Top 10 smartest dogs in the world

Jan 01, 2009 4:52 PM by Victoria Heuer

Posted in Pets & Animals / Dogs

Smart Dogs

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 dog breeds in the world.

Check out the top 10 smartest dog 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.

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Tags: border collie doberman pinscher dogs german shepherd golden retriever labrador retriever papillon pets poodle rottweiler smartest canines

Comments

Comments on "Top 10 smartest dogs in the world"

My Female dogs have all been great! 2 akitas, a German Shepard, and Irish Setter were all Great. My male dogs........different story. I only deal with bitches now.

HEY! Where are the american eskimos??? Eskies?? They have to be at the top ten! One of the best breeds for agility, trainable and smarter than a lot of humans I know. LOL

I've got a staffitshire bull terrier, I think that they should have a place in the top 10?

I have an Australian Shepard that doesn't make the list, but I am sure that she surpasses a couple of those breeds!

I love my westie!!! I call westies the terrorists!!! Thinks he is a very large dog and wants everyone to know it. He is doing ok with my grandchild (1 years old), but he would perfer to go to the beach!!! He will wade in the water but is afraid to actually swim. I think he is smart (and he thinks he is smart)! A little hard to train - like raising a teenager! But how can you not love his cute white face, with dark eyes and black nose!

I've had multiple dogs for quite a while, and many over the years. My soul mate was a Rottie named Roxanne. But hands down, the smartest dog I've ever had is a female Rottie-Dobie mix named Izzie. She's just incredible.

I have an 11 year old poodle he is very smart an a very good dog he cant do tricks anymore he has advanced renal failure,blind in one eye but he always can make everyone around him happy he is good with kids other pets i would recommend a poodle to anyone looking for a new family member an as always check the shelters first that is where I found my best friend Louie I wil love him forever

I have a german sheperd and her name is baby girl i love her so much she's sweet

I have a 2 year old Red and White Border Collie named Ranger. He is the Best/Smartest dog ever. :D

I have a poodle and I will have to admit, they are very smart. With only three prompts my dog learned his trick. He does about 7 of them now and I am very proud of him. He is my baby.

Scotties rule all others drool!

weimeraners are the dog with the human brain. They're deffinately #1. My weim-great dane mix is smarter than me.

I have Deer head, semi-long hair Chihuahua,Inherited from my mother, raised with 2 pure breed dogs, Black Lab and a Dalmatian. Her affection and protection, of my mother and family members is shure to breed. The loss of my mother, was very difficult for her understand. She had to be very close to someone all the time or some sort of depression. Her change of environment, was difficultfor her, constant walks seam to help. Any suggestions.

I have no idea where you get your facts. Easily trainable perhaps but don't confuse that with intelligence. I have had a Miniature Schnauzer that could run circles around those dogs. They don't call them the dog with the human brain for nothing. I currently have an English Bulldog whose intelligence puts some humans to shame. Stubborn? Absolutely, but part of that stubborness is the ability to parse over what you are asking them to do and determine whether they want to do it or not. They are a very observant breed and key on every sound and move you make. I think it's time to throw out the old list and start evaluating the other breeds more carefully.

Agreed that jack russells are the smartest dog and they are not included on any list you will find because they are not accepted a a pure breed dog. and the jack russell owners and their counterparts in america want it to stay like that because of restrictions put on the breed when you enter the kennell club

My Standard Poodle is stupid!! I beat him in chess every night.

I have a 9 week old cairn terrier and I really think cairns should be on the list because he can walk on a leash, responds to sit and down and come, and is one of the smartest puppies ever!!

Without a doubt -our one year old Border Collie (MOLLY) is the MOST INTELLIGENT animal I've ever been around--She is training us now! What a GREAT PET!

Yeah! Poodle~

I have a boarder collie/German Shep. mix and she is super smart! But I have a chocolate lab and he is well...I love him but very far from the brain trust. I can't say that for all labs though, might just be mine :-)