In his 1994 book The Intelligence of Dogs, canine psychologist Stanley Coren examines the intelligence of dogs across three main categories: instinctive intelligence (a dog’s ability to do the tasks it was bred for, such as herding, pointing, fetching, guarding or providing companionship); adaptive intelligence (a dog’s ability to solve problems independently); and working and obedience intelligence (a dog’s ability to learn from humans).
- How smart are cats? Why they not only understand what you say but can outsmart you too
- Top 10 most intelligent wild animals in Britain
He supplied evaluation requests to the American Kennel Club and Canadian Club trial judges, creating a list of the most intelligent dog breeds.
We have used these results as the basis for our round-up of the smartest dog breeds.
Smartest dog breeds
Border collie
Border collies are one of the smartest dog breeds out there, bred to herd sheep to support farmers. They're easy to train and have a strong work ethic, making them a very common feature of any obedience competitions and other canine sports. Border collies are also among the healthiest dog breeds.
Poodle
With the right direction, poodles are easy to train and are quick learners. They are active, so need plenty of stimulation, but they're good family dogs for those with young children.
Plus, poodles don't shed, so they're a good hypoallergenic dog option for those with allergies.
German shepherd
German shepherds have a reputation around the world as a service dog, thanks to their intelligence and trainability. Originally bred for herding, German shepherds work with the police and armed forces, as well as with those with mobility needs. Not only are they easily trainable, German shepherds also have a strong bond with their owner, which makes them excellent service dogs. They're also among the most popular dog breeds in the UK.
However, German shepherds are prone to health problems and we named them one of the unhealthiest dog breeds
Golden retriever
The loyal golden retriever learns quickly and often outperforms other retrievers in obedience contests. They are affable but intelligent, and are one of the leading guide dog breeds for the blind.
Doberman
The elegant Doberman was bred as a fearless protector, excelling in obedience. They are quick learners and responders, but they must be socialised early as they can become difficult to manage if not raised properly. Dobermans are also incredibly speedy, and one of the fastest dog breeds in the world.
Shetland sheepdog
Another herding dog, the Sheltie is clever and agile, similar to the border collie.
Find out more about sheepdog trials here.
- Weirdest (yet wonderful) looking dog breeds
- Royal dogs: 11 breeds adored by the British Monarchy, from King Charles' Jack Russell Terriers to Queen Elizabeth II's Corgis
- Surely animals need a brain to be clever? Not always... Discover some remarkably clever, yet brainless animals
- Are cleverer animals better at crossing roads?
Top image: A border collie giving the paw (credit: Getty Images)
