The top 10 smartest dog breeds are an interesting group that any dog lover will enjoy learning about. The most popular dogs in the world, according to the American Kennel Club, are usually not the smartest dogs out there! The smartest dog breeds tend to be a bit more rare than other breeds, but they can make great family pets if you’re looking for an energetic and affectionate companion who loves to learn new things. These pups don’t mind being left alone while you’re at work all day either, unlike some of the more high-maintenance pooches out there!
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1) Border Collie
This highly intelligent dog breed is known for its exceptional focus, as well as a tendency to herd animals and children. The Border Collie can even learn to understand and obey over 250 spoken commands! If you’re looking for a smart dog that’s also energetic, playful, and loyal, look no further than a Border Collie. Also consider: Miniature Schnauzer
2) Poodle
Poodles are a popular dog breed, but did you know they’re also one of the smartest? Research suggests that Poodles are in fact among one of smartest dog breeds. An independent study conducted by Stanley Coren found that Poodles were consistently ranked as highly intelligent. While there may be numerous dog breeds out there, we can say with confidence that these top dogs are among some of the best choices when it comes to intelligence.
3) German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is one of most intelligent dog breeds. The German shepherd dogs are a popular choice for many police departments and military handlers around the world because of their ability to learn quickly and perform highly disciplined tasks. Training can take a bit longer, but it will be worth it when you see how your dog learns! They are top contenders for being one of the smartest dog breeds in existence today. You can check some of badass German shepherd names here.
4) Golden Retriever
The highest-ranking dog on our list, goldens rank ninth in intelligence out of all dog breeds—so they’re not only one of America’s most popular dogs, but also some of its smartest. (And no wonder: their owners report that they’re eager to please and get along well with other family pets.) More good news for goldens: They have a short coat that requires minimal maintenance and sheds little, plus long life expectancy (10 to 13 years).
5) Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is one of the most popular dog breeds in America. They were originally bred to be guard dogs and herders, but are now known as great family pets. The Doberman Pinscher can learn up to 200 different commands, although they’re not always known for listening. They have great physical strength, a good amount of speed and endurance, but little stamina. They are average barkers and make good watchdogs thanks to their aggressive demeanors.
6) Shetland Sheepdog
While Shetland Sheepdogs are notoriously cute, they’re also a lot smarter than you might expect. Shelties love to work and thrive on challenges, so if you want a dog that’s eager to learn and show off its smarts, you can’t go wrong with one of these top 10 smartest dog breeds. The Shetland Sheepdog was bred for herding cattle in northern Scotland; nowadays, though, it makes an excellent watchdog.
7) Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is one of Australia’s most popular dog breeds, and with good reason. Originally used to herd cattle, Australian Cattle Dogs are also great at performing other tasks on farms, including herding sheep. They are smart dogs that require a lot of exercise. A trained Australian Cattle Dog is a great companion for an active family.
8) Papillon
The butterfly dog is a small, butterfly-shaped dog that’s very quick on its feet. In fact, when they were first introduced to American breeders in 1903, they were said to be able to jump over 25-inch high hurdles. This breed also learns tricks easily and responds well to clicker training. Because of their small size (they stand at 8–10 inches tall), they can fit into any home.
9) Bulldog
Bulldogs are one of America’s most popular dog breeds—but they’re also one of America’s smartest. According to a study conducted by The Kennel Club, these dogs have scored in over 12% higher than other dogs in breed recognition tests. What does that mean for owners? It means there are fewer accidents; Bulldogs are highly motivated to please their owners, which leads them to seek out praise and rewards when they do something right.
10) Beagle
No list of dog breeds would be complete without mentioning Beagles, those cute floppy-eared dogs with a keen sense of smell. Why? Because they’re one of America’s favorite breeds, according to AKC. Known for their friendly personalities and gentle demeanor, these dogs make great family pets—unless you have food in your hand! (Did we mention they have a keen sense of smell?)
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