All dogs are adorable and have their own quirky personality traits but which ones are the smartest? There are certain dog breeds that stand out above the rest! Intelligence comes in various forms as well as other inherent qualities.
Studies have revealed that some breeds have a superior intelligence level that makes them easier to train. Is your dog considered one of the smartest dog breeds? As a pet parent, you surely think your pup is the most intelligent dog of all.
However, if you have needed tremendous patience while training your dog and they don’t quite pick up the commands quickly, chances are there might be other dog breeds considered to be the smartest in the world.
Remember, just because other breeds might be considered smarter doesn’t mean your adorable pup isn’t smart, it just means there are various degrees of intelligence and we can all agree dogs are our best friends no matter what level of intelligence they possess.
We got a bit curious about these superior dog breeds and created the smartest dog breeds list shown below. Check it out to see if your dog’s breed is included on the list.
20 Smartest Dog Breeds
1. German Shepherd
Confident, courageous, and intelligent, the German Shepherd dog breed is one of the best all-purpose worker dogs. They are often found working with the police, military, and as guard dogs.
German Shepherds are considered one of the smartest dog breeds due to their keen ability to learn vital skills quickly and follow-through during emergency situations.
2. Poodle
Elegant and proud, these aristocratic dogs stand proud as they show off their unique personality. Poodles are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds due to their ability to grasp instructions quickly and react promptly.
They are excellent companion dogs that are often hypoallergenic because of their soft curly coat.
3. Border Collie
Hardworking and filled with energy, the Border Collie is a combination of a workaholic and cuddly friend. This amazing breed is filled with energy and enjoys completing tasks such as herding animals and helping their owner on farms or ranches.
However, at the end of the day, they are also the perfect sofa buddy and enjoy relaxing after a hard day of work.
4. Doberman Pinscher
Alert, fearless and loyal, the Doberman Pinscher is known for their keen intelligence. Their strong body and sharp mind make them fearless and an exceptional watchdog. Their sweet nature combined with their natural protective instinct makes them the ultimate family guard dog.
They are also easy to train and pick up obedience skills quickly.
5. Golden Retriever
Obedient, exuberant, and caring, the Golden Retriever is an excellent working dog that excels in fieldwork and hunting. Their adaptability to new environments combined with their tendency to learn training skills easily makes them an excellent guide and therapy dog.
They are also wonderful family pets that are often known as a child’s playmate.
6. Labrador Retriever
Lovable, kind, and high-spirited, the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They are affectionate with family plus learn new skills quickly. This makes them the ultimate family dog.
They make excellent companion dogs as well as helper dogs since they can be trained to do almost any task their owner commands.
7. Shetland Sheepdog
The Sheltie, also known as the Shetland Sheepdog, is often confused for their bigger cousin, the Collie. Sheltie’s are obedient, quick, and intelligent. They originated in the Shetland Islands are excellent worker dogs as well as companions.
They have tons of energy and do well living in an environment that allows them to run around outdoors.
8. Rottweiler
Strong and gentle, the Rottweiler shows the power and intelligence of their ancestor the Mastiff. Rottie’s are excellent family pets since they have a natural instinct to protect their family as well as enjoy being a gentle playmate to children.
This dog breed is intelligent and easy to house train as well as teach certain work tasks on farms and ranches.
9. Papillon
Alert, friendly, and peppy, the Papillon dog breed is curious and intelligent. Their adorable faces and small size make them an excellent and easy to train family pet and companion. It’s difficult to feel sad around these happy and energetic dogs.
Their curiosity takes them on new adventures and brings their human family along for the fun.
10. Bloodhound
Friendly, adorable, and inquisitive, the Bloodhound is known for their long ears and soulful facial expression. They are highly intelligent and known for their keen ability to find hiding or lost people.
Their sense of smell is considered the best of canines and their stubbornness to never stop until they find the source makes the Bloodhound an excellent worker as well as a family pet.
11. Australian Cattle Dog
A relative to Australia’s famous wild dog, the Dingo, this breed is intelligent and hardworking. Australian Cattle dogs are easy to train and enjoy working for their owners. They are even known for their ability to outsmart their owners when it comes to herding cattle.
They are loyal to their owners and often become mischievous when bored.
12. Bernese Mountain Dog
Good-natured and powerful, the Bernese Mountain dog is built for hard work. This affectionate and sweet dog breed is intelligent and easy to train. They are working hard side-by-side with their owner and are excellent family and companion dogs.
Their playful nature brings joy to their owner’s life due to their ability to have fun while working.
13. Australian Shepherd
Tough and lean, this ranch dog is loved all over the world. They are hardworking and easy to train. They are known to be an excellent assistant to ranchers and farmers. Some Australian Shepherds are famous for working in the rodeo circuit.
They are highly intelligent, hardworking, and are an excellent companion and family dog.
14. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Sweet and affectionate, the Welsh Corgi is an excellent companion and family dog. They are athletic and strong which they use to their advantage as a herder dog. They are intelligent, easy to train, and hardworking. Their short legs are powerful which keeps them working hard throughout the day.
15. Alaskan Husky
Affectionate, friendly, and energetic, the Alaskan Husky loves to please their owner by performing tasks. This dog breed is popular in cold climates and often work as sled dogs. They are intelligent and easy to obedience and agility train. They are great family dogs and enjoy having a job to complete.
16. Yorkshire Terrier
Small and feisty, Yorkshire Terriers have a long beautiful coat that is known for being hypoallergenic. This dog breed is highly intelligent and has natural skills that allow them to work as ratters. These days it’s rare to find this tiny dog breed working as a rather.
Yorkshire Terriers are best known as affectionate and energetic lap dogs.
17. Portuguese Water Dog
Athletic and eager, the Portuguese Water dog is an excellent fisherman’s helper. They are bright, intelligent, and always looking for ways to please their owner. Their soft thick curls and medium-sized body make them cute and cuddly house pets.
They easily listen to commands from their owners and are easy to train.
18. Beagle
Loyal, funny, and cute, the Beagle is highly intelligent and easy to train. They make excellent family dogs and companions. They are known to be hardworking and enjoy working as a hunting dog.
They are naturally suited to hunt in packs which makes them highly social dogs. They are energetic and enjoy walking and playing outdoors.
19. Siberian Husky
Dignified and friendly, the Siberian Husky is capable of working and living in cold climates. They are known for working in packs as they pull light loads across frozen areas. Similar to their cousin the Alaskan Husky, they are also good at pulling dog sleds.
Siberian Huskies are sweet, affectionate, and always ready to work hard.
20. Chihuahua
Pint-sized and energetic, Chihuahua’s are best known for their large personalities. Their ancestry can be traced back to ancient kingdoms in the Americas. They are highly intelligent and easy to train. This cute toy size dog breed is an excellent companion and family dog.
They easily listen to commands and are excellent at agility courses.
Bottom Line
This list reveals the top 20 smartest dog breeds. There are a variety of breeds ranging from small to large with different characteristics and abilities. Many of the breeds enjoy working hard and pleasing their owners.
Their willingness to herd and hunt as well as use their senses to hunt for items and people keep them motivated. All dogs have a level of intelligence but these specific breeds often have a heightened level that helps them stand out above the rest.
Perhaps it’s because they are driven to work hard and possess natural instincts such as the ability to locate people and items. Many of these dog breeds work as therapy dogs because of their sweet disposition.
Golden Retrievers can often be seen working in hospitals, nursing homes, children’s hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and other industries where they can connect and comfort people. These extraordinary dog breeds work hard and also make excellent family or companion dogs!
$$$$
