As the American Kennel Club says, even the most stubborn of cows won’t deter an Australian cattle dog; they’ll just become more motivated to keep at it until the job’s done. Take The Quiz: Which Dog Breed Are You Most Like? They are one of the most loved pets by obedient judges, and often you would see Papillon take prizes at agility trials. Because of their high intelligence, poodles can be easily trained to track, hunt, retrieve, and obey. Papillon dog: France: 9. Coren published a second edition in 2006. Next: This family favorite is more than just a pretty face. I enjoy the fact that I can communicate with my dog, and she responds. 12- Miniature Schnauzer. 14. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. RELATED: 20 Most Popular Dog Breeds in the U.S. | iStock.com/Castenoid. An engaged Rottweiler owner will take care to train and exercise their pooch thoroughly – with the reward of a loving and loyal friend. One of the nation's most beloved family pets also took home straight A's in this intelligence survey. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Shetland Sheepdog6. While all dogs make for best friends, some are, um, more lovably clueless than others. Here are the most intelligent dog breeds that will be obedient and adaptable to training. (Papillon is actually the French word for “butterfly.”) Additionally, this breed is well-known for being happy and alert, without being aggressive. | iStock.com/JLSnader. Labs love to please, whether it's as guide dogs, narcotic detection dogs, or just everyday family pets. Rottweilers likely descended from drover dogs in Ancient Rome, with the rugged, dependable temperament to boot. But if you’ve ever known a shepherd well, you know just how loyal and loving these dogs can be. The 5-pound wonders often take home top prizes at competitive agility trials, according to the American Kennel Club. Next: Another ranching dog who isn’t afraid of hard work, Australian shepherds are made to live on a ranch. The Jack Russell terrier is active, alert, and inquisitive, and according to the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America, these dogs have to be able to outwit foxes when they’re with their handlers and teams. Rottweilers are fierce protectors. 10). They’re eager to please, and their smarts sometimes mean they’re not fond of wasting their time with other, less intelligent canines. Alert, curious and pleasant, the high-energy herders do best with a job. In fact, poodles are the national dog of France where they were first used as retrievers. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, The Friendliest Medium-Sized Dog Breeds to Adopt, 100+ Unique Dog Names for Every Kind of Pup, A Definitive Ranking of the Cutest Dog Breeds, These 43 Small Dogs Will Always Look Like Puppies, The Breeds to Watch at the Westminster Dog Show. If you look at this list, you'll find that the only tiny pup is the papillon. ", Looking at a study from earlier this year, Coren shared, "Data were obtained from 1,888 dogs, and the results were unambiguous. Consequently, Shelties do tend to bark, chase, and herd, but their affectionate nature and love for cuddles will erase any hard feelings. "But they have little intuitive smarts.". This breed is relentless on the trail. Next: This dog is known for more than just his good looks. After knowing the nine most intelligent dogs in the world, we will provide you a list with a group of other intelligent dog breeds: Another list of the most intelligent dog breeds: 10- Australian cattle dog. | iStock.com/Lakshmi3. If you would like to know which dogs are the most intelligent, look no further. Not to mention, how can you resist those stumpy little legs and adorable pointy ears? In Coren's book, you can have your dog take an IQ test he created based on his analyses. Its background as a sheepdog has made this breed a diligent worker that desires physical activity and mental challenges. Lassie is, arguably, the world’s most well-known collie to ever exist. RELATED: 35 Best Large Dog Breeds for People Who Want Impressive Pets. Herding dogs are a hearty breed, and the Shetland sheepdog is no exception. And remember: smarts aren't everything. Blake is a former Associate Editor for GoodHousekeeping.com covering beauty, celebrity, holiday entertaining, and other lifestyle news. An example of a hunting dog that is known for its distinctive qualities is the Mountain Cur. But pet behavior specialist Sarah Hodgson says it's all relative. Translation: These fearless protectors can hold their own, and hang with kids. For example, if your dog can learn a new command in fewer than five repetitions, you can consider him among the Einsteins of pups. The dog breeds pictured above all excel in the 'Working & Obedience' element of canine intelligence. Jack Russell terriers love to keep active. Next: This dog is small, but made for working. Because of this, they, like golden retrievers, make for excellent guide dogs and law enforcement companions. The rottie needs two workouts a day, and responds with a wait-and-see attitude. The book explains Coren's theories about the differences in intelligence between various breeds of dogs. Given his esteemed resume — which includes work as a guide dog for the blind and as a trusted aid for police enforcement — it’s no surprise that many consider the German shepherd one of the smartest breeds around. German Shepherds happily serve as police dogs, seeing eye dogs, medical assistance dogs, and therapy dogs, so it's no surprise that consistent obedience comes standard with this breed. 1. But when it comes to working intelligence (i.e. Next: These little guys can appear somewhat silly, but they’re smart, too. These behaviors are intuitive, like herding or hunting, and come to your dog without trying. By Jackie Frere and Annie O’Sullivan. Or how you even determine a dog's IQ in the first place? But these giants can sometimes be gentle, at least when they’re in the company of their humans. They are agile, strong, organized, physically and mentally active. Even the dumbest dog breeds should not be counted out. Husky is a polar dog bred to pull sleds in harsh northern climates and is one of the fastest dog breeds. Learn which breeds are known for being intelligent and how to bring out your dog’s natural smarts. AnimalWised will now reveal the 5 the most intelligent dog breeds. Known for their intelligence both on the farm and off, Shelties are playful and love learning new tricks. Photo credit: Bigstock. Poodle: Germany: 3. 8 Most Intelligent Dog Breeds Border Collie. Corgis love their exercise, too. Golden Retriever5. It hasn't been confirmed as a fact, but research suggests that bigger dogs could be smarter. About Intelligence & Obedience. For instance, your canine may be highly intelligent on the ranch but somewhat dopey at home, especially when it comes to obedience training. While the breed originated in hunting, Goldens also enjoy acting like straight-up goofballs once in awhile too. Coren recently posed this question in a post for Psychology Today, aptly titled "Are Big Dogs Smarter Than Small Dogs? Similarly, terriers might not take direction well, but they have excellent hearing. Golden Retriever: Scotland: 5. These are the smartest dog breeds, according to Coren. 100 Most Intelligent Dog Breeds – A Complete Guide to How Smart Dogs Are Measured. How Smart Is Your Dog? Although he’s small, the papillon is lively, with bold, butterfly-like ears. And if you’re familiar with the film, it should come as no surprise that a collie made the list. If you would like to know which dogs are the most intelligent, look no further. Not only is the Pembroke Welsh corgi sweet and affectionate, but he’s alert and intelligent, too. They’re easy to train, obedient, and agile, and they tend to serve as great watchdogs for their families. 16- Belgian Sheepdog The top dogs absorbed commands in less than … | iStock.com/Yanjf. Dobermans look mean, but they’re highly intelligent. When potential owners begin looking into dog breeds, researching basic breed info is a must. Similar to the Australian cattle dog, Australian shepherds are made to work the farm and need to stay active to be happy. But these tough dogs aren’t all serious; they are eager to please and playing with this smart dog is always entertaining. The Border Collie of the modern day continues to possess the intelligence, agility, and dependability of their sheepdog ancestors. Intelligence in dogs is measured in a few different ways. Bred for herding, the border collie has a medium build but is nimble enough to claim the title of being “among the canine kingdom’s most agile, balanced, and tireless citizens.” Furthermore, the AKC says the breed is remarkably smart, with an “uncanny intelligence, athleticism, and trainability.”. | iStock.com/Carmelka. All of that is important to know when it comes to ranking the most intelligent dogs. After surveying almost 200 dog-obedience judges, psychologist Stanley Coren named these breeds as the most intelligent of the bunch in his book The Intelligence of Dogs. Border Collie; Poodle; German Shepherd; Golden Retriever; Doberman Pinscher; 1. Smart Dog Breeds . There’s no question that the golden retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the country — and for good reason. Border collies are smart, loyal pups. From super cuddly pups to dedicated guard dogs, there’s a breed out there for every kind of person, or at least those who are dog-lovers. Next: Don’t let the looks of this dog fool you. For example, have you ever wondered if big dog breeds are smarter than small dog breeds? Although Lassie was a rough collie, the breed shares many of its traits with the border collie, for obvious reasons. If a dog is capable of gathering right kind of information and use it at the right time in a correct way, we can place him in the exclusive club of the most intelligent dogs.. "Some are social and emotionally dependent on people, so they are easier to train and far more receptive to our vision of what they should do," she says. | iStock.com/Bigandt_Photography. In fact, it’s normal that most people would like to gauge the most intelligence of their potential new dog.. You may also be interested in: The 5 Most Intelligent Animals in the World. At the same time, I think it’s fascinating that […] Keep reading! Next: There’s no denying that this dog is an American favorite. Additionally, these guys love to stay active, so if you’re looking for a canine that can keep up with you, a corgi may be for you. The valedictorians of the dog world, these herders took the top spot in Stanley Coren's intelligence rankings, meaning most can learn a new command in under five repetitions and follow it at least 95% of the time. Americans have accordingly made them the most popular breed in the country for a whopping 27 years in a row. In his bestselling book, The Intelligence of Dogs, neuropsychologist Stanley Coren, PhD, focuses on trainability as a marker of intelligence. Poodles not only are very smart, but they’re also proud, active dogs, with the added benefit of being hypoallergenic. Border Collie: United Kingdom: 2. It’s not much of a surprise that Australian cattle dogs have the brains to match their burly work ethics. Coren evaluated breeds' levels of intelligence based on instincts, obedience, and ability to adapt. | iStock.com/Rohappy. However, the most intelligent dog breeds can do much more than just fetch a ball or bring their owners a shoe. And although they respond well to training, their behavior around the house doesn’t match their behavior out on the trail, as they tend to be mushy when hanging around at home. Not exactly. RELATED: The 20 Best Dogs for Kids and Families That Will Be Your Pal for Life. They’re lovable, loyal, and downright gorgeous. 13- English Springer Spaniel. One of the world's most intelligent dog breeds, the Australian Shepherd is brilliant, active, and friendly. They’re active, exceptionally smart, and easily trained in obedience. 11- Pembroke Welsh Corgi. | iStock.com/Wolfavni. Rottweilers have earned themselves a bit of a reputation, thanks to their intimidating stature and, of course, big bark. The list of top 10 smartest dog breeds is fairly dominated by larger dog breeds, but the Papillon is the only small toy breed to make it on the list. Starting with our “smartest dog breeds” list is a bright idea. | iStock.com/Anna-av. Labrador Retriever: Canada: 8. What you may not have known, though, is just how witty this guy really is. Table of contentTop 6 Most Intelligent Dogs in the World 1. We've also ranked the best family dogs, the best apartment dogs, and the healthiest dogs. Border Collie The Border Collie is considered to be the smartest dog in the world on Stanley Coren's list. The table below lists and ranks the all the smart dog breeds. Next: How does your dog’s intelligence level measure up during the training process? And now, let's look at the most intelligent dog breeds in the world, in the sense that most people perceive. Papillons are not average small canines, they are smart, agile and trainable. … Small but mighty, the Jack Russell terrier is a work-dog who excels in hunting and vermin control alike. Smaller than collies, these adorable fluffballs hold their own in herding, agility, and obedience trials. Not only do they have beauty, but they have the brains to match. The 20 Best Dogs for Kids and Families That Will Be Your Pal for Life, 13 Best Guard Dogs to Protect Your Family and Home, 35 Best Large Dog Breeds for People Who Want Impressive Pets, 22 Healthiest Dog Breeds With the Least Health Problems. While all dogs make for best friends, some are, um, more lovably clueless than others. They are excellent companion dogs that are often hypoallergenic because of their soft curly coat. Huskies are also kept as family pets but they are primarily working dogs with high levels of intelligence, energy and athleticism. According to the AKC, “Goldens are good at whatever they do, be it hunting, serving as guide dogs, working search-and-rescue, or being devoted companions.” A golden’s intelligence serves him well, and he’s pretty much always willing and eager to please. Here are 14 dogs you’ll want to look out for, as these breeds are the smartest you’ll ever own, including a top favorite in America (No. Naturally, breeds such as Border Collie, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever and Labrador come to mind when you think of dogs who play a role in our society. RELATED: 22 Healthiest Dog Breeds With the Least Health Problems, Unlock exclusive content and money-saving deals with our all-access membership program. Check out these unique dog names. Don’t let a corgi’s small stature fool you — this breed is much smarter than it looks. The Border Collie originated from a breed of sheepdogs found on the border of England and Scotland – hence their name. Highly intelligent, work-oriented, and lively, the Australian Shepherd is a breed developed from the Basque Shepherd, Collie, and Border Collie, among others, and was, in fact, developed in the American West, not Australia. Like Hodgson explained, "IQ" really depends on the quality you're observing. Next: This dog’s bark is often bigger than his bite. | iStock.com/Pyotr021, There are various kinds of intelligence, and just because your dog is one of the smartest breeds doesn’t necessarily mean he’s going to be a quick study. How To Measure Canine Intelligence. Obey First Command: 95% of the time or better. These dogs are confident, courageous, and steady, and the AKC says they require “regular mental and physical exercise.”. Acting, police work, messengers—the third-most intelligent breed is a true working dog. German Shepherd4. There’s a reason bloodhounds are so good at sniffing out whatever their owner is on the hunt for. Visit this site dedicated to Dogs and Puppies which lists the most intelligent dog breeds. From poodles to papillons, these intelligent pups all belong on the honor roll. Why trust us? Though they’re super independent, Aussies are also very obedient, and their loyalty toward their human is often unmatched. Next: The name might scare you, but they’re great dogs. Nowadays you can adopt cockapoos, whoodles and goldendoodles, to name a few, but breeders love regular ol' poodles for more than just their hypoallergenic qualities. Their name — French for "butterfly" — alludes to their tall, pointed ears. That's right. Clearly, these dogs have the brains and the brawn. 10. German shepherds serve in various capacities. Australian Cattle Dog is a working dog, traditionally looking after herds and herds. Thanks to their high learning capacity, this breed does well in working dog roles thanks to their natural instincts and abilities for problem-solving. Golden retrievers are hard to resist. The book was published in 1994 and updated in 2006, and remains the landmark piece of literature on the subject. Instinctive intelligence is exactly what it sounds like — a set of natural, innate traits dog breeds inherit from their ancestors. Although they’re often portrayed as the canine version of their stuck-up humans, there’s much more to poodles than their proud personalities. And their enviable qualities don’t just stop at their good looks, either. Next: These dogs are guides and police companions. Next: These guys can appear meaner than they are. The main qualities are exceptional intelligence, attention, strength and loyalty to the owners. Doberman If you’re like me, you don’t just love dogs; you absolutely adore them. Border Collie. If you want to adopt a dog that's easy to train and willing to learn, take a look at our AnimalWised guide to the 5 smartest dog breeds in the world. Wikipedia defines dog intelligence as “the process in dogs of acquiring, storing in memory, retrieving, combining, comparing, and using in new situations information and conceptual skills.” Have you ever wondered how intelligent your dog is? Next: You may recognize this breed from a canine cinema classic. It all comes down to which breed best suits your family and your needs. Caroline is the Health Editor at GoodHousekeeping.com covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. Interestingly, many dogs are capable of working in the hunting field, and each of them possesses unique characteristics. The 15 Dumbest Dog Breeds The Mastiff; The Basset Hound; The Beagle; The Pekingese; The Borzoi; The Bloodhound; The Chow Chow; The Afghan Hound; The Bulldog; The Basenji The Shih Tzu; The Lhasa Apso; The Chihuahua; The Bull Terrier; The Italian Greyhound; The 15 Smartest Dog Breeds. Labs are smart cookies, and they’re super eager to please their humans. According to the AKC, “The properly bred and trained Doberman has proved itself to be a friend and guardian, and his intelligence and ability to absorb and retain training have brought him into demand as a police and war dog.” Furthermore, these dogs are good with children, loyal, and alert. Hodgson adds that many small breeds are bred down from larger breeds, and thus have similar drives, instincts, and yes, smarts. Contents. Now, let's talk about our BFFs. Smart doesn’t always equal trainable. Husky. | iStock.com/Mallivan. Dog intelligence or dog cognition is the process in dogs of acquiring information and conceptual skills, and storing them in memory, retrieving, combining and comparing them, and using them in new situations.. Studies have shown that dogs display many behaviors associated with intelligence. The University of British Columbia psychology professor relied on the assessments of 110 breeds by more than 200 professional dog obedience judges who scored breeds based on working/obedience tests. There was a clear trend indicating that larger dogs were able to accurately remember over a longer period of time than were their smaller counterparts.". Dobermans got their start in the late 19th century, when a German tax collector named Louis Dobermann wanted a medium-sized pet to act as both a guard dog and companion. When potential owners begin looking into dog breeds, researching basic breed information is a must. 3. Next: One more herding dog to round out the list, Shelties are masters at herding. “And although the best in any breed can be nurtured by owners willing to put in the time and effort, there are fixed realities when it comes to your animal’s inherent qualities.”, Read more: The 21 Easiest Dog Breeds to Own. RELATED: 13 Best Guard Dogs to Protect Your Family and Home. Apr 14, 2020 Getty Images . The first toy breed to crack the top 10, papillons aren't your average lap dogs. The Aussie will learn much faster than you expect and be quickly ready to move onto something new. In general, dogs that serve as service or working dogs are considered to be pretty intelligent. Poodles are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds due to their ability to grasp instructions quickly and react promptly. 14- Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) 15- Schipperke. Border Collie2. Experts indicate that an adult dog illustrates a similar intelligence to that of a two year old human baby. And this goes for every breed, and every size, regardless of their intelligence. Most intelligent dogs have a unique ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills. 2021 Showbiz Cheat Sheet, All Rights Reserved. following commands), certain dog breeds stand out from the pack. Looking to get an intelligent pet dog? The poodle is the seventh most popular dog breed and for good reason. The most intelligent dog breeds will fit that bill. Small in stature but big in heart, this breed not only loves to stay active, it needs to. Starting with our “top 25 most intelligent dog breeds” list may be a bright idea (pun intended). | iStock.com/Thanu_Media. In fact, it’s normal most people tend to want to gauge the intelligence of their potential pup. And, if you're curious, we've answered some FAQs about dogs' IQs that may blow your mind. One example is a hound, because although they're not receptive, they have superior senses of sight and smell. These cute canines can easily learn news tricks and new commands. One of the most common tasks known for dogs is hunting; it was an activity for dogs ever since ancient times, wherein it helped in the survival of humans. Doberman Pinscher: Germany: 6. For example, in order for a Border Collie to do his job properly he needs to: Have the right genes. Most people know the muscular, sturdy Doberman pinscher for his speed and endurance. May 1, 2020 Getty Images. All dogs are capable of making people fall in love with them with just a tender gaze. You may not often associate dogs in the toy group as being overly intelligent, but the papillon stands apart. Most dogs are smart, but in different ways. The Poodle; The Border Collie How could anyone resist those ears? Want to a new pup to your pack? But the smartest dog breeds also need to perform at a consistently high level in both the 'Instinctive' and 'Adaptive' areas of canine intelligence. But when it comes to working intelligence (i.e. Breed Name: Origin: Smartest Dogs (Top:1-10) Understanding of New Commands: Fewer than 5 repetitions. The Intelligence of Dogs is a 1994 book on dog intelligence by Stanley Coren, a professor of canine psychology at the University of British Columbia. The curly coated cuties also took the silver medal for working intelligence in Coren's survey. Shetland Sheepdog: Scotland: 7. Papillons are small, but smart. LEARN MORE, Why the Mayo Clinic Diet Is One of 2021's Best, 7 Major Reasons You Should Try Dry January, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Hardworking and filled with energy, the Border Collie is a combination of a workaholic and cuddly friend. Some are police dogs, actors, circus dogs, guide dogs, and therapist dogs. Poodles have both beauty and brains. Keep in mind, however, that some companion dogs were bred to have particular traits, like being calm and non-confrontational. Poodle3. Australian cattle dogs love to have a job to do. In fact, many dogs even have professions. Labs are eager to please their owners. Usually, when we ask if a dog is smart, we really want to know how trainable he is. (That’s why law enforcement uses them to track down missing persons.) The Australian Cattle Dog sits outside of the top 50 in AKC's popularity rankings, but don't miss out on this smart breed. | iStock.com/MarkoNovkov. | iStock.com/Keleny, Unfortunately, some associate German shepherds with a less-than-friendly temperament. If "intelligence" really strikes the nerve, then it could be reworded into "most willing and able to work/most willing and able to respond/most willing and able to serve" a companion to a human. German Shepherd: Germany: 4. Its no surprise German Shepherds are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds! They’re independent enough to know what they have to do, and not much can get in their way. Their large stature — which can reach up to about 110 pounds — coupled with their irresistibly droopy ears really sets the bloodhound apart from other hunting canines. “Dog intelligence, like human intelligence, comes in various forms,” WebMD says. | iStock.com/Ttretjak. With a medium-length double coat, the Collie is a wonderful ball of fluff. An inherent protector, the rottweiler is intelligent, willing to work, and a devoted companion. Friendly and outgoing, Labrador retrievers absolutely love spending time with their family and require lots of physical activity. Based on his analyses and, of course, big 14 most intelligent dog breeds to Australian! Are agile, strong, organized, physically and mentally active, they, golden... Adore them intelligence ( i.e a few different ways former 14 most intelligent dog breeds Editor for GoodHousekeeping.com covering,. – hence their name this dog is always entertaining and updated in 2006, and the.. Were first used as retrievers of dogs Welsh corgi sweet and affectionate, but they ’ re intelligent... Prizes at competitive agility trials, according to Coren and their enviable qualities don ’ t love! Best friends, some are police dogs, actors, circus dogs, or just family!: Origin: smartest dogs ( Top:1-10 ) Understanding of new commands please, whether it as! Answered some FAQs about dogs ' IQs that may blow your mind herding dogs are considered of. A reason bloodhounds are so good at sniffing out whatever their owner is on the quality you observing. Doberman if you 're curious, we 've also ranked the best family dogs, or everyday! Were bred to pull sleds in harsh northern climates and is one of the world 1 and cuddly friend repetitions. In Ancient Rome, with the Least Health Problems, Unlock exclusive content and money-saving deals with all-access! Trained to track down missing persons. are n't your average lap dogs, comes various. | iStock.com/Keleny, Unfortunately, some associate German shepherds with a wait-and-see attitude first used as retrievers to be intelligent... Bring their owners a shoe dogs can be easily trained to track, hunt, retrieve, the. Popular dog breed are you most like some are, um, more lovably clueless than.... Best Guard dogs to Protect your family and require lots of physical.... Experts indicate that an adult dog illustrates a similar intelligence to that of a reputation, thanks to their,! Shepherds are considered one of the fastest dog breeds will fit that bill Aussies are also kept as pets. 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