Everyone knows that dogs are considered man’s best friend. They are known for their undying loyalty, obedience, and of course, their intelligence.
Most dog owners love their furry friends for their personality, not their intelligence, but there are many reasons to appreciate a smart dog when you know you have one.
Everyone knows that dogs are considered man’s best friend. They are known for their undying loyalty, obedience, and of course, their intelligence.
Most dog owners love their furry friends for their personality, not their intelligence, but there are many reasons to appreciate a smart dog when you know you have one.
In the book, professor Stanley Coren ranks 79 different dog breeds according to their intelligence and trainability.
The three main aspects of dog intelligence described by Stanley Coren are:
• Working and obedience intelligence – the dog’s ability to learn new commands
In the book, Professor Stanley Coren ranked 79 different dog breeds according to their intelligence in terms of their trainability.
The three main aspects of dog intelligence described by Stanley Coren are:
• Working and obedience intelligence – the dog’s ability to learn new commands
We will focus on these three main aspects of intelligence because they will be the criteria for our list of the 20 smartest dog breeds in the world.
So, let’s find out how smart some of our favorite dog breeds are.
20. Cocker Spaniel.
The Cocker Spaniel is a small to medium sized dog breed originating from the United Kingdom. They were bred as a hunting dog for the purpose of hunting wild game.
There are two different breeds of this type today: the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel.
A charming and loving companion dog, the Cocker Spaniel is known for its easy-going personality that fits into any household.
The Cocker Spaniel is a small to medium sized dog that originated in the United Kingdom. They were bred as a hunting dog for the purpose of hunting game.
There are two different breeds of this type today: the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel.
A charming and loving companion dog, the Cocker Spaniel is known for its easy-going personality that fits into any household.
19. Brittany.
The Cocker Spaniel is a small to medium sized dog that originated in the United Kingdom. They were bred as a hunting dog for the purpose of hunting game.
There are two different breeds of this type today: the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel.
A charming and lovable companion dog, the Cocker Spaniel is known for its easygoing personality, making it a good fit for any household.
The Brittany is an active and intelligent dog that is easy to train. With plenty of positive reinforcement, praise, and treats, training your Brittany will be as easy as a walk in the park.
Today, you can find many crossbreeds of the Brittany Spaniel with several other breeds. So, we recommend you check out our list of Brittany Spaniel crossbreeds and find out if these dogs have inherited their intelligence from their Brittany parent!
18. Flat-Coated Retriever/Standard Schnauzer.
The Standard Schnauzer and the Flat-Coated Retriever share the 18th spot on our list of the 20 smartest dog breeds in the world.
The Flat-Coated Retriever originated in the United Kingdom in the mid-1800s. They were bred as a versatile hunting dog for both land and water game.
Also known as the Wavy-Coated Retriever, this is a hardy and hardy hunting dog that is capable of hunting large birds and medium-sized land game.
Although intelligent and easy to train, Flat-Coated Labs are sensitive and do not respond well to harsh training techniques. They need lots of praise and positive reinforcement, and when treated well, they demonstrate exceptional obedience and intelligence.
The Standard Schnauzer originated in Germany in the mid-14th century. It is a healthy, agile and versatile utility dog that is easy to train.
With working dog blood, they are territorial and bark at any sign of trouble, making them excellent watchdogs.
The Standard Schnauzer is intelligent and dignified, but can also be mischievous if left alone. Their intelligence, coupled with their ability to love their loved ones and their hypoallergenic coat, make them great family dogs.
If you are interested in finding a purebred Standard Schnauzer, check out our list of the top 5 Standard Schnauzer breeders in the United States!
17. German Shorthaired Pointer.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium to large-sized dog breed that was developed in Germany in the mid-19th century for hunting.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is an intelligent, bold, energetic, free-spirited, docile and easy to train dog.
Although good with older children, they can be a bit boisterous with younger children and babies.
They are enthusiastic about both work and play. Their people-pleasing nature makes them anxious and destructive if left alone for long periods of time, so plenty of companionship, exercise and training are key to unlocking their true potential.
16. Collie/Keeshond.
Competing for 16th place are the Collie and Keeshond; a pair of fluffy and adorable dogs.
Collies originated in Scotland in the 18th century. They were primarily bred as working dogs, but today they make great companions or family pets.
When most people think of Collies, they automatically think of Lassie.
Collies are emotionally intelligent and get along with people. They have an uncanny ability to read their owners’ minds. If they see a need, they will take the lead.
The Keeshond is a medium-sized dog with a silver and black double coat and a bushy, curled tail that originated in the Netherlands. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930.
Collies originated in Scotland in the 18th century. They were primarily bred as working dogs, but today they make great companion dogs or family pets.
When most people think of Collies, they automatically think of Lassie.
Collies are emotionally intelligent and get along with people. They have an uncanny ability to read their owners’ minds. If they see a need, they will take the lead.
The Keeshond is a medium-sized dog with a silver and black double coat and a bushy, curled tail that originated in the Netherlands. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930.
They are outgoing, affectionate, intelligent, and full of life, making them perfect family pets. However, their affectionate temperaments make them extremely trusting of most humans, so they are not effective guard dogs.
In addition to being great family pets, the Keeshond’s intelligence and keen observation skills make it a great dog to walk the obedience ring, show ring, and in racing competitions.
15. Belgian Shepherd/Schipperke.
Tied for 15th place are the Belgian Shepherd and the Schipperke.
The Belgian Shepherd, also known as the Belgian Shepherd Dog, is a medium to large-sized dog breed; one of four types of sheepdogs created in Belgium in the late 1800s to herd livestock.
Easily recognizable by its unique black coat, the Belgian Shepherd is a loyal, active and intelligent dog that loves children and gets along well with other pets and animals.
In contrast, the Schipperke is a small breed of dog that is descended from the Belgian Shepherd, and is mainly kept as a guard dog and companion dog.
The small size and cute appearance are the reasons for the popularity of this breed, but the intelligence and curiosity of the Schipperke are almost unmatched by other small breeds.
14. Belgian Tervuren.
Easily recognizable by its unique black coat, the Belgian Shepherd is a loyal, active and intelligent dog that loves children and gets along well with other pets and animals.
In contrast, the Schipperke is a small breed of dog that is descended from the Belgian Shepherd, and is mainly kept as a guard dog and companion dog.
The small size and cute appearance are the reasons for the breed’s popularity, but the intelligence and curiosity of the Schipperke are almost unrivaled by other small breeds.
14. Belgian Tervuren.
Easily recognizable by its unique black coat, the Belgian Sheepdog is a loyal, active, and intelligent dog that loves children and gets along well with other pets and animals.
In contrast, the Schipperke is a small breed of dog that is descended from the Belgian Sheepdog, and is primarily bred as a guard dog and companion dog.
The small size and cute appearance are the reasons for the breed’s popularity, but the intelligence and curiosity of the Schipperke are almost unrivaled by other small breeds.
13. English Springer Spaniel.
The beloved English Springer Spaniel originated in mid-18th century England and was bred to hunt and rescue wild animals on the land.
They are intelligent, enthusiastic, and eager to please. They usually get along well with children if raised together, and they are very affectionate with the whole family.
The English Springer Spaniel is also known to get along well with other pets in the house – that is, all pets except birds, since they were bred to hunt birds.
The English Springer Spaniel is a very intelligent and obedient dog. Quick to learn and adapt, as well as eager to please and follow commands, the English Springer Spaniel is a great dog to have.
12. Miniature Schnauzer.
A cross between the Standard Schnauzer and one or two smaller breeds, the Miniature Schnauzer is a small German dog that was originally used as a rat-catching dog.
These dogs pack great intelligence, affection, and temperament into a small package.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a courageous dog with good guarding instincts, with no tendency to nip or bite. Although they are active and lively most of the time, they can be a bit aloof and need a little solitude from time to time.
Due to their high intelligence and good temperament, they are one of the cutest and most popular dog breeds in the world.
A cross between the Standard Schnauzer and one or two smaller breeds, the Miniature Schnauzer is a small German dog that was originally used as a rat-catching dog.
These dogs have great intelligence, affection and character in a small body.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a courageous dog with good guarding instincts, not prone to biting or biting. Although they are active and lively most of the time, they can be a bit aloof and need a little solitude from time to time.
Due to their high intelligence and good temperament, they are one of the cutest and most popular dog breeds in the world.
Another herding breed is the Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler, which was developed in Australia to herd cattle over long distances.
This beautiful Australian breed is not usually the best choice for first-time dog owners or those with a laid-back lifestyle, but it is one of the best breeds for those with an active lifestyle.
11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pembroke Welsh Corgis (or Corg Welshies as my elderly neighbor likes to call them) originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Their bloodlines date back to 1107 AD. They are one of the oldest and smallest herding breeds in the world.
Easily distinguished by their unique large erect ears and small, squat body, Pembroke Welsh Corgis love attention and are always eager to learn, adapt, and train.
They are also famous for being favored by the British royal family for over 70 years.
They are active, affectionate, and agile herders who are loving and compassionate but not overly clingy.
They are known to be affectionate and intelligent, but can be stubborn at times. They are trainable, but not entirely submissive. They like to walk around with their heads held high, which may just be a side effect of all the British royalty they hang out with.
10. Australian Cattle Dog.
Another herding breed, the Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler, was developed in Australia to herd cattle over long distances.
This beautiful Australian breed is often not the best choice for new dog owners or those with a laid-back lifestyle, but it is one of the best breeds for those with an active lifestyle.
Because they are working dogs by nature, Blue Heelers need a lot of attention, training, exercise, and affection to develop into well-behaved dogs. If neglected, they tend to become distracted, reckless, and can even become aggressive towards people and other animals.
When properly socialized and trained, Australian Cattle Dogs are known for their endurance, strength, intelligence, and trainability.
9. Rottweiler.
Originating in Germany, the Rottweiler is a large, strong, muscular dog that was bred by German breeders to pull sleds.
Fierce and powerful, yet loving and affectionate, Rottweilers are excellent dogs that can serve as both a working dog and a family pet. They are known to be especially gentle and patient with children when properly socialized as puppies.
Rottweilers are highly intelligent and easy to train. With strict and consistent training, a Rottie will learn to coexist peacefully with any other animal in the household.
Today, thanks to their friendly temperament, excellent intelligence, and willingness to work, Rottweilers are often used as guide dogs, therapy dogs, police dogs, and search and rescue dogs.
8. The Papillon Butterfly.
Originally bred in France to catch rats, the Papillon is a popular breed of dog known for its playful temperament and friendly demeanor.
Distinguished by their unique butterfly-like appearance, with long, pointed ears, the Papillon is a member of the Toy Spaniel family.
Although they may be small in stature, they make up for it with their Big and smart.
In fact, there was a Papillon who was the first and only dog in recorded history to win all three major international dog shows in a single year.
Another Papillon is said to have broken the breed record at the WKC dog show.
Thanks to their high intelligence and great adaptability, Papillons learn extremely quickly. Incredibly, the average Papillon learns a new command in less than five repetitions.
So the next time someone says you need a big brain to have a high IQ, tell them about the little but almost genius Papillon and leave them in awe.
7. Labrador Retriever.
The Labrador Retriever (also commonly known as the Lab) originated in the 1830s in Canada, where they were bred to hunt waterfowl.
Today, it is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.
Although the breed’s name refers to the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the ICF recognizes the origins of the Lab as being from England.
They were bred in the 1830s when the St. John’s Water Dog was crossed with the English Hound to create what we now know as the Labrador Retriever.
This is a beautiful, intelligent, and elegant dog that is great with children and other pets, making it a good fit for any family.
This breed is relatively easy to train due to its sociable temperament and love of being loved and fed.
They need plenty of exercise and mobility to stay happy, healthy, and agile. If neglected, their laid-back nature can cause them to become sluggish and disinterested in daily activities, which is why it is important to spend plenty of time playing and walking with them.
Known for their high intelligence and friendly temperament, Labrador Retrievers are often trained as special service dogs and guide dogs.
6. Shetland Sheepdog.
The Shetland Sheepdog (also known as the Sheltie) is a small to medium-sized dog breed originating from the Shetland Islands of Scotland, where they were bred to be working dogs for herding and farming.
The Sheltie is an active, sensitive, and high-energy dog breed that is always ready to learn, play, and work hard.
They are extremely intelligent, agile, and obedient. Shelties are so loyal that they are often referred to as their owner’s shadow.
In fact, Shelties are known to be a little too smart for their own good. It’s no wonder they top the list of the 20 smartest dog breeds in the world.
This is a dog with a purpose. Without adequate mental stimulation, Shelties will quickly become disinterested or bored, and will invent their own entertainment when left alone, which, for the most part, will not be to their owner’s liking.
5. Doberman Pinscher.
Named after a German tax collector, the Doberman is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in Germany in the 1890s. They were primarily bred to be guard dogs.
They were originally trained to be fierce and intimidating, but today they are known for their friendly temperament, making them great family pets.
The average dog can learn a new command after 25 to 40 repetitions, while the Doberman Pinscher can learn a new command after less than five repetitions. The average dog asked to perform a known command will obey 50% of the time, while the Doberman will perform the task 95% of the time.
Dobermans are excellent working dogs and excel in almost every AKC working dog event they compete in, including flyball, dock diving, discus, barn hunting, and many more.
Because they are extremely intelligent, obedient, and capable, they are one of the breeds favored by the U.S. military and many other private organizations around the world for use as police dogs, bomb detection dogs, working dogs, and more.
In fact, one of the most famous search and rescue dogs involved in the recovery efforts at the scene of the 9/11 terrorist attacks was a Doberman Pinscher.
4. Golden Retriever.
The Golden Retriever is a large dog breed that originated in Scotland in the late 1800s. They were originally bred to hunt and retrieve waterfowl.
They are excellent swimmers and are full of energy, and they can be trained to perform all sorts of tasks. Goldies are known to be great police dogs, sniffer dogs, and search and rescue dogs, to great therapy dogs and all-around family pets.
Affable, lovable, easygoing, and generally goofy, the Golden Retriever is an extremely popular choice for families around the world.
The Golden Retriever can take on many roles including hunting, threat detection, assistance, search and rescue, therapy, and more.
3. German Shepherd.
The German Shepherd Dog (Alsatian) originated in the late 1800s in Germany, where they were bred as an active herding dog.
Despite their fierce appearance, both male and female German Shepherds are very sensitive and intuitive.
Although they were primarily bred to herd livestock, today German Shepherds are widely used by police and military because of their innate intelligence, excellent sense of smell, and ability to follow commands quickly and accurately.
German Shepherds are very active dogs that need a lot of daily exercise if they are to develop into well-behaved adult dogs. So if you live in an apartment or small house, make sure to take them for a walk or a long run every day.
However, despite their energy, German Shepherds also need a well-deserved rest after a long day at the office.
2. Poodle.
Although known as the French Poodle, this beautiful, curly-haired hunting dog actually originated in Germany. It is believed that they have been around since the 15th century.
Poodles are one of the most popular show dogs in the world, as well as being one of the most popular choices for family pets.
They are known for their intelligence and ability to quickly learn new tricks and commands.
Like all dog breeds, they need plenty of training, socialization, and mental stimulation to maintain a healthy body and mind.
In addition to being known as a great dog with children, they are also known to be hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for families with children who are sensitive to dog hair.
1. Border Collie.
The Border Collie originated around 2,000 years ago in the ancient Roman Empire. Then, around 1200 years ago, they were bred and developed in Scotland into what they are today… the perfect herding dog.
Their incredible intelligence makes them great for herding, working, guarding, therapy, and search and rescue.
You name it, they can do it all! This is why the Border Collie deserves to be at the top of our list of the smartest dog breeds in the world.
Since Border Collies are very active dogs, they need active owners who are willing to exercise them daily.
People who enjoy camping, running, hiking, or any outdoor activity will find that the Border Collie is the perfect companion dog for them.
When deprived of mental and physical stimulation, Border Collies will exhibit obsessive and destructive behaviors as they seek creative outlets for their pent-up energy.
To give you an idea of how smart these puppies are, here are some fun facts. A Border Collie named Betsy was reported to be able to learn over 340 words and act on them when humans said them, while another Border Collie named Chaser was able to recognize 1022 different toys.
How to Test Your Dog’s Intelligence
Now that you know the 20 smartest dog breeds in the world, if your furry friend isn’t one of them, you’re probably wondering how smart your dog really is.
One way to test your puppy’s intelligence is to take an IQ test that consists of five separate tasks. Try it and see how smart your puppy is.
Test #1
This is a test of your dog’s problem-solving abilities.
Get a large towel or blanket and let your dog sniff and get used to it.
Once done, put the blanket over your dog’s head. Have a stopwatch ready to measure how long it takes your dog to get off the blanket.
Scores:
• If your dog gets off the blanket in less than 15 seconds, give him 3 points
• If it takes between 15 and 30 seconds, your dog gets 2 points
• If it takes your dog longer than 30 seconds, give him 1 point for trying
Test #2
Again, have a stopwatch ready to measure your dog’s speed in this test.
Place a treat under a towel on the ground and wait to see how long it takes your dog to find and get the treat.
Again, have a stopwatch ready to measure your dog’s speed in this test.
Place a treat under a towel on the ground and wait to see how long it takes your dog to find and get the treat.
Scores:
• Under 15 seconds – 3 points
• 15 to 60 seconds – 2 points
• Over 60 seconds – 1 point
Test #3
This is a test of your dog’s ability to remember information.
Take three empty cups and place them upside down on the floor, side by side.
Place a treat under one of the cups in front of your puppy, then distract him for a few seconds before starting the test.
Scores:
• If he chooses the correct cup on the first try – 3 points
• If he tries an empty cup first, but then finds the treat – 2 points
• If he finds the treat on the third try – 1 point
Test #4
This is a test of your dog’s reasoning and determination your dog.
Place a tasty dog treat within reach under a lower piece of furniture like a sofa where your dog can see it, then start a timer.
Scores:
• If it takes less than a minute for the dog to get the treat with just its paw – 3 points
• If it tries to reach it with both its mouth and front paws – 2 points
• If it gives up trying to reach it or doesn’t try at all – 1 point
Test #5
Place a large piece of cardboard with a narrow slit cut into it where you will feed your dog.
The barrier should be higher than the dog so it can’t jump over it, and the slit should be narrower than the dog’s head so it can’t squeeze through.
Start a timer and remind your dog to reach the treat in exactly 60 seconds.
Score:
• If it figures out it needs to go around the barrier to get to the treat in less than 30 seconds – 3 points
• If it takes more than 30 seconds – 2 points
• If your dog tries to squeeze through the gap, jump over the gap, or go straight through the barrier – 1 point
Final Score
To determine your dog’s overall IQ score, add up the scores from all five tests and compare them to the final score below:
• Total of 13 – 15 points: Your dog is a true genius.
• Total of 9–12 points: Your dog isn’t quite as smart as Hawking, but he’s still pretty smart.
• Total of 5–8 points: Your dog is of average intelligence.
• Total of 1–4 points: Your dog is a special snowflake; he may need some help figuring things out. Luckily, it doesn’t take intelligence to be cute, adorable, and lovable, which is the most important thing.
Conclusion
Even if your best friend doesn’t make the list of the 20 smartest dog breeds in the world, you don’t have to despair.
Every dog is smart in his own way, and sometimes he might even surprise you. Maybe he just likes to play dumb to avoid his responsibilities, or he’s simply so smart that he finds arbitrary tasks and tests demeaning and unsuitable for his intellectual capacity.
Whatever the case, you now know the 20 smartest dog breeds in the world.
Armed with this new knowledge, you’ll be ready the next time someone brings up the subject of dog intelligence.
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