The 10 smartest dogs in the world

There is no consensus on the  most intelligent dog breed  in the world. What everyone agrees on is that dogs can be called man’s best friend. Even though there is no consensus, when it comes to intelligence or work capacity, some stand out. In his book  The Intelligence of Dogs , psychologist Stanley Coren interviewed more than 200 trainers to determine which breed was the most intelligent. Curious to know what he discovered? Keep reading.

How do you know which dog breed is the most intelligent?

According to Stanley, the intelligence of a breed can be measured based on instincts, obedience and adaptability. However, some dog behavior experts believe that these data are relative when it comes to defining the most intelligent dog breed. Some animals are easier to train and much more receptive to commands. This is because they are more social and dependent on people, but may have little intuitive intelligence. 

On the other hand, we have hunting dogs. They have a keen sense of sight, smell and hearing, as well as a more pronounced intuitive intelligence due to their more prominent survival instinct. On the other hand, they are not as receptive to people. But now let’s get to the point: check out the  list of the most intelligent dogs :

• Border collie
• Poodle
• German Shepherds
• Golden retriever
• Dobermans
• Shetland Sheepdogs
• Labradors
• Papillon
• Rottweiler
• Australian Cattle Dog

1. Border collie

When it comes to the most intelligent dog breed, the  border collie , known as the talker of the dog world, usually tops the list. Ranked first in Stanley Coren’s intelligence ranking, the most intelligent dog in the world can learn a new command in less than five seconds and respond to it 95% of the time. For this reason, this breed is widely used for herding sheep and to help with security on farms, houses and apartments.

2. Poodle

The silver medal goes to the  poodle , an intelligent and active breed. Very popular among Brazilians, it comes in many sizes. In general, trainers prefer the more traditional standard breed for training. Another characteristic of this beloved dog is its obedience and dedication to its owner, to whom it responds quickly during training.

3. German Shepherd

German Shepherds  happily  serve as police dogs, guide dogs, and are excellent medical and therapy aids. It is therefore no surprise that consistent obedience is standard for this breed. In addition, the German Shepherd makes an excellent guard dog, as he is extremely protective.

4. Golden retriever

That’s right. One of the most beloved pets in the country also occupies a position in this ranking of the most intelligent dog breeds. Extremely sagacious and with a very high capacity for understanding, the  golden retriever  is one of the most used breeds as a guide dog. In addition, it is playful and highly active, which makes it the perfect candidate for those who want to have fun.

5. Doberman

Dobermans  have a long history. Their origins date back to the 19th century, when a German tax collector named Louis Dobermann wanted a medium- sized  pet that could act as both a guard dog and a companion. As a result, this extremely protective and highly sociable breed was created. They are known for their ability to understand commands and to always be alert.

6. Pastor de Shetland

Smaller than Collies,  Shetland Sheepdogs  are adorable furballs that excel at agility and obedience. These miniature Lassie clones are very protective, so they tend to bark a lot and don’t get along well with strangers. However, their affectionate nature and love of cuddles override any unpleasant feelings. Just be careful that their intelligence doesn’t overpower you, as they tend to be quite dominant dogs.

7. Labrador retriever

Labradors  love to please, whether as guide dogs, drug-sniffing dogs  , or just as regular pets, and are therefore perfect for those who want a versatile breed. Very intelligent and playful, they are great options for those who have children at home, as they are very sociable and charismatic.

8. Papillon

The papillon is considered the smartest dog for apartments. The first toy breed to make the top 10 list of smartest dog breeds is no ordinary lapdog. These little guys often take home top prizes in competitive agility trials, according to the  American Kennel Club . Their name—which means “butterfly” in French—alludes to their tall, pointy ears. 

9. Rottweiler

With a strong and reliable temperament, the  Rottweiler  is a loving and loyal friend. Bred to be a large and strong dog, protecting camps and herding flocks, it has a long history of obeying commands. But don’t be fooled by its unfriendly appearance and large size. Deep down, it is a sweetheart, especially with its owner, to whom it is very devoted.

10. Australian Cattle Dog

The  Australian Cattle Dog  is not one of the most well-known breeds. In the AKC popularity rankings, it is not even among the 50 most famous. However, it is a more intelligent dog breed, worthy of appearing in this top 10. Alert, curious and friendly, this shepherd has energy to spare. It is also an adventurous explorer and very attached to its family.

In conclusion, intelligence in dogs manifests in various forms, from obedience and adaptability to instincts and problem-solving skills. While breeds like the Border Collie and Poodle dominate rankings due to their exceptional trainability, others, such as the Australian Cattle Dog and Papillon, shine in their unique abilities and traits. Every breed has its strengths, making them special in their own way. Ultimately, the most intelligent dog for you is one that fits your lifestyle, brings joy to your life, and shares a strong bond with you. After all, intelligence is just one of the many qualities that make dogs truly man’s best friend.