TOP 10 Most Intelligent Dog Breeds :
10. Bloodhound :
The American Kennel Club has them placed above Rottweilers when it comes to smarts. The breed is known for their adorably floppy appearance. Bloodhounds have a renowned sense of smell. They're so skilled that a bloodhound's "testimony" is admissible evidence in court.
9. Rottweiler :
The rottweiler is a powerful breed that finds the most happiness when they're put to work. Rottweilers' intelligence makes them natural born guard dogs. The pups quickly evaluate strangers and weight their threat. They've got a natural inclination to protect their family.
8. Papillon :
Papillons are the eighth smartest breed according to the study compiled in The Intelligence of Dogs. The breed is teeny, tiny and filled with energy, but they're also super smart. Papillons are eager to please, making them highly trainable and a favorite for performance competitions and family pets.
7. Labrador Retriever :
Labrador retrievers are another intelligent breed that was bred for a job. Today, labs still have jobs which they excel at because of their smarts and desire to please. They're primarily used for hunting, search and rescue efforts, narcotics detection and as service dogs.
6. Shetland Sheepdog :
These little balls of fluff are smaller than collies but have the same herding, obedience and agility. Through years of selective breeding to bolster their work abilities, the breed is highly intelligent. They're also affectionate and loyal.
5. Doberman Pinscher :
The American Kennel Club regards Dobermans as alert, fearless, loyal and highly trainable. These are marks of superior intelligence. Couple that with their speed and athleticism, and you've got a powerhouse for the police and military.
4. Golden Retriever :
They're are regularly used as guide dogs and in search and rescue efforts. As a result of their lineage, golden retrievers are highly intelligent and trainable. They're even smart enough to forgive mistakes of inexperienced trainers and are marked by their overall friendliness.
3. German Shepherd :
These playful pups are used by police officers for the most important of tasks – from finding sniffing out bombs and illegal drugs to finding missing people and aiding the handicapped. These highly trainable dogs have unmatched devotion and courage.
2. Poodle :
Poodles may look like they enjoy a life of lounging in luxury but these dogs were bred to do a job. As a result of their lineage, they're super smart, calmly obedient and very trainable. They're so smart that they get pretty depressed when they're left alone.
1. Border Collie :
Border collies clock in at number one on Stanley Coren, PhD's list of brightest breeds in The Intelligence of Dogs. Between their intelligence and work ethic, these dogs are powerhouses, but really need a job and a purpose to feel fulfilled.
