How Smart Is Your Dog? – The Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds

Dogs are amazing. They are our companions, life-savors, and can sniff out anything from CR2 to drugs, and even detect cancer. These incredible creatures bring the blood pleasure down in humans just by being in the room. They are essential resources for humans suffering from illnesses like epilepsy, PTSD, and even lead the way to keep the blind safe. They do everything for us; love us, protect us, miss us, and even die for us.

Is there anything they can't do? Maybe drive. But that's probably it! They are superheroes in fur. With all the things that an average dog can do. It makes you wonder how much smarter can they be. Well, a lot smarter actually. Like people, some breeds are smart, and other breeds are super-smart.

WHAT EXPERTS SAY ABOUT THE SMARTEST DOG BREEDS

According to experts being trainable isn't the only factor in determining how intelligent a dog is. It's a combination of factors and some of the smartest pups can be very frustrating to deal with for first-time parents. Sound familiar? Experts say signs of dog intelligence may be more likely to show in a dog's clever ability to sneak a treat off the counter or open a gate, or those pups that exhibit problem-solving skills.

If you're wondering how smart your breed is there was a big scientific study done to identify and rate certain pure-bred dogs. Petmd rated the smartest dogs by the specific things they can do and by breed. Below are the Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds based on this study.

10. AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG

• Bred in Australia this dog is a natural cattle herder and this ability played an important role in the development of the nation's beef industry, They love to work and are highly motivated to go. That means they need to stay busy or stimulated, if not they will find something to do and you may not like that too much. So, this may not be a good breed for a person in an apartment.
• This Cattle Dog wants a challenge and is highly eager to learn and to play catch with their favorite human.

9. ROTTWEILER

• The Rottie dates back to the Roman Empire and was used to herd livestock. This dog is one of the biggest dogs in the "smarts" lineup. They are exceptionally affectionate, and obedient making them easy to train. They have a sharp perception and acute awareness and make fantastic guard or police dogs. This breed is incredibly loyal to its humans.
• They are extremely powerful, and athletic but can be gentle and loving to even the smallest human. When it comes to protecting their family this dog can not be intimidated. They will not back down from danger and fierce defenders.

8. PAPILLION 

• This is the smallest breed in the "smarts" lineup and one of the oldest. The adorable big-eared pup's name is the French word for “butterfly” and a nod to its winglike ears. and began as a companion for members of the crown. This breed has a happy, outgoing demeanor coupled with an eagerness to please. Known for having a high aptitude for learning and obeying commands they make wonderful companions.

7. LABRADOR RETRIEVER

• This breed dates back to 16th-century settlers of the Canadian island of Newfoundland. It has a water-repellant coat so it can easily retrieve ducks on hunts. The labrador has a stunning sense of smell and the ability to make good judgments based on its powerful snout.
• The Labis can self-train by imitating and watching but would rather learn from humans. This lovable pup holds the record as the most popular breed in the U.S. Because of their demeanor they make exceptional service animals for humans in need of emotional support and the diabled.

6. SHETLAND SHEEPDOG

• Shetland Sheepdogs are excellent at problem-solving and are known for their high intelligence. This pup is obedient, a quick learner, and a breeze to train. They excel in agility and herding is their specialty. Shetlers are considered to be affectionate and very intelligent also making them ideal for working as therapy dogs. Though loyal family members, they are energetic by nature and best suited for active families who enjoy spending time outside.

5. DOBERMAN PINSCHER

• Doberman Pinschers are versatile and athletic. They are very loyal and excel in everything from obedience competitions to working on the police force and with the military. as police and military work. This dog is powerful and a fierce protector, but highly intelligent, and curious pups. They should get plenty of exercise and be able to use their brains as well as their bodies. Their intelligence and athleticism make Dobermans well-suited for active families who have plenty of time to train and play.

4. GOLDEN RETRIEVER

• The Golden Retriever is very loyal and affectionate making them the ideal breed for family or first-time dog parents. They are one of the most popular dogs in the U.S. because of their gentle demeanor. They are intelligent and love to take on tasks such as hunting, retrieving, obedience, service, and therapy work. They learn quickly and respond well to commands, which means they’re easy to train.

3. GERMAN SHEPHERD

• For hundreds of years, German Shepherds have been known for being hard-working and versatile. This powerful dog has exceptional instincts and is a fierce protector. They are considered one the smartest breeds due the their problem-solving ability and trainability. They are intelligent and can work in the most stressful situations with ease. For these reasons, this dog is an essential companion for humans in search and rescue, the military and police forces around the world.

2. POODLE

• Poodles were originally bred as hunting dogs, believe it or not. They're known to have a strong connection to their humans and aim to please. They’re relatively easy to train and get high marks for obedience and agility competitions. They have a long history of working alongside their owners and love to curl up in bed.

WHAT IS THE #1 SMARTEST DOG BREED ON THE PLANET?

1. BORDER COLLIE

• The Top Dog Honor for the smartest breed goes to the Border Collie. When it comes to intelligence, agility, and training this dog leads the pack. They are exceptional in problem-solving, known to pick up cues quickly, and can respond to 200+ words
• These herding pups are superstars when it comes to work and are happiest when they have a job to do. They have unlimited energy, which makes them the ideal sporting dog for competitions to rounding up chickens on the farm.