Smart Dogs Are the Best Dogs. So, Which Are the Smartest?

Retrievers are among smartest dogs breed

There’s something to be said for a dog that can not only be trained to fetch, sit, shake and stand but that can also be trained to hunt, herd and herald. Okay, maybe training dog to do each of those latter three things is a bit over the top and unnecessary in today’s day and age, but it proves a point: dogs that can be trained to hunt and herd are generally quick studies. Moreover, they are dogs that are eager to please, which means they have the willingness to learn whatever it is that their owners want to teach them.

While you may love your beagle or adore your bulldog, you’re not exactly going to be bragging about their intelligence. There are certain breeds that are just inherently smarter than others and that, with the proper training, can be taught to do just about anything.

If you’re looking to adopt a smart dog, consider these:

Top 10 Most Intelligent Dog Breeds

1. Rottweiler

Used in ancient times to herd cattle and pull carts, the Rottweiler is a workhorse of a dog who appreciates having a job to do. Dogs of this breed make great police dogs, service dogs and herders, though they make ideal family pets too. After a long day in the field, Rottweilers just want a family to go home to and cuddle up with. With the right training, Rotties can be taught to proceed with caution and to approach unfamiliar situations quietly and with a “wait and see” attitude.

 

2. Papillion

Though he may be small, the Papillion has above average intelligence. With a tough demeanor that’s commonly found in larger dogs and a heart a size to match, the Papillion is fiercely loyal and protective. However, that doesn’t mean that he has to be kept at home. Highly trainable, the Papillion can be taught when and when not to respond with aggression, making him the ideal travel mate.

As if his above average intelligence isn’t enough to make him the ideal canine to adopt, dogs of his breed are adorable, with a fine-boned structure, butterfly-like ears and a lively personality to match.

 

3. Shetland Sheepdog

Energetic, playful, beautiful and intelligent, the Shetland Sheepdog seems to have it all. Bred to herd sheep, this pooch takes his abilities into the home, keeping an ever-watchful eye on his humans and interacting with little ones as naturally as if they were her own. She loves to learn new tricks and to demonstrate her abilities through constant physical and mental stimulation. She is loyal and affectionate, but also very protective, making her an excellent guard dog in addition to everything else.

 

4.      Doberman Pinscher

You may think of the Doberman as being a snarling, barking beast, but the truth is that he is a gentle, fun-loving pooch that just wants to serve and protect—hence his history as the go-to canine for police forces and armies alike. The Doberman can be trained to be dominant, docile or a mixture of both. They are fearless and obedient, and just want to please their humans. At the end of the day, when everyone is home and safe and sound, dogs of this breed will be happy to play and cuddle with adults and children alike.

 

5.      German Shepherd

Today’s go-to canine for police forces, the German Shepherd is a brilliant and loyal breed that can be trained to do everything from sniff out illegal substances to guard the front door. Smart, courageous and dependable, dogs of this breed can be counted on to remain steadfast and loyal no matter the situation. Give your shepherd direction and purpose by assigning them new “tasks” on a routine basis. The last thing you want to happen is for your shepherd to grow bored, as this will cause them to act out in unfavorable ways. German Shepherds are extremely protective by nature, so begin training early on, teaching them when it is and is not acceptable to “attack,” so to speak.

 

6.      Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog was bred to control and herd cattle, which requires strategic thinking, independence, alertness and resourcefulness. Additionally, such a job requires agility, speed and strength, each of which today’s dogs of this breed still possess. These canines are just as happy working on the farm as they are entertaining and watching over their people—both adults and children alike. However, make sure this pooch always has a job to do, as the breed tends to bore easily and as you know, boredom leads to trouble…

One of the best traits that this dog possess is its organization skills. Once it’s done playing with its toys, you’ll notice that he puts them back where they belong, something that most human children (or adults for that matter) have yet to master.

 

7.      Labrador Retriever

The Lab, as it is affectionately called, is one of the most popular family dog breeds in the world, and for good reason. The Labrador Retriever is intelligent, affectionate, patient and gentle, which is why families with small children opt to adopt dogs of this breed first. Moreover, labs are easily trainable, so you won’t have to worry about changing diapers and cleaning up dog messes. Aside from being easily housetrained, these dogs can be trained for search and rescue, to assist the disabled or even to perform cool tricks that will keep your children entertained for hours. It doesn’t matter what mental stimulation you opt to provide for your pooch, as long as you’re providing mental stimulation, period.

 

8.      Golden Retriever

The Golden is right up there with the lab as one of the world’s favorite family dogs. Intelligent, gentle and loyal, the Golden Retriever makes an excellent companion for adults, children and the disabled. Many individuals train their retrievers to be service dogs, as they are a quick study and highly obedient. However, the Golden is just as apt to act like a clown as it is to be serious, giving them a human-like quality not found in other pooches.

 

9.      Poodle

The Poodle is proud, active, beautiful and, above all, intelligent. Unfortunately, most non-poodle owners associate the breed with ridiculous hairdos and dyed fur, but those who adopt this type of canine know the truth: poodles are steadfast, loyal and highly trainable. They even make effective guard dogs. In fact, the silly hairdo you associate with poodles serves a purpose: to help it swim more effectively while still keeping enough fur to protect its organs when out on the hunt. In addition to serving in more practical roles, the poodle has also proven to be a very effective circus dog, as it enjoys creative play and fun in addition to hard work.

 

10. Border Collie

Border Collies are universally believed to be the most intelligent dog breed out there. Bred to think independently and forced to work alone to herd a flock of sheep, these dogs possess innate problem-solving capabilities that enabled them to maintain control of their flock without the assistance of humans. Because of their workaholic nature, border collies need a purpose at all times. They do best with owners who are as high energy and driven as them, and who enjoy participating in dog sports. While this breed is good with young children, young children frustrate them, as they are unable to control children by “herding” them.

If you’re looking for a smart dog, or just a pure bred, loyal companion, look no further than CT Breeder. We breed nothing but the most sought after breeds, breeds that are recognized for their companionship, loyalty, intelligence and trainability. To speak with one of our knowledgeable breeders about the qualities your looking for in a furry friend, or to schedule a meet and greet with our pooches today, call (203) 636-0128 now.

Posted by
olesia@themammothgroup.com

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