Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds

Some breeds are known for their brains just as much as their looks or loyalty, and this list is all about figuring out which ones top the chart.

Smart can mean a lot of things when it comes to dogs. Some are quick learners and can master commands after just a few tries. Others are problem solvers who can figure things out on their own, for better or worse. There are even breeds that seem to know what you're thinking before you do, staring at you like they're one step away from speaking fluent English. Intelligence in dogs shows up in different ways, and this list celebrates all of it.

The Top Ten

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a breed of medium- to large-sized working dog that originated in Germany. The breed's officially recognized name in English is German Shepherd Dog. In Britain and Ireland, it is also known as the Alsatian, a name that was used more commonly during the 20th century.

I've had both German Shepherds and Border Collies, and the German Shepherd BY FAR was easier to train. Border Collies may actually be labeled as more intelligent than other dogs, but the Shepherd is so much more attentive during training than the Border Collie and aims to please 24/7. What good is the Collie's intelligence if they're too hyper to pay attention? German Shepherd all the way!

I've heard that the German Shepherd is the third smartest dog in the world. They can be trained to sniff out bombs, find missing people, and search for illegal drugs and animals that smugglers want to sell across the country. They are also great service dogs for disabled people. Even as amazing workers, they are great and loyal pets that will protect you and your family for life.
Border Collie

The Border Collie is a working and herding dog breed developed in the Anglo-Scottish border region for herding livestock, especially sheep. It is widely regarded as the most intelligent dog breed, with high energy and trainability. Border Collies excel in dog sports and obedience competitions.

Okay, this list should actually be factual. It's scientifically proven that Border Collies come in first, Poodles in second, and German Shepherds in third. Being easily trained doesn't make a dog smart. The smartest dogs need mental stimulation. If training isn't fun, they won't listen. Make it stimulating and enjoyable.

Border Collies are awesome and loving dogs. They are amazingly intelligent! Border Collies are much smarter than German Shepherds. It has been proven that Border Collies are the smartest dog breed in the world. They really should be number one!
Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a large-sized breed of dog originally bred as a gun dog to retrieve shot waterfowl such as ducks and upland game birds during hunting and shooting parties. They were named retriever because of their ability to retrieve shot game undamaged. Golden Retrievers are known for their... read more

Golden Retrievers are so nice, and they are the best! My neighbor had one that knew so many tricks. Every time he saw me, he would knock me down and start licking me! Awesome companion and great family dog!

They are extremely smart, especially in knowing your feelings. They help you feel better and seem to feel your emotions.

Goldens are very easy to train. My Golden, Donut, learned Stay when he was only one month old. My Golden also learned many tricks without much difficulty.
Poodle

The Poodle is a group of formal dog breeds including the Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle, and Toy Poodle. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes four sizes: Standard, Medium, Miniature, and Toy. Poodles are highly intelligent and are known for their hypoallergenic coats.

Poodles are very cute, smart, and playful. Poodles are all you need to have a great life.

Smartest breed there is. My standard Poodle could probably do calculus if he felt like it.

I have six Poodles. They are smarter than the neighbor's two kids.
Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever, also known simply as the Labrador, is a sporting dog bred for retrieving game in water. Labradors are known for their friendly temperament, intelligence, and strong swimming ability. The breed remains one of the most popular in the United Kingdom, the United States, and other... read more

I've had 5 Labs, and they have all been wonderful, loving pets. My current Lab is now 11 but still loves to take walks and be petted. She barks when a vehicle comes into the driveway but is very friendly once I've invited someone into the house.

My Lab is so smart that when we say "Walksies" or "Din-din time," she will either run over to the door or sit in front of the spot where we put her food bowl. Also, if we short her as much as a 1/4 cup, she will growl and stare at us as if to say, "Come on. I'm not that stupid."

I also really love Labradors. They are actually very smart. At lunchtime or dinner, mine brings its own food to me, and I give it to him. Very playful and very friendly to everyone in the apartment.
Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher, also known as the Dobermann or Doberman, is a medium-large breed of domestic dog originally developed around 1890 by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector in Germany. Known for their loyalty and intelligence, Dobermans are often used in police and military roles. They... read more

I think Dobies, like any species of animals, can vary quite a bit in intelligence. I had one named Judy who was phenomenal. I used her on the third shift of an Arco (in a BAD neighborhood) many years ago. She was always untethered and had the run of the office, garage bays, and a large outdoor area with 12 pumps and several flower gardens. She had access to all of that and could intermingle with customers. She knew the commands to go inside or outside of each of those areas from wherever I was and could very quickly think on the fly.
She actually saved me from at least severe beatings twice. Once, two punks came in, gave me a $5 bill, and then tried to claim they had only asked for a dollar's worth after they had gotten the gas. They both got out of the car, telling me how they were going to beat me. Judy was in the office, so I called her out. These guys were confident and told me, "That dog isn't gonna do anything." I then grabbed her collar and gave her the command to "launch." Neither one of them said a word and ran for their car.
Another time, a huge guy came in and started to give me a bad time (I can't remember what it was about). I had just arrived at work and had not let Judy out of my car yet. So, I walked around behind the gas station (with this behemoth following me). I opened my car door and took hold of her collar. His reaction was to say, "Oh, so what are you going to do, sic that dog on me?" To which I replied, "I'm just going to protect myself. You're a really big guy." He turned and left. I don't mean like a guy 6'3". I'm talking like 6'8" and 300-350 lbs. I'm 5'6". Thank God for my Judy. Smartest dog I've ever known. She could size up situations.
Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, is a breed of herding dog. Originally called the Shetland Collie, the name was changed due to opposition from Rough Collie breeders. The breed is known for its intelligence, agility, and long, dense double coat.

These dogs should be much higher up because they are sweet, kind, and so trainable!

Should be much higher up! They are one of the most trainable breeds I know!

Should be up with the Collies. They are so very loyal.
Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog breed that originated in northeastern Siberia. It was developed by the Chukchi people for sled pulling and endurance in cold climates. The breed is known for its thick coat, erect triangular ears, and striking blue or multicolored eyes.

Huskies are SUPER smart dogs, but they are very independent. They have to have a purpose or reason to come to you when called. They will RUN FOREVER if not kept on a leash (which is what they were bred for) and are excellent survivalists down to -75-degree weather.
They are very loving with children and visitors, so much so that they would leave with a burglar! NOT good watchdogs! They love to pull carts and sleds too. They are special dogs that need a special owner to understand them, as they are one of the oldest and purest breeds with a very wolf-like mentality and characteristics.

Huskies are smart, but they use their intelligence differently. Right from opening the fridge, unlocking doors, and stealing food to planning escape plans! Just because they're independent dogs doesn't make them stupid.
Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a breed of domestic dog, regarded as medium-to-large or large. The dogs were known in German as Rottweiler Metzgerhund, meaning Rottweil butchers' dogs, because one of their historical uses was to herd livestock and pull carts laden with butchered meat to market. Today, Rottweilers... read more

Rottweilers are underrated. Rottweilers are underestimated since they seem mean because of their size. They are actually smart and loving.

They are the smartest dogs I have seen and way smarter than the German Shepherd.

My Rottweiler can pick out the words eat, park, walk, and bath in everyday conversations.
Papillon

The Papillon, also called the Continental Toy Spaniel, is a breed of dog of the spaniel type. It is named for its butterfly-like ears and is known for its intelligence and agility. The breed is one of the oldest toy breeds in Europe, with a history dating back several centuries.

My Papillon, Misty (short for Mysteriosa, as we did not know what she was at first), was independent from the time she was born. We had to formula feed her as her mother did not have milk. She was raised with another pup, three weeks older who was bigger, and she became the boss right away.
She is twelve now, not so playful, and never lets me out of her sight. She is the oldest of five dogs, and they all are a loving family. She does not romp with the others anymore but prefers her own quiet, solitary walks. We live in a small ocean community, so we can walk freely. She never did like a leash.

They are actually number 8 on the smart list.

The Newcomers

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German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium to large-sized breed of dog developed in 19th-century Germany for hunting. It was bred to be versatile, capable of both pointing and retrieving game on land and in water. This breed is known for its intelligence, athleticism, and affectionate temperament.
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Belgian Tervuren

The Contenders

Catahoula Cur (Leopard Dog)

I have to disagree with where a Catahoula ranks on this list. I have extensive interaction with all the breeds listed here, and the Catahoula is by far the most intelligent. The only dog that I have ever seen that can "outhink" most people. They will keep you on your toes in training them.
The question here is not whether the Catahoula is the most intelligent breed, but rather, "Is the Catahoula more intelligent than most people?!"

Catahoula is beyond a doubt the smartest. The trick is to get them at 6 to 8 weeks old. They bond with their humans like no other breed. If you get them past 6 to 8 months old, the bond doesn't seem to be as strong. These dogs are fun and athletic, and they love to work and play hard. I've had 3 in my life, and all were fully trained to do all basic tricks and commands before they were 4 months old. Start training them young.
Australian Cattle Dog (Heeler)

The Australian Cattle Dog, or simply Cattle Dog, is a breed of herding dog originally developed in Australia for droving cattle over long distances across rough terrain. They're known for their intelligence, energy, and loyalty. The breed has a strong work ethic and is commonly used on ranches.

I adopted a Heeler-Border Collie mix from an animal shelter who is 2 years and 2 months old. I was very wary about the dog because I have 5 cats and 2 kids. We live on a ranch. Our closest neighbor has a sheep and a couple of donkeys. This is one of the smartest and sweetest dogs I have ever met!
We built a special huge kennel to put the dog in when we go to work on good weather days, and the dog doesn't even pee or poop in its kennel. The first day we brought the dog home, we unleashed it, and it stays in the territory of our house. It's great with our cats and kids. It sleeps right next to me on the floor by my bed. Awesome dog!
Beagle

The Beagle is a breed of small-sized hound, similar in appearance to the much larger foxhound. It is a scent hound developed primarily for hunting hare. Beagles are known for their strong sense of smell, vocal nature, and friendly temperament, making them popular as family pets.

My Beagle had a vocabulary of over 65 words, names, and commands. He knew his left from his right and black from red playing cards. He was a great hunter and retrieved game as well. He was one smart dog. He learned people's names with one introduction and then went to the person I requested. What a dog... RIP.
- Gerry

My aunt has a Beagle named TJ, and he is a very smart dog. He is always able to find his toys no matter where I hide them. Afterward, he gives me thank-you licks.

I don't know about other countries, but Australia uses them to sniff out drugs trying to be smuggled. They don't actually consume the drugs, though.
Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is a small terrier breed originally developed for fox hunting. It is predominantly white-bodied with smooth, rough, or broken coats. The breed is known for its high energy, intelligence, and strong hunting instinct.

My nine-month-old Jack is way too smart for his own good, but he is a very well-behaved, loving, and loyal dog.

Why is this only 15? I have a Jack Russell, and he is so cute and intelligent!
Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Welsh Corgi is a small herding dog that originated in Wales. There are two distinct breeds: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Both are known for their intelligence, short stature, and affectionate nature.
Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is a small Spitz‑type dog breed named after the Pomerania region in Central Europe. They are known for their abundant coat, foxlike face, and lively temperament... read more
Keeshond

The Keeshond is a medium-sized dog with a plush two-layer coat of silver and black fur, a ruff, and a curled tail. It's known for its friendly nature and expressive spectacles, which are markings and shading around the eyes. Originally bred as a watchdog on riverboats and barges in the Netherlands,... read more
Collie

I live on a horse ranch, and my dog Fluffy is a Collie. He is the sweetest thing! He licks and jumps on people and loves to play! This is a very good dog breed.
Pug

The Pug is a breed of dog with a wrinkly, short-muzzled face and curled tail. The breed has a fine, glossy coat that comes in a variety of colors, most often fawn or black, and a compact square body with well-developed muscles. However, Pugs have difficulty breathing due to their extreme head shape,... read more

Okay, I adore Pugs, but they are not the smartest. Smart, but not the smartest. Still voting, but I gave two votes to another dog.
Samoyed

The Samoyed is a breed of dog named after the Samoyedic peoples of Siberia. These dogs were originally bred to herd reindeer and pull sleds, making them highly adaptable to cold climates. Samoyeds are known for their thick, white, double-layer coats and their friendly, gentle nature.

I know, I do not own a Samoyed or really any dog, but I have learned a lot about them. They do behave a bit like a Husky. They can be a little independent and act like a genius a lot of the time. Not necessarily the smartest dog, but definitely smart.
Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are dogs belonging to two breeds of the spaniel type: the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. Each is commonly referred to simply as Cocker Spaniel in its country of origin. Known for their long, silky ears and affectionate temperament, Cocker Spaniels are popular... read more
Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is a large breed of domestic dog originally bred for hauling heavy freight due to its strength and endurance. It was later used as a sled dog. Malamutes are known for their thick double coats and wolf-like appearance.

These dogs are some of the smartest dogs there are. Before they were known as average pets, they were used as sled dogs. They are large "Gentle Giants."
Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is a large working dog breed known for its gentle temperament and swimming ability. They originate from the Canadian island of Newfoundland and date back to the 18th century.
These dogs have webbed feet and often serve in water rescue roles. They are also recognized for their... read more

We own a Newfoundland (Landseer). She is 135 lbs, sweet, smart, and amazingly elegant and courageous. A wonderful family dog for us.
I would highly recommend one for families in cooler climates with access to lakes, rivers, or oceans - they LOVE water. We live near the Upstate NY area.

I love Newfs. They look so dignified and smart, but when you live with them, you find out they are just big goofballs!
Australian Shepherd

Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd was actually developed in the United States. Primarily a herding dog, it is characterized by its intelligence, agility, and strong work ethic. The breed is easily recognized by its striking coat patterns and eye colors, which can include blue, brown, or heterochromia... read more
Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of two separate dog breeds known as Welsh Corgis that originated in Wales, the other being the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Cardigans are known for their long tails, rounded ears, and robust build. They are an ancient breed believed to have been in Wales for over a thousand years... read more