Dogs are naturally intelligent creatures, but not all express their intelligence in the same way. For example, some breeds can learn to do tasks quickly due to their innate instincts and abilities, while others are motivated by their strong desire to please.
Although making the dog intelligence ranking can be controversial and complex, experts in canine psychology have already given their verdict on the matter.
What are the most intelligent races that exist? What are the top 100 smartest dog breeds? Which of them is better for you? Keep reading below for the List of the Most Cunning, Trainable, and Obedient Dogs, explained by SweetDoggo.
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When is a dog considered very intelligent?
Determining how intelligent a dog is is often a tricky subject, as canine intelligence can be subjective and come in many different forms.
In general, experts establish the level of intelligence of dogs based on the concept of “working intelligence”. This is defined as the breed’s ability and quickness to follow commands, obey, learn tricks, adapt intuitively, and express its innate talent.
It should be noted that a dog’s intelligence and ability to work and learn also depend on its personality. It’s not always about how quickly he can learn something, but about his willingness to please and his desire to work.
Top 10 smartest dogs in the world
Thanks to their ability to focus, strong work ethic, and interest in connecting with humans, working and herding dogs are considered the most intelligent in the canine world.
According to the consensus among researchers and experts, these are the top 10 smartest dogs that stand out the most for their intelligence:
- Border collie
- Poodle or poodle
- German shepherd
- Golden retriever
- Doberman pinscher
- Shetland Sheepdog or Sheltie
- Labrador retriever
- Papillon
- Rottweiler
- Australian cattle dog
Typically, they are dogs capable of learning commands in less than 5 repetitions, executing them 95% or more of the time.
Although some of them today are only bred as companion dogs, it does not mean that they do not have an origin as working dogs.
Let’s briefly see why they are so smart and what characterizes them …
1. Border collie (UK)
The beloved and popular border collie has been listed as the smartest dog in existence. This workaholic sheepherder stands out for his great cunning, skill, learning ability, obedience, and level of adaptability.
The border collie is an energetic and alert companion. His desire to please makes him a very easy breed to train. He can learn different tricks with extraordinary speed. In addition, he exhibits a kind and sensitive personality. Nothing makes him happier than working and receiving praise from his master.
It may interest you: What are the Types of Border Collies? Characteristics and Differences
2. Poodle (Germany)
Beyond being a beautiful, furry, and hypoallergenic dog, the poodle stands out for its naturally sensitive and instinctive behavior. It is a dog of exceptional intelligence, alert attitude, and great willingness to perform tasks.
Although today we see it as a fine and distinguished pet or a star in the show rings, we must not forget that this breed arose as a bird hunter.
In general, poodles are extremely intelligent, adaptable, and easy to train dogs.
3. German Shepherd (Germany)
An important factor in determining a dog’s level of intelligence is whether the breed can be used as a service animal. In that sense, there is no better example than the German shepherd. He is the quintessential police, military, and guard dog. Likewise, he stands out as a therapy and medical assistance dog.
German Shepherds are known for their obedience and ability to learn new commands and complete multiple tasks.
See: German Shepherd Types – Complete Guide [Lines, Colors] + Photos
4. Golden Retriever (UK)
Originally bred for hunting and retrieving prey, the golden retriever is one of the most intelligent and friendly of all. Not only is he admired for his beauty, but also for his confidence, adaptability, cunning, and endless desire to please.
He learns quickly and is very easy to train, which is why he is good as a guide, therapist, and service dog, especially in search and rescue operations. It is known that he can learn tricks and remember them for the rest of his life.
Note. Experts often recommend obedience classes in this breed to create good manners.
5. Doberman pinscher (Germany)
When it comes to extremely intelligent, brave, and resistant large dogs, the Doberman cannot be left out. The race’s innate instincts and abilities, coupled with his physical prowess, make him an excellent guardian.
Throughout history, Dobermans have successfully served as war dogs, police dogs, rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. They are known for their alert, reckless disposition, and great learning ability.
More in: How Many Types of Doberman Are There? Images + Colors of the Breed
6. Shepherd of the Shetland Islands or Sheltie (United Kingdom)
Many describe the Shetland Sheepdog as a miniature collie, very similar to the long-haired collie. Despite not being a collie type, the sheltie shares the traits of intelligence and working skills. In fact, the breed also excels as a herding dog.
This smart little dog is sensitive, affectionate, and insightful. Demonstrates willingness and great ability to learn. Not for nothing does it usually win prizes in agility, herding, and obedience tests.
7. Labrador Retriever (Canada)
Considered one of the most popular, the Labrador Retriever is another of the most intelligent dogs in the world. It is a breed that shines both as a hunting dog, as a service dog, and as a family pet.
Labradors are affectionate, cheerful, and gentle. They are always eager to please, which is why they are easy to train. They are good at listening to commands and obeying their owners. It doesn’t take a lot of repetition to teach them a new trick.
8. Papillon (France)
The next place in the ranking of the most intelligent breeds belongs to the beautiful papillon. Named for its unusual feathery butterfly ears, this little pup can surprise more than one when it comes to intelligence, obedience, agility, and adaptability.
It is a breed that needs enough mental stimulation. Although he shows a great willingness to learn, it is noted that the papillon thrives best when he receives gentle and positive training.
9. Rottweiler (Germany)
Some people get carried away by the image of the fierce, robust dog, and do not see the intelligent dog that is behind. Since its inception, the rottweiler has shown its ability to adapt and excel in different scenes. This includes jobs such as herding dogs, transport, protection, and surveillance.
Rottweilers are eager to learn, but given their dominant nature, it’s important that they receive consistent, firm, yet calm training. Obedience training is an essential requirement for this breed.
Recommended:
- Is my Rottweiler German or American? Rottweiler Types + Photos
- Rottweiler Temperament – The Right Personality For You?
10. Australian Cattle Dog (Australia)
Like all other herding dogs, the Australian Cattle Dog is an intelligent, energetic, and obedient dog. He feels happier when he has a job. He is always willing and shows a natural ability to learn a variety of tricks. He is usually very good at catch-based sports.
It is noted that this breed has unlimited physical/mental energy, so an owner should ensure that they are provided with sufficient exercise and training.
Smarter little dogs
Looking for a dog that is small and very intelligent? Here are some of the best small breeds to consider:
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Papillon
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Miniature schnauzer
- Keeshond
- Pomeranian
- Yorkshire terrier
- Border terrier
- Australian terrier
- Affenpinscher
- Miniature pinscher
- Australian silky terrier
Smarter medium dogs
As you might expect, the large family of medium breeds includes many of the world’s brightest dogs. The most intelligent , obedient and easy to train medium dogs are:
- Border collie
- Standard poodle
- Golden retriever
- Australian cattle dog
- Springer spaniel
- Cocker spaniel
- German shorthaired pointer
- Standard schnauzer
- Brittany
- Vizslas
- Puli
- Portuguese water dog
- Airedale terrier
- Samoyed
- American staffordshire terrier
Smarter big dogs
The following breeds stand out in the canine world not only because of their size, but also because of their level of intelligence. Among the largest and most intelligent dogs are:
- German shepherd
- Doberman
- Labrador
- Rottweiler
- Collie
- Weimaraner
- Belgian shepherds
- Bouvier des Flanders
- Giant schnauzer
- Briard
- Newfoundland
These small, medium and large intelligent dog breeds can understand new commands in a range of 5 to 25 repetitions, as well as obey commands instantly 70 to 85% of the time.
It may interest you: The 30 Types of Shepherd Dogs – Guide to Herding Breeds + Photos
Quick Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
What are the least intelligent dogs?
To say that a breed of dog is not intelligent is often a bit superficial. Experts say that all dogs can learn and respond to consistent and positive training.
However, there are dogs that show less intelligence of work and obedience. Typically, they need between 100 and 500 repetitions to understand a new command, and they obey the first command only 20% of the time.
With this in mind, the least intelligent dogs are said to be:
- Shih Tzu
- Basset hound
- English mastiff
- Beagle
- Pekingese
- Hound of Saint Hubert
- Borzoi
- Chow chow
- Bulldog
- Basenji
- Afghan hound (least obedient dog)
Are dogs more intelligent than cats?
After a study carried out on different carnivorous animals, a group of researchers found that dogs not only have the largest brain, but also twice as many neurons as cats . This suggests that dogs have the potential to behave in more complex and flexible ways than cats.
Since the brain relies on neurons to process information, the more neurons an animal has in its cerebral cortex, the more information it can process and the greater its mental abilities.
Still, the researchers cautioned that the results were based on the number of neurons alone, and that while dogs appear to have greater potential than cats , there is no evidence that they use the full capabilities of their brains.
Are smart dogs better pets?
Just because a dog is highly intelligent doesn’t mean it’s easy as a pet. Having a smart dog at home is similar to having a very smart child; He is likely to always be up to something and get into trouble if he gets bored. His level of intelligence and adaptability will allow him to find creative ways to get his way.
Smarter dogs make better pets for people who can meet their requirements for exercise, training, and mental stimulation.
What are the smartest dogs recommended for children?
Several of the world’s smartest dogs often come highly recommended for homes with children . Among them stand out the Labrador and Golden retriever, the German shepherd, the Poodle, the Collie, the Border collie, the Papillon, the Australian cattle dog, and the Corgi.
What are the most intelligent dogs and good guards?
Some of the best guard dogs that also stand out for their great intelligence are:
- German shepherd
- Rottweiler
- Doberman
- Border collie
- Belgian shepherd malinois
What are the most intelligent and affectionate dogs?
Looking for a dog that is very intelligent and affectionate? These are some of the most intelligent and affectionate breeds , ideal for the family environment:
- Labrador retriever
- Golden retriever
- Poodle
- Corgis
- Border collie
- Papillon
- Schnauzer
- Springer spaniel
- American cocker spaniel
What are the most intelligent and faithful dogs?
The following dogs are highly intelligent and loyal to their owners:
- German shepherd
- Golden retriever
- Labrador retriever
- Rottweiler
- Poodle
- Doberman
- Border collie
- Schnauzer
- Corgis
- Pomeranian
- Yorkshire terrier
