Which kind of dog is the smartest? (15 Smartest Dog Breeds)
If you’re looking for a new best friend, or if your current dog is getting on in years, it’s worth considering one of the 15 most intelligent breeds.
Each breed has its own unique personality traits and intelligence level that can help you decide what kind of pet would be the best fit for your family.
In this post, we explore 15 of the most intelligent dog breeds out there!
Which kind of dog is the smartest?
Dogs that are bred to do a specific job are often the smartest dogs. The most intelligent dog breeds include Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Poodles (especially Standard).
These breeds have been specifically selected for their intelligence over time because they were needed as working or herding animals.
There are more than just these 3. Let’s get onto our list.
15 Smartest Dog Breeds
#1 Border Collie
Border Collies were originally bred to herd sheep, but they have also been used as military and police dogs. They are known for their intelligence which is why it’s no surprise that the Border Collie made it to the top of our list.
When it comes to problem-solving, intelligence, and a strong work ethic, the Border Collie is king.
They’re bred for independence from human shepherds with mind-boggling cognition skills.
Chaser, the dog who knows 1,022 toys by name, has shown us an amazing example of what her breed is capable of when they put their minds into something.
Border Collies are working dogs who have a powerful drive and innate ability to know how things should go.
#2 German Shepherd
The German Shepherd has been the dog of choice for more than a century. It is an elegant animal that rates high in intelligence and can be trained to do many different tasks.
The modern-day German Shepherd was standardized by breeder Captain Max von Stephanitz, who wanted these beloved dogs to have “utility and intelligence.
They possess intelligence, athleticism, and loyalty. They are family-friendly pets and easy to train. They are frequently used as police dogs and as assistance dogs for those needing help navigating life’s challenges.
The German Shepherd is a highly intelligent breed of dog. They are one the most popular breeds in America. They have been for many years due to their intelligence and being very loyal companions that make great family pets.
#3 Poodle
The standard Poodle is one of the brightest dogs you’ll come across.
As a swimmer, retriever and hunter, this pup has it all going on!
These fluffy-haired pups are actually pretty adept at catching prey, thanks to their size and strength.
Don’t let that fool you: they also have loads of intelligence and are good at problem-solving!
With such a high degree of both smarts and muscle power in these little guys (and girls!), there’s nothing stopping them from doing anything they set their minds to.
This breed was originally bred specifically hunting waterfowl but now excels more than ever before because so intelligent.
Poodles can be trained for many different jobs. Many are trained as guide dogs and are used by people who suffer from disabilities.
#4 Golden Retriever
Originally hailing from the Scottish Highlands, this breed of dog was started in 1865 when a lone yellow pup with wavy black fur appeared among other retrievers.
Lord Tweedmouth bred her using his local water spaniel. She gave birth to an entire litter of white curly-coated puppies that became known as “Tweed Water Spaniels.”
These gorgeous, friendly dogs excel at various tasks such as retrieving games for hunters or agility competitions.
The Golden Retriever is a very intelligent breed of dog. They are one the most trainable breeds. They can be trained for many different jobs such as guide dogs, hunting retrievers, or agility competitions!
They are a favorite family pet because they’re highly trainable and have loving personalities.
#5 Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog is a breed of herding dog that is very smart. These dogs are known for their intelligence, and they can be trained to herd sheep, cattle, or even ducks!
They’re also great at obedience competitions because the Shetland Sheepdog has an excellent memory, making them easily trainable.
Positive reinforcement methods, such as clicker training (a method where you use your voice along with dog treats), work well on this breed.
They were used in World War II by British soldiers who needed help carrying heavy equipment over rough terrain like mountainsides.
When necessary, these guys know how to work hard- they were originally bred on remote islands off Scotland. After all
The shetlands make good family pets but need plenty of exercise if living inside since this breed is prone to obesity when kept indoors.
They’re also very good with children and other pets. The Shetland Sheepdog is a great family dog because they love being around people!
This breed has been used in the past as working dogs. Still, it is now mostly kept for companionship or show purposes only-they make excellent therapy animals.
#6 Barbet
The Barbet made it on our list because they’re intelligent and easy to train.
The Barbet is a hunting dog that has been used for centuries in France, Italy & Spain because they have such an exceptional intellect and an excellent sense of smell.
They’re good at tracking prey, even if it’s wounded or hiding from the hunter somewhere, on their property. They can sniff out intruders too.
The Barbet can hunt by themselves without any human help, making them great hunters in their own right.
#7 Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are among the most popular dogs in the world.
Labradors are often used as guide dogs for the blind, and they’re also popular service animals.
They have a great sense of smell which is why Lab’s make excellent hunting companions too!
Labs can be trained to retrieve game or find lost people in emergencies.
They’ve been known time after again by saving lives with their nose & intelligence when it comes down to who needs help most urgently first (the person who has gone missing).
This breed was bred specifically from Newfoundland Dogs back during 18th century England, so these pups were made tough enough not only to survive but thrive anywhere.
They were used during World War I and II when used to carry messages from one side of the battlefields or trenches, back & forth.
They are known as a “gentle giant.”
They make the perfect family pets!
Labrador Retrievers also excel at performing tricks-they’re often seen doing flips off diving boards into pools on TV commercials too.
This breed has become popular among people who want an animal companion but don’t need its assistance like guide dog owners do.
#8 Beagle
Originally bred in England to hunt rabbits by scenting them out with their long noses (and then chasing after), these little guys have been around since the 1650s.
King Charles II was given some small hounds from France that were said: “to bark at everything.” He named his new pets “Beagles” because he believed it sounded more dignified than what people called him behind closed doors – Charlie Boyles.
Beagles are highly intelligent. They have a keen intellect and are very good at solving problems.
They are also quite easy to train and eager learners, which is why they make such a great pet.
Beagles have been bred over the years with other dogs’ breeds so that their hunting skills might be improved upon.
The modern Beagles we have today are much different from the original. The breeding process over the centuries has resulted in a dog that is much smaller and more manageable.
The Beagle’s intelligence, size (they are the smallest of all hounds), hunting skills as well their easy to train nature make them one smart pup!
#9 Rottweiler
Rottweiler dogs are well-known for their intelligence, strength, and loyalty.
Rottweilers are a big breed with an even bigger heart.
They were one of the first breeds used as guide dogs, and they’re still used in search and rescue missions today.
Thorough training is necessary to make sure these puppies grow up into solid canine citizens. Still, despite their size, they can be quite silly!
They live on average about 12 to 14 years, with some living up to 18 years old!
Not only strong, but these tough-looking pooches have a calming nature that makes them a wonderful family companion.
Their intelligence allows them to learn neat tricks. For example, some have learned to open doors and turn on lights for their owners. This is especially helpful for people who have mobility issues.
Rottweilers are also very protective of their family, which is why these dogs make great guard dogs.
#10 Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are smart. They were originally bred to hunt and flush out birds, but now they are mostly kept as pets.
Cocker Spaniels have a high intelligence level, making them easy to train, especially for people who don’t know much about dogs!
They can be trained in basic commands like sit or stay with ease because of their quick learning ability.
Some are used as therapy dogs since they are so gentle and loving.
Cocker Spaniels are also very friendly with other dogs, which is why they make great family pets!
#11 Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman pinscher is an iconic breed. It was originally bred by a German tax collector to protect on his rounds. In WWII, they were trained as guard dogs for soldiers and would warn of enemies in the area with their barks.
However, these days, you’re more likely to find them lounging around at home being spoiled than guarding troops deep in enemy territory!
The Doberman pinscher is a very intelligent breed. They are easy to train and can learn commands with ease.
They also have an excellent memory, so you’ll never need more than one command! They’re not as good at remembering tricks, though, but that’s because their focus lies in obeying your orders instead of entertaining the family for entertainment.
#12 Papillon
The Papillon is a royal companion for the ages! The breed has been shown in portraiture and heraldry throughout history, so they are rarely surprised by anything.
Known as an intelligent toy dog (even more than other breeds), it’s easy to train them even if you’re new at this game.
When not training or running agility competitions, these dogs make great companions who will keep you entertained with their energetic antics all day long!
The Papillon name derives from Latin words meaning “butterfly” because of its graceful feathered ears that resemble wings; royalty has loved having one around since medieval times.
They’re athletic and affectionate and clever enough to be trained easily – which makes sense considering just how smart they are.
The Papillon is a small, elegant dog with an air of distinction and style about him that has made them popular in royal circles since medieval times!
This breed ranks as one the smartest dogs on earth.
#13 Havanese
The Havanese have been around for a long time. They were bred in Cuba and were originally used as a herding dog.
They are very intelligent, loyal dogs who love to be around people! They have an easy-going temperament that makes them great for families with children or other pets.
They get along well with everyone, even if there is tension between the kids/pets, because of their laid-back demeanor.
This breed ranks high on our list due to its intelligence level, making training easier than most breeds out there today.
The Havanese has been ranked #13 among the smartest dog breeds in the world.
#14 Miniature Schnauzer
These dog’s are as versatile and friendly as they come.
The miniature schnauzer loves to be in the country just about anywhere but can also live comfortably with you in an apartment!
They have a fast learning curve, so training them is easy peasy lemon squeezy (or should I say “easy-peasy lemony iced tea”?).
The miniature schnauzer is a smart dog breed that can be trained easily and loves to make friends.
They are also good at agility courses because of their excellent observation skills, which makes it hard for other competitors on poker night 😉
#15 Boxer
Boxers are loved by many, and for a good reason. This intelligent breed is a great family dog and is also very good with children.
They are easy to train because they love learning new things!
They have an excellent memory, too, which makes them one of the smartest breeds out there today (and that’s saying something).
Boxers can be trained in many different ways, such as agility courses or by using a clicker.
They are used as police dogs and rescue animals today because of their intelligence, strength (they can carry up to 150 pounds), agility skills in tight spaces like a building or cave) And bravery!
Boxers have been known for being one the most intelligent breeds out there, which is why they make great service pets.
They originated in Germany and were bred to be hunting dogs.
They are also very good with children, which is why they rank high on our list.
So, which kind of dog is the smartest?
The smartest dog breeds have been bred to do a specific job, whether it be hunting for their food or herding sheep.
These dogs tend to have high intelligence and problem-solving skills and the physical ability required to complete these tasks.
The dogs on our list were chosen because they have been bred to do a specific task and have been selected for intelligence.
What makes a dog smart?
Some breeds are smarter than others, but there are a few things that all smart dogs have in common.
First of these is the ability to learn quickly and easily; this means they can be trained more efficiently than other breeds who may require longer periods before learning.
The second ability that smart dogs possess is the ability to problem-solve
This means that they can work out the steps needed to complete a task and do so with minimal guidance from their owners or handlers.
Do dogs have an IQ?
A dog’s intelligence can be measured by many things, but there is no official IQ test that can be given to a dog.
Which kind of dog is the smartest?
Hopefully, by now, you understand which kind of dog the smartest. Do you have one of them?
If so, let us know what your experience has been as far as their intelligence. Like, how long did it take you to train them, and did you have any issues?e!
