Dogs are one of the most intelligent creatures of the animal kingdom, but some canines’ breeds are smarter than others. A smart and intelligent dog is one that can be easily trained without much human efforts and time, can understand humans quickly and can perform certain tasks rapidly. While all dogs can be trained, it’s always important to understand the pet’s inherent abilities genetics so that one can find methods not only to motivate it but also can easily bring out its natural intelligence.
This article enlightens about the smartest dog breeds that one can look out while zeroing down the pet they would like to adopt or bring home based on their personal choices.
1. Border Collie
This dog breed tops the list of the smartest pooches. Border Collies are the best herders. These canines are the most agile, balance, and durable dogs one can possibly see. To bring out its inherent abilities one needs to begin obedience training from an early stage. This pooch needs to be mentally stimulated to keep them happy and busy. Research by the top dog psychologist indicated that this smart pooch could grasp a new command in under five seconds and follow it at least 95% of the time.
2. Poodle
This national dog of France is the seventh most popular dog breed that is not only very smart but is also proud and active. The added benefit of this small pooch is that it is hypoallergenic. Their high intelligence aid in training them to track, hunt, retrieve, and obey without any hassles.
3. German shepherd
The German shepherds are the second most popular canine breed because of their courage, confidence, and smartness. They are great all-purpose workers and are seen to serve as police dogs, seeing eye dogs, medical assistance dogs, and therapy dogs. This medium-sized breed doesn’t show affection easily but once they start, they are fiercely loyal to the family and is great with kids of all age groups.
4. Golden retriever
A golden retriever is a medium-sized dog breed that is intelligent, friendly and is also a devoted sporting dog. Goldens are one of the canines that do their jobs from their heart and try to be the best at what task they are assigned that includes serving as a seeing-eye dog, helping in search-and-rescue, hunting, or simply being a loyal companion. They are known to be calm and hassle-free to train. What makes them as one of the smartest dogs is that they’re very contended to comply with commands or tasks their owners ask them to perform. The goldens are also seen to be very consistent with their behavior in a variety of situations hence can easily be trusted.
5. Doberman pinscher
The Doberman pinscher is a true sleek working dog, that is in demand for their intelligence, trainability, and protective personalities. This canine breed is so mentally active that they tend to get bored without enough intellectual stimulation. These fearless protectors are pet as well as kids friendly. If an individual is looking for a guard dog, a Doberman is a right choice.
6. Shetland sheepdog
The dog breed is basically a miniature working fluffball that is not only playful but is also an intelligent herding dog. These canine loves to learn new tricks and is very friendly with kids. Shetland sheepdogs are affectionate and loyal to their families. They are also great watchdogs because they are not friendly with strangers and tend to bark at people, they are not familiar with.
7. Labrador retriever
Labs like the Golden retrievers show good judgment and bravery, this trait makes them a wonderful service dog especially for people with disabilities. They are one among the smartest pooches because they are highly emotional, intelligent and trainable. This dog breed is one of the greatest pooches for any kind of home.
8. Papillon
The Papillon is the oldest pooch breed that is an alert, friendly, and happy fido with butterfly-like ears. These aren’t shy or aggressive but are fast and versatile little athletes that can be trained to perform all tricks.
9. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a loyal, loving, and confident guard working canine breed. Because of this trait, this dog breed is best suited to be as a service dog, police dog, herder, therapy dog, devoted companion, or obedience competitor.
10. Australian cattle dog
This smart-pant breed is alert, curious and pleasant. It is best as high-energy herders. The Australian cattle dog is eager to learn and responds well to reward-based training, hence they participate in a vast array of enjoyable activities that include agility, flyball, and Frisbee.
11. Bloodhound
This pooch breed is predominantly known for its long-wrinkled face and big droopy ear. But are also famous for being independent, inquisitive, and friendly. In terms of intelligence, bloodhounds have been recognized for their determination and scenting power whose history dates to the third century.
12. Pembroke Welsh corgi
This happy, small canine breed is adorable, affectionate, loyal and simply smart. This pooch was initially bred for herding hence even today it tends to “herd” its family members, particularly younger children. Even though the corgi has tiny legs, these pooches are quick to get around and are seen to stay on their feet for long periods.
13. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a quick learner that enjoys being challenged and often in agility and competitive obedience. Unlike other breeds in the terrier group, the Miniature Schnauzer is not only the smartest but also has a strong desire to please their pack leaders or family.
14. English Springer spaniel
The Springer is the dog breed that is not only beautiful but is also agile. With a smartly marked coat and long, lush ears this dog breed has pounds of energy, stamina, brains, and smooth “rear drive” movement that has earned it an exalted place in the realm of bird dogs.
15. Belgian Tervuren, sheepdog, and malinois
The Belgian Tervuren, Sheepdog, and malinois are descendants of the Belgian sheepdog. These dog breeds are great in sports that include agility, tracking, herding, and sledding. The Tervuren is loyal, smart and great at tricks. These canines are most recognizable for their roles as police and military dogs. Smart, loyal, and confident, these pooches are seen to possess an admirable work ethic.
16. Schipperke
The Schipperke is seen to descend from the Belgian Sheepdog. It is a curious, confident, and clever brave dog that makes an excellent watchdog, particularly in boats. These are predominantly bred to be ratters on canal barges.
17. German shorthaired pointer
Pointers are traditional sporting dogs that are not only self-confident but are highly self-controlled hence were extensively used in bird hunting as they could identify their prey and its location. These are loyal, smart dogs that usually prefer to live in very active households.
18. Keeshond
Keeshond is a thick coated medium-sized Dutch Barge dog that is used as a seeing-eye dog. this breed is an amazingly fast learner hence is seen to require a committed and disciplined trainer.
19. Bernese mountain dog
Bernese mountain dogs can be easily trained. But are dog breeds that do not prefer changes to their training techniques or harsh commands. These sensitive creatures are famous for their great strength and ability to herd cattle. Are extensively used as rescue dogs as well as cart-pullers in mountain regions as they possess a thick coat that can withstand freezing temperatures. This pooch is a great family dog as it is very friendly with all age group people.
20. Flat-coated retriever
The flat-coated retriever belongs to the family as the Labrador. This pooch breed is a confident, intelligent and highly energetic hunting dog. Like the Lab, the flat-coat is a smart fido that makes a wonderful therapy canine.
Final thoughts
Whether a dog belongs to one of the smartest breeds or not, an efficient every pack leader can teach and train their dog with patience, consistency, and the right energy regardless of the canines breed or age.
Sources
- https://www.readersdigest.ca/home-garden/pets/smartest-dog-breeds/
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/pets/g4748/top-smartest-dog-breeds/
- https://www.cesarsway.com/about-dogs/breeds/10-of-the-smartest-dog-breeds
- https://www.womansday.com/life/pet-care/g26337955/smart-dog-breeds/
