra careful with these knowledgeable breeds that have an answer for everything. Some other breeds that have not made the list but are equally, if not more smart than these pups are the beautiful Poodles, which are known for being highly trainable and excel in agility and obedience competitions.
Also, the popular German Shepherds are recognized for their exceptional intelligence and versatility, making them suitable for various demanding roles. Moreover, Rottweilers are also known for their loyalty and intelligence, making them suitable for active families.
P.S. If you are looking for intelligence in a dog, then make sure to research the breed, check your lifestyle, and prioritize searching for these pups in a rescue organization or local shelter before buying one from a reputable breeder.
