What are the Top 10 Most Intelligent Dogs?
80Have you ever wondered,"What is the most intelligent dog breed," or "What are the top 10 smartest dogs?" Well if you have, here's where I answer all of your questions about the top ten most intelligent dogs.
#10. The Rough Collie
The Rough Collie is often times a dog breed that is overlooked and overshadowed by Shetland Sheepdogs and Border Collies when it comes to being one of the most intelligent dog breeds, but lest people forget that Rough Collies are still one of the smartest dog breeds. Not only are Rough Collies smart, but they're also easy to train, which would lead you to think that intelligent dogs would always be easy to teach, but that's not entirely true. For example, Beagles are extremely smart but they sometimes seem as though they're hopeless canines when it comes to responding to dog training due to the Beagle's strong sense of smell, semi stubborn ways of thinking, and independent personalities.
#9. The Rottweiler
Rottweilers come in at number nine within the top 10 most intelligent dog breeds. Rottweilers are fairly easy dogs to train in most manners, but these canine companions still require firm, consistent handling and positive dog training techniques used by their owners, beginning while the dogs are still puppies. Not only are Rottweilers highly intelligent, but they are by far one of the best breeds of guard dogs; plus Rottweilers make wonderful watch dogs too.
#8. The Papillon
Papillons are a breed of Spanish Toy Dogs that are obedient, lively, and respond well towards dog training. The Papillons are commonly considered to be one of the top ten most intelligent dogs, and that’s not just on my top 10 most intelligent dog breeds list but Papillons are included on many or perhaps even the mass majority of the top ten smartest dog breeds lists too.
#7. The Toy Poodle
Usually when people think of the list of smartest dogs, it probably doesn't include Toy Poodles in it, but don't be fooled by this dog breed's high maintenance and sometimes self absorbed personalities, Poodles are one of the top smartest dogs in the world. Also, these feisty little canines are a breeze when it comes to dog training and they're extremely obedient pets. Yes, there are a few obvious cons to the Toy Poodles, but do not be deceived this dog breed has by more pros than it does cons by a long shot.
#6. The Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers make loving family pets that get a long great with children. Not only do Labrador Retrievers exhibit wonderful personalities, but they're to no surprise one of the smartest dogs breeds too, which are easy to train and are obedient pets. It's no wonder why Labrador Retrievers are the world's most popular breed of dog! If any canine can take the title of "Man's Best Friend" for many people it has to be the Labrador Retriever.
#5. The German Shepherd
German Shepherds well deservingly take their place as number five on my Top 10 Most Intelligent Dogs list for a number of reasons. German Shepherds are not only one of the top ten smartest dog breeds, but they do great with dog training and are highly obedient dogs. German Shepherds also have many special qualities to them that make these canines amazing candidates for various tasks and jobs which include police dogs, guard dogs, watch dogs, and herding dogs just to name a few.
#4. The Doberman Pinscher
Okay, so yes I guess it may seem a bit biased that I placed Doberman Pinschers up as far as number four on this list of smartest dog breeds, since Doberman Pinschers are one of my favorite breeds, but I assure you that I am writing this blog from a completely unbiased standpoint. In all honesty, I think that up until more recent years the Doberman Pinscher has been completely underrated when it comes to their overall dog breed intelligence; Doberman Pinschers are incredibly smart, loving, loyal pets that can make some of the best family dogs. Yes, you heard me correctly. I said "family dogs,” but actually within the past few generations dog breeders have bred out the aggression that Doberman Pinschers might have periodically shown in the breed; yet they remain to be the number one best breed of guard dogs who will do anything to protect their families and loved ones from harm's way.
#3. The Golden Retriever
I think it's needless to say that you just can't have a list of smartest dogs without including Golden Retrievers. When it comes to some of the breeds for dog intelligence that ended up as finalists in this top ten smartest dog breeds list, they may be a bit controversial, but it's hard to deny not placing Golden Retrievers somewhere in the dog intelligence list. Plus, not only are Golden Retriever some of the smartest breeds of dogs, but they're fabulous family pets too. I mean, there just isn't much more you could ask from a dog breed!
#2. The Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs often times place as or around sixth place with the top 10 most intelligent dogs, but personally I think that other dog breeds usually tend to be labeled as surpassing Shetland Sheepdogs because of other better well known dogs breeds, like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers, are popularly stated as scoring high when it comes to dog breed intelligence, but in reality Shetland Sheepdogs rank higher in dog breed intelligence.
Now, let's forget about how well known the various other dog breeds are and just try to rate these animals fairly on the list of smartest dog breeds. When it comes down to it, Shetland Sheepdogs are unmistakingly smart. They're so smart that many dog owners just do not have to the time to properly mentally stimulate and keep a Shetland Sheepdog entertained, and if Shetland Sheepdogs get bored be prepared for total doggie destruction. Shetland Sheepdogs display loving and fun temperaments, but they're hellions who will wreak havoc on your home if boredom overcomes these canines.
#1. The Border Collie
So you've probably been wondering what is the most intelligent dog breed.
Well, the number one title for the crowning of smartest dog breed can go to no other than the Border Collie. Border Collies are have been placed as number one on The Top 10 Most Intelligent Dogs list and on 99% of other top ten smartest dog breed lists because well frankly, there simply just isn't any breed of dog that really even comes close to challenging and matching the Border Collie's dog breed intelligence!
These canines are so smart in fact that many of Border Collie dog owners commonly say "Don't call my Border Collie a Dog!" And just like Shetland Sheepdogs when Border Collies become bored be prepared for some of the worst doggie damage that you've ever seen in your life! Despite that downfall, when Border Collies are adequately cared for they truly are perhaps the best well rounded dog breed there is!
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My Mom had a toy poodle when I was growing up and I dream of having one myself one day. I always thought he was really smart but I adored him and was just a little biased. ;) This is such a great, well-written hub and I learned a lot.
Excellent hub.
I love Golden retrievers and German Shepherds.
Great idea for a Hub! I have a Chihuahua - who is sooo smart, I thought Chihuahua's were one of the smartest breeds as well. He must know at least 100 words (I mean it!) Do you know what number they are? I rated your Hub "useful" - thanks!
Great to here that you think Chihuahua's are smart (maybe I am a little biased), and I appreciate your expertise.
Love your pictures! That German Shepherd pup is gorgeous - I once had a lab x shepherd - he was one of the smartest dogs I ever had, also very protective and gentle with little creatures. Loved his food and used to shed whole drifts of hair. I miss him but don't miss the shedding! - Thanks for another enjoyable hub, Cheers - Mel
What a great article! We have a border collie who is amazingly smart.I think any breed can be smart,it just depends on how much time you spend interacting with them.
This is great hub, Thanks for sharing of this article.
I do think my Chihuahua is a brilliant dog (one of them is) over my other Chihuahua.
I have had dogs my entire life and, other than a mixed rescue I had as a child, my Boston Terrier is the most intelligent.
Now, if we could leave well enuff alone and stop breeding for physical characteristics. The smaller we make a dogs head, the smaller it's brain size. The whiter we make a dog, the more lost of pigment and melatonin. These dogs aren't dumber...they just have more health problems. Squished snouts are cute, but can the dog breathe out of his nose? Healthy minds (especially in dogs) are happy minds. It's hard to focus on your training when you can't breath. Basset Hounds can't swim due to human intervention. BTW. The Yorkshire Terrier is A GENIUS! (mine is anyway!!!) Hahaha! Love to ALL!!
This blog is very fantastic .I love with dogs.These top ten dogs are more powerful Thank u for sharing with us..................
You have obviously NOT come across an Australian Kelpie that can run rings around most of these dogs if not all of them including the Border Collie. Where would you rate an Australian Cattle Dog ?
Time to look outside the UK sandpit.
I didn't know dobermans where in the top 10... good to know!!!
Where would you rate a YORKIE and what #
its so cute
















Ancillotti Level 3 Commenter 12 months ago
My girlfriend loves dogs so for me it was very interesting to read this hub. I know nothing about them!
Hub very well organized and easy to understand. Congratulations!