Top 13 Smartest Dog Breeds

July 11, 2024

It is understood that every dog owner thinks his or her pet is as smart as a bean and sometimes as the great Albert Einstein. However, as with any task, the most complicated can present even to the most intelligent of performers, in this case, the canine.

As it has been found humans, dogs also possess different forms of intelligences. The way in which they think can often be seen to shine a light on the kind of intelligence of their breed.

How can You Figure Out the Smartest Dog Breeds?

In the case of a mixed-breed dog, though its specific breeding cannot be identified clearly, breed group identifies the most prominent features and intelligence pattern of the dog breed. The breed groups include:

  • Sporting

  • Non-sporting

  • Herding

  • Working

  • Terrier

  • Hound

  • Toy

Intelligence in dogs significantly differs, and knowing the breed group level can assist in optimization of it. Thus, it may be understood that every dog has some measure of inborn wisdom, yet some species are better at performing specific tasks. For instance, such breeds as hunting and retrieving dog breeds are intelligent and problem solving oriented to both please their master and catch the prey.

Dogs used for hunting, like hounds, terriers and scent trained ones may seem to be very focused and truly they are because their brains are as well-oiled as a Swiss knife. Intelligent dogs are excellent problem solvers, treat seekers, players of dog sports, communicators and unfortunately clever at causing trouble.

However, the breeds of dogs with high intelligence need more activities that enhance their minds, physical activities, and fun. This is where their intelligence becomes a potential problem: the children start getting bored, anxious and stressed, act up, or simply cause mayhem.

13 Of The Smartest Dog Breeds

Different traits were previously studied by neuropsychologist Stanley Coren in his work called “The Intelligence of Dogs,” in which he defined that the measure of training ability is what makes a dog smart. Quite unlike cats, the dogs that are willing to work and even go further first are viewed as the smart ones.

Let’s explore the canines that consistently rank among the smartest dog breeds:Let’s explore the canines that consistently rank among the smartest dog breeds:

1. Border Collie

Observed as the one among the best sheep herding dog breeds, these dogs are famous for their superior intelligence, pricking sense and decision making abilities. Border Collies are another breed of dogs that are very intelligent and Chaser, a Border Collie taught over a thousand words.

  • Life expectancy: 12-15 years

  • Weight: 30-55 pounds

  • Height: 18-22 inches

2. Poodle

Dogs of this breed, no matter the size, are intelligent, energetic, and perform well even in trying to learn tricks. Chanda-Leah the toy poodle previously held the record for the largest number of tricks, and that says a lot about its intelligence.

  • Life expectancy: 10-18 years

  • Weight: 40-70 pounds

  • Height: 15+ inches

3. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are preferred to be service dogs as they are intelligent and fast learners and they do not get easily distracted. Some of the extraordinary features, for example, the first seeing-eye dog, a German Shepherd named Buddy.

  • Life expectancy: 7-10 years

  • Weight: 50-90 pounds

  • Height: 22-26 inches

4. Golden Retriever

These dogs are both intelligent and muscular and hence are dependable service and family dogs that can also run with ease. Orca, a Golden Retriever earned a PDSA gold medal for his courage and smartness in his acts.

  • Life expectancy: 10-12 years

  • Weight: 55-75 pounds

  • Height: 21-24 inches

5. Doberman Pinscher

According to its characteristics, Dobermans are characterized by their strength, speed, as well as the level of their intelligence. Bingo von Ellendonk, a Doberman, became the first canine in the history ever to score a hundred percent in Schutzhund showing off their magnificence.

  • Life expectancy: 10-12 years

  • Weight: 60-100 pounds

  • Height: 24-28 inches

6. Labrador Retriever

Labradors are friendly, patient, and love to work, they are obedient animals that listen to the commands. Endal the heroes Labrador was highly decorated for service to humans and heroic deeds.

  • Life expectancy: 10-12 years

  • Weight: 55-80 pounds

  • Height: 21-25 inches

7. Papillon

Papillons like their butterfly shaped ears are alert and cheerful creatures. A dog called Percy, who is a Papillon, showed their smartness by qualifying a doggy IQ test.

  • Life expectancy: 14-16 years

  • Weight: 5-10 pounds

  • Height: 8-11 inches

8. Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs have a proper intelligence level which is very close to indicate with Border Collies. The intelligent dog Daisy that is a Sheltie also takes turns to present stunts that show just how smart she is.

  • Life expectancy: 12-14 years

  • Weight: 15-25 pounds

  • Height: 13-16 inches

9. Rottweiler

These dogs are docile and excellent in tasks that are to be assigned to them. A true testament to a dogs natural instincts, Lada the Rottweiler baby sat a baby overnight.

  • Life expectancy: 9-10 years

  • Weight: 80-135 pounds

  • Height: 22-27 inches

10. Australian Cattle Dog

These herding dogs tend to be perky and logical. Even the dog Stella, Catahoula Blue Heeler, was able to learn the use of voice recorded buttons which proclaims the high levels of intelligence possessed by them.

  • Life expectancy: 12-16 years

  • Weight: 35-50 pounds

  • Height: 17-20 inches

11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Welsh Corgis are athletic and skilled at tracking small game. Ari, a smart Corgi, assists her owner by anticipating their needs.

  • Life expectancy: 12-13 years

  • Weight: 30 pounds

  • Height: 10-12 inches

12. Miniature Schnauzer

Mini Schnauzers are curious and excellent at tracking. Sissy, a Mini Schnauzer, found her way to her owner’s hospital, showcasing their impressive tracking skills.

  • Life expectancy: 12-15 years

  • Weight: 11-20 pounds

  • Height: 12-14 inches

13. English Springer Spaniel

Springer Spaniels are bright and obedient. Buster, a Springer Spaniel, was a trained military detection dog awarded for his exceptional sniffing skills during the Iraq war.

  • Life expectancy: 12-14 years

  • Weight: 40-50 pounds

  • Height: 19-20 inches