10 Most Intelligent Dog Breeds

Are you thinking of getting a dog for a pet? You can choose just about any breed from your local shelter but you might want to consider getting one of the most intelligent dogs today. The following are your top choices. These dogs have been studied in terms of obedience and trainability. These are the breeds that will understand new commands in under 5 repetitions. They will also obey first commands 95% of the time or perform even better.

1. Border Collie

This is a herding dog breed that was originally used for herding sheep. It is a widespread fact that Bordier Collies are extremely intuitive and that they are one of the most intelligent dog breeds today. They have a life span of 12 to 15 years and the male can weigh up to 45 pounds. Due to their herding nature, they demand a good amount of daily physical exercise and other activities that stimulate their brain. They can be perfect pets but owners need to provide them the right amount of physical and mental exercise. Otherwise, they can become neurotic.

2. Poodle

These extremely adorable type of retriever dog is the second most intelligent dog breed. There are many types of poodles according to size and coat; there are standard, toy, and miniature poodles. They are believed to have originated from Germany. They are known for their keen instincts and their usefulness in hunting. They can also easily be trained to do tricks. In fact, there are circuses where you can see many impressive performing poodles. Aside from being intelligent and friendly, poodles also shed hair in amounts that typically will not cause allergies.

3. German Shepherd

German Shepherd Dogs or Alsatians are herding dogs that are large in size and can weigh up to 88 pounds. Females can weigh up to 71 pounds. They are one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs but they are actually quite young in terms of lineage. It is said that their kind was not bred until 1899. This took place in Germany. Due to their intelligence, they are now popular for working as police dogs, guards, and search and rescue dogs. Even though they are large, they are protective and can socialize well even with children. They are extremely loyal.

4. Golden Retriever

As the name suggests, this breed of dog are retrievers or gun dogs. They were bred to retrieve game birds while one hunts or shoot waterfowl. Because of this purpose, golden retrievers are known to have soft mouths. They are also quite easy to train and very friendly. They are ideal pets for families even with very young members. A golden retriever’s friendliness can even extend to other species; they have been known to play surrogate mothers to cats and other smaller animals. They are also ideal seeing eye dogs, drug detectors, and search and rescue dogs.

5. Doberman Pinscher

Also known simply as Doberman, these dogs are large-sized and can weigh up to 100 pounds. Aside from being one of the smartest, these dogs are also quite common in the world. These dogs were originally bred to be guard dogs; hence, the size. But they are very easy to train and are ideal family dogs. In separate canine intelligence studies, it has been established that this breed is playful and has low aggression level. They also scored high in trainability and following commands.

6. Shetland Sheepdog

A herding breed, these dogs work hard and are eager to please their owners. They are also quite energetic . They love to herd just about anything, from their owners to children to ducks to cars. They are ideal family dogs but they require stimulation and at best, a sensitive owner. They are great with children but they do need their daily physical and mental exercise. Otherwise, they can become quite annoying because they can get nervous and bark at everything.

7. Labrador Retriever

Also known as Labrador or Lab, this gun dog was bred for use in hunting and retrieving fishing nets. Perhaps due to the fact that they are retrievers, they have developed a way to hold things in their mouths quite gently.It is believed that this breed has been in existence since before 1814. The ancestors of the Labs today were called St. John’s dogs. They were found to be extremely useful in retrieving fowl, especially from the water. The modern Labrador Retriever is a medium-sized dog but the males can weigh up to 130 pounds.  Their life span is 10 to 12 years.

8. Papillon

With its ancestors dating as far back as the 15th century, this small dog breed is a popular dog of the royalty. There are several paintings and royal photos showing papillons in all their bushy-haired glory. They are also called Continental Toy Spaniel. Aside from being known for their association with royalties, papillons today are popular for being agile and obedient. They make wonderful show dogs.

9. Rottweiler

First bred in Rottweil, Germany, they used to be called “butcher” dogs. This was because they were used to pull carts that contained butchered meat and other items that were being taken to the market. They are medium to large-sized dogs and can weigh up to 105 pounds. They are one of the dog breeds today that are quite easy to train and eager to please their masters. They are also friendly, obedient, and alert. They look scary but perhaps this is due to the fact that Rottweilers have been portrayed as aggressive dogs in the media.

10. Australian Cattle Dog

Another herding breed, the Australian Cattle Dog is known for their energy and intelligence. They are fearless and can be great family dogs. They are also known to be happy dogs that are extremely affectionate. Because they are herding dogs, it is important that they always have something to do.   They are delightful dogs to teach dog sports and tricks. If they are bored or if they want something to do, they will bark in a high-pitched manner. Their bark can get annoying so it’s best to keep the Australian Cattle Dog mentally or physically stimulated.

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