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.

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Labrador Retriever

The Lab, as it is affectionately called, is the most popular breed chosen by families. Another member of the working class of dogs, the Lab is best known for its intelligence, affection, patience, and gentility, making them perfect companions for households with kids. They are easily trained, and, in fact, are one of the top dogs chosen for search and rescue, assisting the disabled, and police work. They are also known to self train, observing behaviors in humans and repeating them -- a great asset in emergency situations.

Shetland Sheepdog

Another herding dog, the Shetland takes this ability into the home, showing the same commitment and protectiveness over its human "herd" as the farm raised version does. Highly intelligent, the Sheltie handles life with great efficiency and diligence, learning new commands with little repetition, and making sure that all of the family is safe, sound, and in place. They show great devotion to their families, and are happy to live just about anywhere.

Doberman Pinscher

Due to an inborn fearlessness and deep stamina, the Doberman is one of the most popular of guard dogs. Smart and assertive, they can easily be trained for dominance or docility. Because of their past as war and police dogs, they may appear fearsome, but they are actually quite gentle. Their loyalty and acuity make Doberman's great additions to the family.

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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"

It appears the questionable Dobie photo has been fixed. Thank you. Dog intelligence is one thing, but what I've noticed is that both Dobermans and German Shepherds tend to be -clever- dogs. Clever as in seeing his owners laying out evening wear, then sneaking into the closet to steal a dress shoe so you can't leave! When it comes to docking & cropping, those who are against the practice should spend time with a breed in which it's done. The erect ears allow the dog to not only focus his hearing on something, it also acts as a visible signal to the owner that the dog is alerted. Even in low-light, you can see the ears standing and know the dog is alert. If you're on the business end of a Doberman, Boxer, etc. and those ears are erect facing you, it lets you know that he knows you're there, even if he's passive. The docked tail somewhat hides the dog's attitude from a potential threat - you can't see if it's wagging, held rigid or held down in submission. Strangers unable to read a dog's body language tend to avoid confrontations. That said, Dobermans are very loving and playful dogs. They are happiest when they're with their owners doing things or going places. They can be protective of their family but are quick to see welcomed guests as an opportunity for a new play partner too! They can be good with kids when raised with them. Expect them to bond to the most active person in a family or a whomever spends the most time keeping them mentally stimulated.

german sherpards are the smartest because they are used more

All of these dogs have the capacity to be "smart" for sure, I've known someone with every one of these breeds at some point. So much of how individual dogs turn out has to do with the handling and training. I've got a red heeler (rescued at 4 yrs old) for about a year and she had obviously never been trained anything previously. She has taken very well to training and I've noticed learns very fast. 3 days after getting her she, with proper training she was waiting for me to go through the door first...just one example anyway point is a lot of how "smart" a dog is has to do with it's owner, also was able to teach her to catch a firsbee in one afternoon. I can also attest to the fact that cattle dogs are very organized. She keeps all the separated heads, tails, and bodies of her toys together after she's done playing with them...actually kind of funny to walk in the door every day and find a pile of toys at the top of the stairs :)

I just love dogs. most any breed. They can most all learn and grow to be terrific animals for what a person has one for. And I do feel dogs know and feel much more then what people give them credit for. I feel what most dogs know is dependant on the owners and how much quality time each gives there dog. the more they stimulate what they want to teach the better and faster they learn it. I only have owned one dog I could not train much at all but he may have been affected by nearly dieing when he was brought to me the other pup did die they were severely infected with mange. He did get to where he would come and sit. that is about all he ever learned. He was the blue healer cross. the breed has been bred up to be more intelligent since that time. And of coarse everyone loves there dog. this is why most have one. they are all great companion animals with there own special little quirks that bring one happiness.

There is one very intelligent breed not on here I reckon cause they are so hard to find many don't know much about them. Brussel Griffons are very intelligent breed I have had Dobies, dachshounds,rottie, poodle,black lab border collie cross,german shepherd, golden retrivers and the Brussels beats all, Very highly intelligent, I have had two and decided can't live without one. can be trained for pottie , sit stay laydown roll over within the first week of owning as a pup. My first one got me up to go pottie by 2 am and I just got the pup home at 8pm that same night. He was only 8 wks. old never been trained for anything. I have never had pups that can learn everything so quickly. the hyper ones have attention span problems they learn it immediately but takes them longer to give you undivided attention Though they know it when they listen. also easiest I have trained to use only gestures to have them do things at a distance even. Very intelligent. this discussion about the photo can't the complainers just love the beauty of the animal. even poorly cropped or even poorly built dobies are gorgeous. or maybe I just love the breed as I do many others. they look majestic always no matter the flaw they are awesome looking dogs just be happy to get to enjoy a picture of one. Be happy and have a fantastic day. don't be so down and critical. Have a FANTASTIC DAY!!

Hello mini pinscher

It is sad that you put a poor example of a Doberman Pinscher out there with that picture. This is not a well-bred Doberman. Furthermore, in the United States, responsible breeders who are serious about caretaking this breed and its standards CROP and DOCK their puppies. This is still the standard in the United States. Next time, please use an appropriate picture. This breed has the 'look of eagles', when properly cropped and docked, for which they are world famous. With those flop ears and God-awful sickle tail, they definitely don't have the characteristic look that Dobermans are known for.

German shepards for me have to be the most intelligent dogs. Mine obeys and learns tasks so easily and will never jump up to any strangers German shepards no.1!

All you people talking about docking tails and cropping ears are disgusting "humans". In so many countries around the world this is illegal and for good reason it's cruel and unnecessary . You say you love the breed but then would brutialize it, shame on you all.!!!!!!

And Jane, there CAN be tri-colored Border Collies. Please go on Google and find that for yourself.

I have a Labrador/Border Collie mix and she is absolutely intelligent. I taught her to shake hands in 2 minutes. After watching us open our back door she figured out how to hold the door knob and open it. She figured out how to climb the ladder that leads to our clubhouse on our playset. Obviously, Border Collies were put as the smartest for a reason. I love my Borador x]

The Border Collie pictured is an Australian Shepherd! You can clearly tell that is an Aussie and not a Border Collie. You can tell that is a black tri Aussie. Border Collies aren't tri colored and only bi colored.

Well...now everyone looking for a dog to can run out and buy a border collie because they are labeled the smartest. I've been a dog owner for 40 plus years and have had the majority of these dogs and my opinion is that the Australian Cattle dog rules in the brains section. And I've had two. Here is how you know how smart. Take a blanket and put it over their head. The quicker the attempt to get the blanket off the smarter they are. I've seen this on dog training shows.

At 74 I have had my share of different breads of dogs but my Australian Cattle Dog ( Red Healer ) is by far the best dog I have ever had. It is extremely loyal , obeys every command, and a true partner. Even though she hasn't eaten in 24 hrs, she can start to eat and if I walk by she will quit and follow me all day if I let her. At 15yrs she is going blind so I have to watch protect her but she still is at my side.

What are some of you thinking??? I showed Dobermans for years and the two pictured here are quite nice. The one standing is a male the other female. I have owned many in my life and the two you see here are american bloodlines. The other is german with a much different look. Before making stupid comments know what you are talking about.

Docking dogs tails is cruel. You are a bunch of sick degenerates. I hope someone docks your heads off from your bodies.

I'm sure the Dobe pictured is very sweet and intelligent but if you're going to talk about a Doberman, at least use a picture that LOOKS like a Doberman. This dog does NOT conform to the breed standard and a picture like this is misleading to the public. Use a picture from the DPCA or AKC standard.

The Doberman is not only an incredibly intelligent dog but it is one of the most breath taking when properly presented. This is a cropped and docked breed and to show it anything less than its noble beautiful self is a disservice to our noble breed. Please correct the photo to a proper representative of the breed.

Dear all the people whinging about the doberman not being cropped and docked, please take a moment to consider, that the image shown here is how it is supposed to look? That is how the dog is meant to look, and i think it looks gorgeous. Screw all of you if you think messed about with is the way a dog looks best.