Top 15 Smartest Dog Breeds

Are you looking for a loyal companion, a working dog, or a competitive athlete?

These intelligent breeds will impress you and everyone with their quick learning and problem-solving skills. Let’s take a closer look at these 15 intelligent dog breeds and what makes them stand out from the rest!

Border Collie

Border Collies are herding dogs that initially come from the Scottish Borders region. Border Collies are pretty amazing - they've considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds! 

In fact, they're often used as working dogs on farms to herd livestock like sheep and cattle. These dogs are known for their intense focus, high energy, and trainability. 

They excel in activities like agility, obedience, and flyball. You might see them in search and rescue operations, too!

Poodle

If you have met Poodle, you will surely remember it. Poodles have a curly and hypoallergenic coats. Poodles are affectionate and playful and get along well with children and other pets.

They're a breed of dog that originally comes from Germany and France and come in three sizes - Standard, Miniature, and Toy.

Poodles are really smart and easy to train. In fact, they're often used as working dogs in all kinds of roles, like the following: 

• hunting
• retrieving
• and even performing in circuses!

But they're not just for work - Poodles make great family pets, too. They're known for being friendly, outgoing, and low-shedding, which is excellent news for anyone with allergies.

German Shepherd

They're a big and muscular breed of dog originally from Germany. They're trendy because of their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature. They're often used as working dogs in law enforcement, the military, and search and rescue.

German Shepherds are great at learning and are known to excel in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. They're also really loyal and affectionate with their families. Still, they can be cautious around strangers if they're not appropriately socialized. 

German Shepherds have a protective nature that’s why it's essential to give them consistent training and socialization from a young age to ensure they don't become overly aggressive.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are super friendly and outgoing dogs. They originated in Scotland in the mid-19th century. These dogs are medium to large breeds and are well-known for their love of people, making them excellent as: 

• service dogs
• Therapy dogs
• search and rescue works.

Golden Retrievers are definitely easy to train and are famous for their loyalty and obedience to their families. They're playful and energetic, but they also love to relax with their owners. 

To keep them happy and healthy, Golden Retrievers need daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They also thrive on human companionship, so they're great for families or anyone looking for a loyal companion.

Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher, or Doberman, comes from Germany and is known for being used in police work, search and rescue, and therapy because of their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate, and protective nature.

Dobermans are highly trainable and excel in obedience and protection work. These dogs are also known to be suspicious of strangers if not properly socialized. That's why early socialization and consistent training is essential to prevent them from becoming overly aggressive.

Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdog or Sheltie is a cute and intelligent dog from Scotland's Shetland Islands. They are small to medium size breeds famous for their intelligence, loyalty, and herding skills.

Shelties are super quick and are great at obedience, agility tasks, and therapy work, thanks to their charming and friendly nature. They are devoted and loving with their families but may take some time to warm up to strangers if they're not properly socialized. 

Shelties are natural herders who may try to herd other pets or children, so it's best to supervise them around small animals. 

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever, or Lab, is originally from Canada. They're a medium to large breed known for being super friendly, outgoing, and loving toward people. 

Because of their intelligence, trainability, and gentle nature, Labs are often used as service dogs, therapy dogs, and hunting. Labs are an easy-going bunch and are a breeze to train. 

They're also incredibly loyal to their families and love to play and be active. Labs require daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They're happiest when they're around their human family. 

Papillon

The Papillon is a dog that comes from France and Belgium. They're a small, dainty breed with ears that look like butterfly wings - that's why they're called Papillon, French for "butterfly."

Papillons are known for being:

• super-intelligent
• easy to train
• and loving.

Papillons are good at learning tricks and competing in dog sports like agility. They're also social creatures and love being around their humans, but they might be shy with strangers if they don't get enough practice meeting new people. 

Bloodhound

The Bloodhound is a super sniffer dog that's been around for centuries, most likely originating in Belgium or France. They are large and have a unique look with their long, droopy faces, loose skin, and famously long, floppy ears. 

Bloodhounds have an incredible sense of smell used for tracking and hunting, and they're pretty good at it!

Bloodhounds are highly trainable and persistent when following a scent. They're very affectionate with their families but can be shy with strangers if they're not socialized well. 

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler originally comes from German and is known for their strength, courage, and loyalty. Rottweilers are really impressive dogs and are often seen as police and military dogs, as well as in search and rescue and therapy work.

Rottweilers are highly trainable, loyal, and affectionate but can be slightly wary of strangers if they're not appropriately socialized. 

Australian Cattle Dog

They're also known as the Blue Heeler or Queensland Heeler, and they're a pretty amazing breed. These medium-sized dogs hail from Australia and are known for their high energy, intelligence, and herding abilities.

In fact, they're often used as working dogs on farms and ranches because they're so trainable and enduring. If you're considering getting an Australian Cattle Dog, you should know they're very loyal and protective of their families. 

Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois, a breed of dog from Belgium, is known for its sharp intelligence, high energy, and impressive working abilities. They are a medium to large breed and commonly employed by police and military forces in addition to their roles in search and rescue and therapy work.

Belgian Malinois are well-trained and proficient in obedience, protection, and scent work. Belgian Malinois are generally healthy dogs but may be susceptible to health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and skin allergies. 

Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is a remarkable breed of dog originally from Siberia. They're about medium-sized and are famous for their thick, fluffy coats, gorgeous blue eyes, and impressive sled-pulling skills. 

Siberian Huskies were initially bred to work hard in the extreme cold and help people get around in harsh conditions. They are smart but can also be stubborn, so training can be challenging sometimes.

However, they are incredibly loyal and affectionate with their families. Siberian Huskies are very social and enjoy spending time with people and other dogs. Still, they can be pretty good escape artists, so keeping them securely contained is essential.

Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a fantastic breed that comes from Switzerland. They're pretty big and have an excellent black, white, and rust coat that makes them stand out. Initially, these dogs were used for all sorts of work, like herding, drafting, and guarding.

The Bernese Mountain Dogs are super friendly, affectionate, smart, and known for being calm and patient, but sometimes they can be stubborn. 

Bernese Mountain Dogs love being around people and other animals, so they're really social.

Welsh Corgi

There are two types of corgi known as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Both breeds are known for being intelligent and affectionate. 

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small dog that originated in Wales and has short legs, long bodies, and a cute, fox-like appearance. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a slightly larger breed of dog with a long body, short legs, and a long, bushy tail.

They were initially bred as herding dogs and were used to drive cattle.

Summary

Intelligent dogs are not only impressive, but they can also be excellent companions and working partners. But remember that all dogs, regardless of their intelligence, require love, training, and attention to grow and thrive. Nevertheless, with proper attention and care, an intelligent dog can bring endless happiness, laughter, and companionship into your life for many years.