Smartest dog breeds, ranked for Intelligence
Dogs have been the steadfast associates of humanity since the Stone Age, and it is not solely due to their adorable appearance. Throughout the millennia, humans have intentionally bred dogs to be the perfect canine companions, and they are intelligent in a manner that is ideal for humans. They have been navigators and field guides, wartime comrades, detectives, garbage collectors, movie stars, and security consultants.
Coren defines canine intelligence by the manner in which dogs interact with humans, stating that there are three distinct categories of dog intelligence:
- Instinctive: The behavior that humans have bred the dog to perform
- Adaptive: The extent to which the dog acquires knowledge from its surroundings in order to resolve issues.
- Obedience and labor: The extent to which the dog is prepared to exert itself in order to fulfill its obligations and satisfy its owners
Coren elucidates that the dog’s desire and capacity to communicate effectively with humans—both by comprehending its human’s signals, actions, and commands, and by expressing itself through barks, body movements, and actions—serve as the foundation of all three.
1. Border collie
The border collie is the most intelligent dog breed currently known to humans, as per The Intelligence of Dogs, which assesses 131 dog breeds based on their relative intelligence. Do you require evidence? Chaser, a border collie from South Carolina who possessed linguistic abilities, was capable of identifying more than 1,000 words.
However, it is not solely a matter of being “book smart.” The border collie, a descendant of European herding canines that resided along the rocky borders of England, Scotland, and Wales, was developed to be both athletic and cunning enough to endure the perilous terrain. It is also endowed with a robust work ethic. The AKC, which acknowledged the border collie in 1995, characterizes it as a “remarkably bright workaholic” in addition to being “smart, affectionate, and energetic.”
Border collie proprietors should anticipate that their dogs will require substantial mental and physical stimulation, as per the AKC. It is not unreasonable to assume that a significant number of the breed are quite adept at obtaining what they desire from their proprietors, given their intelligence and ability to communicate effectively with humans. This is the reason we are announcing that the border collie is the most intelligent creature in the world.
2. Poodle
The poodle, a German breed that was originally developed as a water retriever, is frequently referred to as a French poodle. It is frequently perceived as requiring a significant amount of maintenance, as curly hair is not capable of self-style. However, do not be deceived into believing that this renders them any less intelligent. The emotional and cognitive intelligence of the breed is highly regarded. Coren actually places the poodle as the second most intelligent dog breed, following the border collie.
Certainly, the dogs can appear somewhat opulent; however, they have also been utilized during wartime to transport supplies to personnel on the battlefield. Quick-learning poodles were the obvious option due to the job’s requirement for obedience, steadfast focus, and clear-headed decision-making. According to Wendy Hauser, DVM, poodles are easily trainable and thrive in activities that provide them with a challenge, such as obedience work, agility sports, tracking, and hunting.
Additionally, the breed is known for its jovial demeanor and propensity to display cuteness and perform feats. No, it is not necessary for humans to have additional reasons to adore them. Poodles are incredibly adorable and a lot of joy, regardless of their size, from teacup to standard.
3. German shepherd
According to Coren’s classification, the German shepherd is the second most intelligent herding dog and the third most intelligent dog overall. The AKC states that the breed was selected for its exceptional intelligence, which enables it to learn a new command on the first attempt, as well as its high level of focus, desire and ability to be obedient, which facilitates training. Additionally, the breed is known for its protective instincts toward its fellow “pack” members.
One of the breed’s assets is its capacity to assess complex situations and determine the most effective course of action. This is one of the reasons why German shepherds are frequently observed in law enforcement, search-and-rescue teams, and as service canines for individuals with disabilities.
4. Golden retriever
Brainpower is not the sole determinant of canine intelligence. Golden retrievers are ranked fourth due to their willingness to comply with commands or duties assigned to them by their owners. These dogs can be counted on to behave consistently in a variety of situations due to their inclination to please their humans. Originally bred in Scotland as hunting companions and game retrievers, they are frequently utilized in search-and-rescue operations due to their powerful stride and relative agility.
The golden retriever is a diligent laborer who is also cherished worldwide as a dependable, obedient companion. The golden retriever is the preferred pet for individuals with disabilities due to its aptitude for learning commands (as many as 200, with the majority being acquired on the first attempt) and its sunny disposition.
5. Doberman pinscher
The AKC has described the Doberman pinscher as fearless, loyal, and vigilant. It was bred by a German tax collector who had a bit of extra time on his hands during the off-season and an abundance of motivation to breed the perfect canine bodyguard. The Doberman pinscher is highly intelligent and readily trainable. (Because, let’s face it: When the tax collector arrives, people can become quite irritated.)
“These robustly athletic, tough but elegant-looking creatures make ideal guard dogs,” according to Coren, “known for their fearless nature, speed, and deep stamina.” However, despite its intimidating appearance, this dog breed is actually renowned for its compassionate nature. Additionally, they are among the canines that respond exceptionally well to training.
6. Shetland sheepdog
The diminutive Shetland sheepdog is capable of performing all the tasks of a larger herding dog, but it consumes significantly less food. This is precisely the reason they were developed as the “collie’s little cousin.” They were employed by farmers on the Shetland Islands in the United Kingdom to perform herding duties, not exclusively for sheep. The sheltie, as it is affectionately referred to by some, was also employed to herd poultry and horses.
Shelties are adept at acquiring new commands with minimal effort, as they are eager to please and motivated to persist until they achieve the desired result. They are ranked sixth on Coren’s list of the brightest dog breeds due to their relative intelligence, obedience, and agility.
Shetland sheepdogs are adored for their canine intelligence as much as their personalities, and they are also one of the most suitable dog varieties for families with children, similar to golden retrievers. However, despite their diminutive size, these fluffballs are also exceptional guard dogs due to their capacity to detect peril. Right there, that is instinctive intelligence.
7. Labrador retriever
The Labrador retriever, a descendant of the St. John Dog (which is no longer in existence) and a relative of Newfoundland, was developed by 16th-century settlers of the Canadian island of Newfoundland. The “Labrador dog” was an appellation that was given to the breed in the 19th century by English nobles who returned from a visit to Canada.
The Labrador retriever’s breed characteristics, such as its water-repellent coat, were further refined upon its arrival on English soil to ensure that it would be proficient in retrieving waterfowl during hunting expeditions. Coren identifies it as the seventh most intellectual dog breed, emphasizing its exceptional sense of smell and capacity to make informed decisions based on it.
The Labrador retriever is renowned for its ability to self-train, as it is highly motivated to learn from humans through observation and imitation, rather than through formal instruction. This adorable puppy has maintained the title of the most popular breed in the United States for the longest duration of any breed for all of the aforementioned reasons. Labradors are also favored by individuals with disabilities and are considered one of the most effective emotional support canines.
8. Papillon
The papillon is the tiniest of the smartest dog breeds in Coren’s ranking. According to Caitie Steffen, a pet expert with animal activity tracker company Whistle, and Angela Hughes, DVM, PhD, a veterinarian geneticist with dog DNA test kit Wisdom Panel, the breed, which is one of a number of adorably big-eared pups, can trace its roots back almost 700 years. This fact plays a significant role in the breed’s intelligence. The papillon, one of the oldest dog breeds, has had the opportunity to develop into one of the world’s most intelligent canines over an extended period of time. Its breeders have utilized this time effectively.
The papillon, whose name is derived from the French term for “butterfly” and is a reference to its winglike ears, was originally designed as a companion for members of the nobility. Their lineage is derived from European spaniels, but they were bred with miniature dogs to achieve miniaturization, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). These small creatures are a natural pair of companions due to their high aptitude for learning and obeying commands, as well as their eagerness to please and cheerful, outgoing demeanor.
9. Rottweiler
During the Roman Empire, the Rottweiler was employed to herd livestock. “Today, Rotties are regarded as one of the most intelligent dogs due to their acute awareness, unwavering loyalty, and sharp perception. This is why they are frequently employed as police dogs, guard dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs,” explains holistic pet therapist and author Sally Morgan. The Rottweiler is one of the largest dogs in terms of size and intelligence, as Coren positions it ninth among intelligent dog breeds.
According to both Coren and the AKC, the Rottweiler is also recognized for its exceptional loyalty and affection. Additionally, it is robust, rugged, and powerful. They are not only exceptional police dogs, but they also make excellent obedience competitors, service dogs, therapy dogs, and everyday companions. Despite Coren’s conviction that Rottweilers have developed a reputation for being apprehensive, he emphasizes that the reality is quite the opposite. “They do not hesitate to defend their family and masters,” he asserts.
10. Australian cattle dog
Coren asserts that these diminutive yet formidable canines were naturally bred in Australia to herd cattle, and they are frequently attributed with having played a significant role in the growth of the country’s beef industry. The Australian cattle dog is highly motivated to perform its duties, which can present a challenge for individuals who reside in urban areas or lack the resources to keep their little herder actively engaged.
In other words, if you do not provide these dogs with a constructive activity, they will likely find another method to occupy their time, which you may not appreciate. Coren notes that this Australian dog breed is “so intelligent and organized” that the canines “return their possessions after using them.” A wonderful partner for human pastimes such as catch, the Australian cattle dog is highly eager to learn.