Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds

You need a SMART dog? Well here are the smartest breeds of dogs.
The Top Ten
1 Border Collie The Border Collie is a working and herding dog breed developed in the Anglo-Scottish border region for herding livestock, especially sheep.

I had to vote for border collies this dog breed is absolutely soo intelligent they can be trained to heard sheep that just sums up their intelligence they can also be great guard dogs. Vote collies!

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. And 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 dogs! Border Collies are heaps smarter than German Shepherds, not saying that Border Collies are the best, but it's been proven that Border Collies are the smartest dog breed in the world. They really should be number ONE!

2 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 is German Shepherd Dog in the English language. The breed is known as the Alsatian in Britain and Ireland.

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 Shepard 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.

Extremely smart and loyal dogs. Our uncle has one and she always has to be with him. when he goes inside, she stares at him through the glass door until he comes back. She has bonded with me a lot and one time, we went to a party and my brother brought his friend. while the GSD was looking through the door at her owner. my brothers friend tried to push me in the pool, and she lunged at him and she stared at him until he walked away.

3 Poodle The poodle is a group of formal dog breeds, the Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle and Toy Poodle. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes four sizes of one breed: standard, medium, miniature, and toy.

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

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

I have 6 poodles. They are smarter than the neighbours 2 kids.

4 Golden Retriever The Golden Retriever is a large-sized breed of dog bred as gun dogs to retrieve shot waterfowl such as ducks and upland game birds during hunting and shooting parties, and were named 'retriever' because of their ability to retrieve shot game undamaged.

Golden Retrievers are so nice and they are the BEST! My neighbor had one that knew SO many tricks, and 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, and my golden, Donut, learnt Stay when he was only 1 month. My golden also learnt many tricks without much difficulty.

5 Doberman Pinscher The Doberman Pinscher, or Dobermann, or Doberman, is a medium-large breed of domestic dog originally developed around 1890 by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector from Germany.

I think Dobies, like any species of animals, can vary quite a bit in intelligence. I had one, by the name of 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 at and could very quickly think on the fly.

She actually saved me from at least severe beatings twice - once when 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 a command to "launch". Neither one of them said a word and ran for their car.

The other time was when this huge guy came in and started to give me a bad time (can't remember what it was about) and 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 a hold of her collar. His reaction was to say, "oh, so what are you going to do, sic that dog on me. (<---just lost my question key). 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" 300 - 350 lbs. I'm 5' 6". Thank god for my Judy. Smartest dog I've ever known. She could size up situations.

6 Labrador Retriever The Labrador Retriever, also Labrador, is a sporting dog bred for aquatic game. The Labrador is one of the most popular breeds of dog in the United Kingdom and the United States.

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 ole Labradors, they are actually way too smart. At lunchtime or dinner, it brings its own food to me and I give it to it. Very playful and very friendly to everyone in the apartment.

7 Shetland Sheepdog The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, is a breed of herding dog. The original name of this breed was Shetland Collie, but this caused controversy among the Rough Collie breeders at the time, so the breed's name was formally changed to Shetland Sheepdog.

These dogs should be much higher up, because they are sweet and 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 and so very loyal.

8 Papillon

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 was very playful became the boss right away. She is twelve now, and 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 any more, but prefers her own quiet solitary walks. We live in a small ocean community so can walk freely. She never did like a leash.

They are actually number 8 on the smart list!

9 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 uses was to herd livestock and pull carts laden with butchered meat to market.

Rottweiler are underrated. Rottweiler are underestimated since they seem mean from their size. They are actually smart and loving.

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

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

10 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.

I adopted a Heeler, Bordercollie 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, minus the animals, well our closet 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 it's 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 of my bed. Awesome dog!

Hands down the most loyal loving and intelligent dog I have ever been around. I have my heeler and my girlfriend has hers. Don't have to worry about her when I'm gone. Her dog is an abnormally large heeler at 63 lbs and is as protective as I am. If you discipline them heavily in the first year, you will have no worry after that. I have friends that have an oversized litter box so they don't even need to take them out to pee. Both of our dogs learned to shake in 2 minutes.

The Contenders
11 Siberian Husky The Siberian Husky is a medium size, dense-coat working dog breed that originated in north-eastern Siberia.

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 watch dogs! Love to pull carts and sleds too. They are special dogs that need a special owner to understand them as well, as they are one of the oldest and purest breeds that have that very wolf-like mentality and characteristic.

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

Well I have a husky he's Is AMAZING on everything he can play so many sports too I think its just the way you see it now not every dog is perfect!

12 Beagle The Beagle is a breed of small-sized hound, similar in appearance to the much larger foxhound. The Beagle is a scent hound, developed primarily for hunting hare.

My Beagle had a vocabulary of over 65 words, names & commands. Knew his left from his right. Knew black from red playing cards. Was a great hunter and retrieved game as well. He was one smart dog. He learned people's names with one introduction... 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. And after, 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

13 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 colours, 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.

Okay, I ADORE PUGS, but they are not the smartest. Smart, but not the smartest. Still voting, but I gave 2 votes to another dog.

14 Shih Tzu A shih tzu also known as the Chrysanthemum Dog, is a toy dog breed, weighing 10 - 12 pounds when full grown, with long silky hair.

My shih tzu is 2 yrs old. He barks at strangers
My mom's German shepherd. Does not
Barks at all My shih tzu. Does not get into food
Or makes A. Mess in house shepherds do
So. German shepherds are stupid I rate them. # 29
Shih tzus. # one. Also German shepherds. Eat other dogs' food. Besides. His. They. Eat trash. Poop
On. Floor. Nasty. Dogs. Don't. Buy.A. Shepherd
You'll. Regret. It.

Quick learners, the Shih Tzu can be whatever you want it to be. A real couch potato, or just as much love and energy for the outdoors as a big great dane!

My 10 week Shih Tzu could understand my sit command the first day he got home.

15 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, they love to work & play hard. I've had 3 in my life & all were fully trained to do all basic tricks & commands before they were 4 months old. Start training them young.

Catahoula is also known as the American Indian dog. It's the first dog of the Americas and dates back to the 1500's. They're very smart and very protective of their people. They use them to herd cattle and to hunt bear, wild hogs, and mountain lions.

16 Pomeranian The Pomeranian is a breed of dog of the Spitz type, named for the Pomerania region in Central Europe. Pomeranian Dogs tend to get sick very often, however.
17 Jack Russell Terrier The Jack Russell Terrier is a small terrier that has its origins in fox hunting. It is principally white-bodied and smooth, rough or broken-coated.

My 9 month old Jack is way to smart for his own good, but a very well behave dog, loving and loyal dog.

Why is this only 15! I have a Jack Russell he is so cute and intelligent!

18 Pembroke Welsh Corgi
19 Keeshond The Keeshond is a medium-sized dog with a plush two-layer coat of silver and black fur with a ruff and a curled tail.
20 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 loves to play! This is a very good dog breed.

21 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 and agility. The breed is easily recognizable by its striking coat patterns and eye colors, which can include blue, brown, or even one of each.

I'm not sure if they're smart, but I like them anyway.

22 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.
23 Samoyed

I know, I do not own a Samoyed or really any dog, but I learned so far a lot.

They do behave a bit like a Husky, they can be a little independent and be like a genius a lot of times, not necessarily the SMARTEST dog, but is smart.

24 Cocker Spaniel Cocker Spaniels are dogs belonging to two breeds of the spaniel dog type: the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel, both of which are commonly called simply Cocker Spaniel in their countries of origin.
25 Schnauzer

Schnauzers aren't also smart but they are also so cute. Don't bet from the picture above, search them, because their moustaches are so cute, in my opinion, don't mess with me.

Schnauzer is definitely a reliable dog. to be honest, it would definitely not be the most, but it is still very reliable. I'm just feel like saying to my friend, BOOHYAH! Shnauzers are more reliable than CAVOODLES! BOOM, IN your FACE!

When it comes to trainability look no further. The schnauzer from German origins is an absoulute delight to train and willing to please its owner.

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