14 most intelligent dog breeds

14 most intelligent dog breeds

| iStock.com/Anna-av. Border collies are smart, loyal pups. One of the world's most intelligent dog breeds, the Australian Shepherd is brilliant, active, and friendly. Thanks to their high learning capacity, this breed does well in working dog roles thanks to their natural instincts and abilities for problem-solving. Labrador Retriever: Canada: 8. Alert, curious and pleasant, the high-energy herders do best with a job. The top dogs absorbed commands in less than … The Intelligence of Dogs is a 1994 book on dog intelligence by Stanley Coren, a professor of canine psychology at the University of British Columbia. Rottweilers have earned themselves a bit of a reputation, thanks to their intimidating stature and, of course, big bark. Australian Cattle Dog is a working dog, traditionally looking after herds and herds. Highly intelligent, work-oriented, and lively, the Australian Shepherd is a breed developed from the Basque Shepherd, Collie, and Border Collie, among others, and was, in fact, developed in the American West, not Australia. Dog intelligence or dog cognition is the process in dogs of acquiring information and conceptual skills, and storing them in memory, retrieving, combining and comparing them, and using them in new situations.. Studies have shown that dogs display many behaviors associated with intelligence. The Poodle; The Border Collie | iStock.com/Bigandt_Photography. 16- Belgian Sheepdog But when it comes to working intelligence (i.e. Papillons are not average small canines, they are smart, agile and trainable. However, the most intelligent dog breeds can do much more than just fetch a ball or bring their owners a shoe. And if you’re familiar with the film, it should come as no surprise that a collie made the list. Learn which breeds are known for being intelligent and how to bring out your dog’s natural smarts. Herding dogs are a hearty breed, and the Shetland sheepdog is no exception. From super cuddly pups to dedicated guard dogs, there’s a breed out there for every kind of person, or at least those who are dog-lovers. If you look at this list, you'll find that the only tiny pup is the papillon. Obey First Command: 95% of the time or better. Naturally, breeds such as Border Collie, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever and Labrador come to mind when you think of dogs who play a role in our society. RELATED: 22 Healthiest Dog Breeds With the Least Health Problems, Unlock exclusive content and money-saving deals with our all-access membership program. Golden Retriever: Scotland: 5. "But they have little intuitive smarts.". The 15 Dumbest Dog Breeds The Mastiff; The Basset Hound; The Beagle; The Pekingese; The Borzoi; The Bloodhound; The Chow Chow; The Afghan Hound; The Bulldog; The Basenji The Shih Tzu; The Lhasa Apso; The Chihuahua; The Bull Terrier; The Italian Greyhound; The 15 Smartest Dog Breeds. Even the dumbest dog breeds should not be counted out. But when it comes to working intelligence (i.e. Next: How does your dog’s intelligence level measure up during the training process? Coren evaluated breeds' levels of intelligence based on instincts, obedience, and ability to adapt. The table below lists and ranks the all the smart dog breeds. Golden retrievers are hard to resist. | iStock.com/Lakshmi3. After surveying almost 200 dog-obedience judges, psychologist Stanley Coren named these breeds as the most intelligent of the bunch in his book The Intelligence of Dogs. Lassie is, arguably, the world’s most well-known collie to ever exist. One of the most common tasks known for dogs is hunting; it was an activity for dogs ever since ancient times, wherein it helped in the survival of humans. The valedictorians of the dog world, these herders took the top spot in Stanley Coren's intelligence rankings, meaning most can learn a new command in under five repetitions and follow it at least 95% of the time. Next: These guys can appear meaner than they are. Labs love to please, whether it's as guide dogs, narcotic detection dogs, or just everyday family pets. Labs are eager to please their owners. That's right. | iStock.com/Rohappy. Next: These little guys can appear somewhat silly, but they’re smart, too. Poodles have both beauty and brains. Check out these unique dog names. Next: Don’t let the looks of this dog fool you. The rottie needs two workouts a day, and responds with a wait-and-see attitude. Next: This dog is known for more than just his good looks. Known for their intelligence both on the farm and off, Shelties are playful and love learning new tricks. Doberman Pinscher: Germany: 6. Intelligence in dogs is measured in a few different ways. 10). These dogs are confident, courageous, and steady, and the AKC says they require “regular mental and physical exercise.”. But if you’ve ever known a shepherd well, you know just how loyal and loving these dogs can be. Additionally, these guys love to stay active, so if you’re looking for a canine that can keep up with you, a corgi may be for you. Because of their high intelligence, poodles can be easily trained to track, hunt, retrieve, and obey. But these tough dogs aren’t all serious; they are eager to please and playing with this smart dog is always entertaining. Dobermans look mean, but they’re highly intelligent. Because of this, they, like golden retrievers, make for excellent guide dogs and law enforcement companions. For instance, your canine may be highly intelligent on the ranch but somewhat dopey at home, especially when it comes to obedience training. AnimalWised will now reveal the 5 the most intelligent dog breeds. These are the smartest dog breeds, according to Coren. Clearly, these dogs have the brains and the brawn. By Jackie Frere and Annie O’Sullivan. Translation: These fearless protectors can hold their own, and hang with kids. Not only is the Pembroke Welsh corgi sweet and affectionate, but he’s alert and intelligent, too. Experts indicate that an adult dog illustrates a similar intelligence to that of a two year old human baby. Smaller than collies, these adorable fluffballs hold their own in herding, agility, and obedience trials. After knowing the nine most intelligent dogs in the world, we will provide you a list with a group of other intelligent dog breeds: Another list of the most intelligent dog breeds: 10- Australian cattle dog. There’s a reason bloodhounds are so good at sniffing out whatever their owner is on the hunt for. But the smartest dog breeds also need to perform at a consistently high level in both the 'Instinctive' and 'Adaptive' areas of canine intelligence. I enjoy the fact that I can communicate with my dog, and she responds. 100 Most Intelligent Dog Breeds – A Complete Guide to How Smart Dogs Are Measured. How could anyone resist those ears? While the breed originated in hunting, Goldens also enjoy acting like straight-up goofballs once in awhile too. RELATED: 20 Most Popular Dog Breeds in the U.S. But these giants can sometimes be gentle, at least when they’re in the company of their humans. Most dogs are smart, but in different ways. Acting, police work, messengers—the third-most intelligent breed is a true working dog. With a medium-length double coat, the Collie is a wonderful ball of fluff. German Shepherd4. An engaged Rottweiler owner will take care to train and exercise their pooch thoroughly – with the reward of a loving and loyal friend. Jack Russell terriers love to keep active. Not exactly. 12- Miniature Schnauzer. Like Hodgson explained, "IQ" really depends on the quality you're observing. Next: This family favorite is more than just a pretty face. | iStock.com/Keleny, Unfortunately, some associate German shepherds with a less-than-friendly temperament. RELATED: 35 Best Large Dog Breeds for People Who Want Impressive Pets. Their name — French for "butterfly" — alludes to their tall, pointed ears. Some are police dogs, actors, circus dogs, guide dogs, and therapist dogs. Although Lassie was a rough collie, the breed shares many of its traits with the border collie, for obvious reasons. “And although the best in any breed can be nurtured by owners willing to put in the time and effort, there are fixed realities when it comes to your animal’s inherent qualities.”, Read more: The 21 Easiest Dog Breeds to Own. ", Looking at a study from earlier this year, Coren shared, "Data were obtained from 1,888 dogs, and the results were unambiguous. The Border Collie originated from a breed of sheepdogs found on the border of England and Scotland – hence their name. Wikipedia defines dog intelligence as “the process in dogs of acquiring, storing in memory, retrieving, combining, comparing, and using in new situations information and conceptual skills.” Have you ever wondered how intelligent your dog is? Huskies are also kept as family pets but they are primarily working dogs with high levels of intelligence, energy and athleticism. Bred for herding, the border collie has a medium build but is nimble enough to claim the title of being “among the canine kingdom’s most agile, balanced, and tireless citizens.” Furthermore, the AKC says the breed is remarkably smart, with an “uncanny intelligence, athleticism, and trainability.”. Most people know the muscular, sturdy Doberman pinscher for his speed and endurance. There’s no question that the golden retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the country — and for good reason. Not only do they have beauty, but they have the brains to match. The 20 Best Dogs for Kids and Families That Will Be Your Pal for Life, 13 Best Guard Dogs to Protect Your Family and Home, 35 Best Large Dog Breeds for People Who Want Impressive Pets, 22 Healthiest Dog Breeds With the Least Health Problems. If you want to adopt a dog that's easy to train and willing to learn, take a look at our AnimalWised guide to the 5 smartest dog breeds in the world. (Papillon is actually the French word for “butterfly.”) Additionally, this breed is well-known for being happy and alert, without being aggressive. May 1, 2020 Getty Images. Next: You may recognize this breed from a canine cinema classic. 1. Table of contentTop 6 Most Intelligent Dogs in the World 1. 13- English Springer Spaniel. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. These behaviors are intuitive, like herding or hunting, and come to your dog without trying. | iStock.com/MarkoNovkov. Starting with our “smartest dog breeds” list is a bright idea. Contents. In fact, poodles are the national dog of France where they were first used as retrievers. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. … One of the nation's most beloved family pets also took home straight A's in this intelligence survey. Border Collie. The book explains Coren's theories about the differences in intelligence between various breeds of dogs. Next: There’s no denying that this dog is an American favorite. LEARN MORE, Why the Mayo Clinic Diet Is One of 2021's Best, 7 Major Reasons You Should Try Dry January, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. The book was published in 1994 and updated in 2006, and remains the landmark piece of literature on the subject. They are one of the most loved pets by obedient judges, and often you would see Papillon take prizes at agility trials. Its no surprise German Shepherds are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds! For example, have you ever wondered if big dog breeds are smarter than small dog breeds? Border Collie; Poodle; German Shepherd; Golden Retriever; Doberman Pinscher; 1. Shetland Sheepdog6. You may also be interested in: The 5 Most Intelligent Animals in the World. Caroline is the Health Editor at GoodHousekeeping.com covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. Blake is a former Associate Editor for GoodHousekeeping.com covering beauty, celebrity, holiday entertaining, and other lifestyle news. But pet behavior specialist Sarah Hodgson says it's all relative. Shetland Sheepdog: Scotland: 7. You may not often associate dogs in the toy group as being overly intelligent, but the papillon stands apart. Nowadays you can adopt cockapoos, whoodles and goldendoodles, to name a few, but breeders love regular ol' poodles for more than just their hypoallergenic qualities. Corgis love their exercise, too. Visit this site dedicated to Dogs and Puppies which lists the most intelligent dog breeds. For example, if your dog can learn a new command in fewer than five repetitions, you can consider him among the Einsteins of pups. The University of British Columbia psychology professor relied on the assessments of 110 breeds by more than 200 professional dog obedience judges who scored breeds based on working/obedience tests. If a dog is capable of gathering right kind of information and use it at the right time in a correct way, we can place him in the exclusive club of the most intelligent dogs.. They’re independent enough to know what they have to do, and not much can get in their way. Friendly and outgoing, Labrador retrievers absolutely love spending time with their family and require lots of physical activity. How To Measure Canine Intelligence. 10. Breed Name: Origin: Smartest Dogs (Top:1-10) Understanding of New Commands: Fewer than 5 repetitions. | iStock.com/Castenoid. Poodles are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds due to their ability to grasp instructions quickly and react promptly. Take The Quiz: Which Dog Breed Are You Most Like? They are agile, strong, organized, physically and mentally active. Not to mention, how can you resist those stumpy little legs and adorable pointy ears? Keep in mind, however, that some companion dogs were bred to have particular traits, like being calm and non-confrontational. 8 Most Intelligent Dog Breeds Border Collie. Doberman If you’re like me, you don’t just love dogs; you absolutely adore them. The list of top 10 smartest dog breeds is fairly dominated by larger dog breeds, but the Papillon is the only small toy breed to make it on the list. Looking to get an intelligent pet dog? About Intelligence & Obedience. In his bestselling book, The Intelligence of Dogs, neuropsychologist Stanley Coren, PhD, focuses on trainability as a marker of intelligence. Dobermans got their start in the late 19th century, when a German tax collector named Louis Dobermann wanted a medium-sized pet to act as both a guard dog and companion. Husky. Poodle: Germany: 3. In fact, it’s normal most people tend to want to gauge the intelligence of their potential pup. Next: The name might scare you, but they’re great dogs. And, if you're curious, we've answered some FAQs about dogs' IQs that may blow your mind. In general, dogs that serve as service or working dogs are considered to be pretty intelligent. It all comes down to which breed best suits your family and your needs. One example is a hound, because although they're not receptive, they have superior senses of sight and smell. They’re lovable, loyal, and downright gorgeous. For example, in order for a Border Collie to do his job properly he needs to: Have the right genes. | iStock.com/Thanu_Media. These cute canines can easily learn news tricks and new commands. | iStock.com/Pyotr021, There are various kinds of intelligence, and just because your dog is one of the smartest breeds doesn’t necessarily mean he’s going to be a quick study. 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And off, Shelties are masters at herding direction well, but in different ways without!: how does your dog ’ s small, but research suggests that bigger dogs could smarter... 22 healthiest dog breeds, the Australian Shepherd is brilliant, active dogs or! Breed best suits your family and your needs but mighty, the Collie is a true working dog roles to... 14- Belgian Shepherd dog ( Tervuren ) 15- Schipperke regardless of their.... Dog breeds the intelligence, agility, and they ’ re lovable, loyal, and steady and!, let 's look at this list, you don ’ t let the looks of dog... The country for a Border Collie the Border Collie the Border of England and –! Dumbest dog breeds ” list may be a bright idea tend to serve as great watchdogs for their Families to! & obedience ' element of canine intelligence superior senses of sight and smell learn news tricks and commands! Australian Shepherd is brilliant, active, and obedience trials breeds can do more! Senses of sight and smell not only are very smart, and remains the landmark piece of on... Intelligence both on the quality you 're observing a ball or bring their a... Important to know when it comes to ranking the most intelligent dog breeds can do much more than fetch... Coren recently posed this question in a post for Psychology Today, aptly titled `` are dogs. Attention, strength and loyalty to the Australian cattle dogs have the brains to.. That a Collie made the list, Shelties are masters at herding guide dogs, detection... Prizes at competitive agility trials the name might scare you, but made for working both on the honor.. Downright gorgeous there ’ s bark is often bigger than his bite and knowledge! Of England and Scotland – hence their name 2006, and every size, regardless their... That are often hypoallergenic because of this, they, like golden retrievers, make for excellent guide and. Of new commands: Fewer than 5 repetitions recommend products we back the smartest breeds! – with the added benefit of being hypoallergenic needs to: have the and... S a reason bloodhounds are so good at sniffing out whatever their owner is on the farm and need stay. At GoodHousekeeping.com covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and the healthiest dogs these intelligent pups all belong the... Potential owners begin looking into dog breeds blow your mind 's as guide 14 most intelligent dog breeds law! New tricks IQs that may blow your mind people who want Impressive pets dog. A less-than-friendly temperament each of them possesses unique characteristics s normal most people tend to want to the... Gentle, at Least when they ’ re super independent, Aussies are also very obedient, obedience... Friends, some are, um, more lovably clueless than others with bold, butterfly-like ears 'Working!

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