Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds These Dogs are Super Smart and Super Intelligent
Aug 10, 2009 Amie Cunningham
How smart is your dog? Man's best friend is often as intelligent as man himself. Find out which dogs made the list of the top 10 smartest dog breeds. Dogs are known as man's best friend. However, man's best friend isn't always the brightest one in the bunch. Just like people, some dogs are more intelligent than others despite the amount of formal training they receive. But who are the brightest dogs in the bunch? Find out below with the list of top 10 smartest dog breeds and see if your dog makes the cut! Number 10: Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle dogs are known for their intelligence when it comes to herding cattle. They have to be smart to be trained to do work around the farm. They are often trained to bite the cattle (gently of course) to get them moving and keep them moving in a certain direction. They love to work hard and feel useful as they have been used as cattle herders since the 19th century. Number 9: Rottweiler
Rottweilers have often received a bad reputation for being vicious dogs but that's only if the owners train them to behave so. But the fact is they can be loving, caring pets when trained appropriately. On the other hand, because of their large size and intelligence they are trained as police dogs and can take people down with their strong jaws. They can definitely be trained to protect a family as well. In the past they've been used to carry wood and other heavy items to the marketplace. Number 8: Papillon
The Papillon is not just an adorably cute dog. It's also extremely intelligent as well. Beauty and brains! In the past the Papillon has been referred to as a symbol of elegance. During the Renaissance they were one of the favorite breeds of the royal courts. Growing to just over 11 pounds the Papillon is a great house dog. Smart, easy to train and with exceptional hearing these little dogs make great guard dogs.
Number 7: Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is not only one of the smartest dog breeds, but it is also one of the most popular dog breeds. The breed comes from Newfoundland and they were trained to hunt waterfowl. Since then Labrador Retrievers have been trained for many jobs because of their intelligence and kind nature. As police dogs they work as bomb sniffers or drug sniffers. They have been trained as rescue dogs as well as guide dogs for the disabled and blind. Labrador Retrievers are loving, hard-working dogs that can be trained to do almost any job. Number 6: Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as Shelties, may not be the most popular breed of dogs but there is no doubting it's intelligence. Some Shetland Sheepdog owners claim that they are too smart for their own good. Shelties originated in Scotland as sheep herders. They can also be used to keep animals out of the yard and garden. Shelties are very energetic dogs meaning they need a lot of exercise. With a stellar sense of hearing they also make good guard dogs and will let the owner know when anyone approaches. With their two-layered, multicolored coat they are also very beautiful dogs. Number 5: Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers have also gotten a bad reputation for being very scary, mean dogs. In reality these dogs are loving and very loyal, but can be tough when they need to be. They've been trained as guard dogs, police dogs and the like. Since they can be gentle as well, they have been used to visit sick patients in hospitals. Because they do have the ability to be ferocious dogs bet that they will protect the family if needed. Number 4: Golden Retriever
Perfect family dogs, Golden Retrievers are very popular pets. They are man's best friend and man's best companion especially when it comes to hunting. They love to retrieve game and waterfowl. They also make exceptional police dogs, rescue dogs and guide dogs. Golden Retrievers are very patient animals making them easy to train and great with children. Number 3: German Shepherd
Don't let his looks be deceiving as the German Shepherd can be one of the most loving and loyal dogs around. And because of their extreme intelligence and strength they are being trained as police dogs, rescue dogs and even military dogs. German Shepherds are very obedient and loyal which means they train well and are very protective animals. Number 2: Poodle
Don't let the poofy white coat be misleading. The Poodle is an extremely intelligent animal. Usually seen as show dogs, Poodles are bred as hunting dogs, guard dogs and rescue dogs. They are very loving, loyal dogs with big hears under all that curly hair. It doesn't matter whether it's a large poodle or a toy poodle, they are equally smart and equally caring. Number 1: Border Collie
The Border Collie is definitely the smartest of the bunch. This dog loves to work. With such high energy, the Border Collie likes to stay busy at all times which make them perfect for doing jobs around the yard! They have been bred as herding dogs and sporting dogs due to their extreme intelligence and athletic capabilities. They are very obedient and can pick up tasks and tricks quickly and easily. Their favorite sporting events include disc games and fly ball. Border Collies make great pets so long as they are kept active. That wraps up the top 10 smartest dog breeds. Some of the breeds on the list may have been more surprising than others. But no matter the intelligence, dogs are happy-go-lucky animals that make great additions to any loving family. Also read:
