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Top 10 smartest dogs in the world

Smart dogs
Victoria Heuer

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Do you think your dog is in the top 10th percentile of its species? Should you start filling out that Mensa application for your fido? Take a peek at our list to see if your dog's breed is one of the top 10 smartest canine breeds in the world.

PetMD offers the top 10 smartest canine breeds in the world:




Australian Cattle Dog

Yes, the Australian Cattle Dog from Down Under. A working dog that is traditionally occupied with controlling and herding cattle, its qualities are exceptional intelligence, alertness, resourcefulness, and a fiercely protective loyalty over its property and people. They are agile, strong, active dogs, both physically and mentally, which revel in new experiences. The flip side is that they bore easily and will unintentionally find trouble while looking for activities to occupy themselves with. The Cattle Dog is very organized; many are known for putting their own toys away after playing.


Rottweiler

Another herding dog, the Rottweiler began in Germany as a true work companion. They are still primarily used for work as guard dogs and as police dogs. They are well known for their stoicism, keen perception, courage, and unflagging loyalty. They make an excellent addition to the family.


Papillon

This deceptively cute, butterfly-eared dog is smarter, tougher, and stronger than it appears (it's like the bionic dog). Often described as big dogs in little bodies, they have the athletic stamina to keep up on long walks, and the bravura of a canine ten times its size. The Papillon is a true companion and watchdog. Although they can be ferociously protective over what belongs to them, their keen intelligence makes it possible to take them anywhere. Let's not forget they can be litter trained, a big plus.


Find out the #7, #6 and #5 smartest dogs in the world, NEXT!


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Victoria is a regular contributor to PetMD, the largest global source of pet health information. PetMD's content is created by veterinary professionals and covers 9 different species.


Comments
By ann Oct 18, 2009

Golden retrievers are dumb as a box of rocks. the Study must have been conducted by someone who owned on of these

By Lydia Oct 3, 2009

I have a German Shepherd named Hagan that's around 18 months at the moment. He is very intelligent, and a wonderfuIl guard dog too. I take him everywhere with me- running in the park, to the pet store, my family and friend's homes, drive-in's, you name it! He's a terrific companion! He recently completed several obedience classes as well and excelled in those. (The key to a good German Shepherd is patience and consistancy with trainging!) I rescued him from "death row" at a local high kill shelter around New Years Eve, when I was going through a particurally tough divorce. When I got him he had 2 puncture wounds that were soo infected he was in septic shock, was heartworm positive, and had a horrible case of kennel cough. After one look at him I knew I needed him as much as he needed me, so I adopted him. (I spent several years working as a vet tech, so I knew my home would be perfect for his recover.)He has since made a full recover and has been an amazing companion! He gets along wonderfully with my little neices and nephews as well as my other cats and dogs. I'd definitely recommend a German Shepherd to anyone considering a new pup! Definitely consider looking at rescues and shelters- there are soo many needing good homes there! :)

By Lydia Oct 3, 2009

I have a German Shepherd named Hagan that's around 18 months at the moment. He is very intelligent, and a wonderfuIl guard dog too. I take him everywhere with me- running in the park, to the pet store, my family and friend's homes, drive-in's, you name it! He's a terrific companion! He recently completed several obedience classes as well and excelled in those. (The key to a good German Shepherd is patience and consistancy with trainging!) I rescued him from "death row" at a local high kill shelter around New Years Eve, when I was going through a particurally tough divorce. When I got him he had 2 puncture wounds that were soo infected he was in septic shock, was heartworm positive, and had a horrible case of kennel cough. After one look at him I knew I needed him as much as he needed me, so I adopted him. (I spent several years working as a vet tech, so I knew my home would be perfect for his recover.)He has since made a full recover and has been an amazing companion! He gets along wonderfully with my little neices and nephews as well as my other cats and dogs. I'd definitely recommend a German Shepherd to anyone considering a new pup! Definitely consider looking at rescues and shelters- there are soo many needing good homes there! :)

By jazz Sep 5, 2009

I think my dog is the smartest dog on the world because she is a jackrussel terier!

By MURIEL HUBBARD Aug 13, 2009

my boston terry beagle mix is a very smart pup. she was house broke the first 2 days i had her. she was six weeks old when i got her. and she knew her name in the first couple of days. she is a very smart puppy

By Scott Aug 10, 2009

You've got to be kidding. Did anyone even look to include the Jack Russell terrier in this study? I've worked with most of the dogs on the list and the Jack Russell is better than the border collie hands down. Maybe the problem was the people conducting this study did not include the Jack Russell or the Jack Russell was smarter than they were.

By janet Jun 26, 2009

how about scottish terriers

By kao Jun 12, 2009

you should put more picture of smart god

By Marina May 11, 2009

True, so true, i have a min poodle and he is VERY smart. Im glad hes a #2

By tracey Apr 13, 2009

just to comfirm that the picture of the collie is a pure-breed as if you where a breeder like me you would know there are so many different markings on collie dogs even them from aussie and yes they are very intelligent like anyother dog only the collie learn quicker because of it natural reflexes

By tracey Apr 13, 2009

just to comfirm that the picture of the collie is a pure-breed as if you where a breeder like me you would know there are so many different markings on collie dogs even them from aussie and yes they are very intelligent like anyother dog only the collie learn quicker because of it natural reflexes

By Jannie D Apr 10, 2009

There is something definitely WRONG with this website. I was half way through writing my comments and the page simply disappeared, pictures that are supposed to be there aren't, the wrong pictures are attached to some write-ups, etc, etc.

By Jannie D Apr 10, 2009

There is something definitely WRONG with this website. I was half way through writing my comments and the page simply disappeared, pictures that are supposed to be there aren't, the wrong pictures are attached to some write-ups, etc, etc.

By Jannie D Apr 10, 2009

There is something definitely WRONG with this website. I was half way through writing my comments and the page simply disappeared, pictures that are supposed to be there aren't, the wrong pictures are attached to some write-ups, etc, etc.

By Brittany Mar 28, 2009

Where is the Aussie?

By isabela Mar 20, 2009

hi that picture is cool

By Amara Mar 19, 2009

Where would the Parson's Jack Russell and the more recently bred, shorter legged version Jack Russell terriers fit in your list of most intelligent? When was your top 10 list compiled and by whom?

By buck Mar 12, 2009

I wonder where the German Shorthair stands?

By Laura Feb 24, 2009

I think Boxers are super smart dogs. I now have a Boxer/Pit from the SPCA and she is one of the smartest dogs I've ever had honest! I've had many on this list too.

By katy Feb 11, 2009

everyone knows that a dog is smart to its owner, and it is smart if it loves you and you take the time to train them.

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