Ask any dog lover what makes pups perfect, and they’ll happily rattle off a long list of charms. Loyalty, unconditional love, friendship, and those irresistible puppy dog eyes are big selling points. But when it comes to brainpower, undeniably, certain breeds stand out from the canine crowd.
Whether you’re teaching your old dog new tricks or training a puppy to learn a few basic commands, some dogs catch on faster than others. Are you curious to see if your pup is one of the brainiest breeds? Or maybe you’re thinking about adopting a dog and wondering which pups shine when it comes to trainability and problem-solving.
Either way, this list gives you the rundown on the 15 smartest dog breeds and the factors that measure a pup’s intelligence. Does your dog make the list?
How Do You Measure a Dog’s Intelligence?
Before we start talking about the most intelligent dog breeds, it’s worth taking a minute to discuss what makes a smart dog smart. In other words, how do you measure a pup’s intelligence to see where they stack up against other pups?
Dr. Stanley Coren, an expert in psychology and dog research, discusses three main areas used to measure canine brain power in his book The Intelligence of Dogs.
Adaptive Intelligence
- What your dog learns from their environment
- Problem-solving skills
- How readily your dog adapts to new situations
Instinctive Intelligence
- How well your dog does what they were bred to do (for example, hunting, retrieving, herding, guarding, etc.)
Working and Obedience Abilities
- How well (and how quickly) your pup responds to formal training, obedience training
Of course, every dog is unique, and some are quicker studies than others, regardless of breed. For example, maybe you marvel at how quickly your pooch works a treat puzzle or learns how to retrieve their leash when they want to go on a walk.
Maybe you’re stunned to realize your Lab knows how to open the fridge (so that’s what happened to the leftovers!). Or you discover you can teach your Chihuahua to scoot their food dish to you when they’re ready for lunch.
In other words, any dog can be one smart cookie. However, this list of the smartest dogs gives you a good idea of what you could expect from your pup based on their breed.
Top 15 Smartest Dog Breeds
This rundown on brainy breeds might help you decide whether you want to teach your pup yourself or find a trainer for your dog. Although don't let this list be the only thing that makes up your mind. You need to consider your pup’s personality and trainability, because they might surprise you.
1. Border Collie
The friendly Border Collie is famous for their herding abilities. This pup is also a quick learner and possesses exceptional problem-solving skills. They catch on fast to new commands, and they do well in obedience and agility competitions.
2. Poodle
Poodles have always had a reputation for being one of the smartest dog breeds around. Perhaps it’s because they’re so eager to please, or maybe it’s their incredible memory, or that they excel at picking up on cues. Whether you’re looking at a Standard Poodle or one of the miniature or toy varieties, all of them are potential brainiacs.
3. German Shepherd
It likely comes as no surprise that German Shepherds made this list, since they’re a popular pick for police K-9 units. This pooch is a great contender to join the force thanks to their strong work ethic, loyalty, bravery, and high trainability.
German Shepherds are often bred for service work and military or police jobs, in part because of their strong protective drive. They also can stay very focused amidst distractions, which is a major bonus when it comes to teaching them new behaviors.
4. Golden Retriever
One of the most recognizable, popular breeds of all time, Golden Retrievers (or Goldens or Goldies if you prefer) are affectionate, loyal, and compassionate. Goldens are easy to train and love to please their pet parents.
They also read people very well. Therefore, they’re often attuned to their owners’ feelings and needs, making them a go-to for therapy animals and guide dogs.
5. Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans are often seen as fierce guard dogs, but they are actually very affectionate and loyal to their human companions. However, they need plenty of mental stimulation and guidance to appease their exceptional problem-solving abilities. Dobermans are alert and fast learners, making them very trainable, but it’s important to make sure they know who’s in charge.
6. Shetland Sheepdog
These compact pups have a strong herding instinct and do well in obedience competitions and agility sports. They’re extremely agile and alert, with plenty of energy, so lots of exercise and mental stimulation are priorities. Shetland Sheepdogs are quick learners, with bright minds and happy hearts.
7. Labrador Retriever
It's a popular opinion that Labs are great family dogs thanks to their gentle demeanors, easygoing attitudes, and playful personalities. But these sociable pups are also very responsive to training and learning new things. Labrador Retrievers are often used as service animals and for detection work.
8. Papillon
One of the littlest pups to make this list, the precious Papillon is an alert, intelligent, tiny but mighty breed. Papillons are curious and quick to learn, making them top performers in many dog sports.
9. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are a hardworking, confident breed of dogs that have a strong loyalty to their owners. They’re very smart and learn quickly, but they need a pet parent who offers experience and structure to keep them properly stimulated and focused.
These dogs often get a bad rep for being dangerous. But Rotties can be very sweet and loving with proper guidance, training, and care.
10. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs are adept problem solvers that love to go, go, go. They are extremely active with seemingly endless energy, but they’re also very clever. They have a strong herding drive, and they’re also very independent, making them a good fit for active owners who can match their high threshold for physical and mental stimulation.
11. English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is known for its work as a gun dog, helping flush out and retrieve game. They have a high success rate when it comes to obeying commands consistently, landing them a spot on the list of top 15 smartest dog breeds.
12. Belgian Malinois
These brilliant pups are working dogs that are often used in military and police work. For this reason, they’re often confused with German Shepherds, but Belgian Malinois are a distinct breed. They are exceptionally smart and eager to learn, but adequate training and exercise are essential to keep this pup from becoming bored.
13. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a herding dog that loves to play and spend time with their family. They’re extremely affectionate and respond well to training. Just make sure you’re ready to meet their energy level with plenty of opportunities for exercise, play, and mental gymnastics.
14. Miniature Schnauzer
The spirited Miniature Schnauzer is bright and adapts well to learning new things. They get along well with other pups and kids, making them excellent family dogs, and they’re also great watchdogs.
15. Schipperke
Maybe you’ve never heard of the Schipperke, but this small pup packs a big amount of intelligence. Also called “canal boat dogs” (because they were bred to be barge watch dogs), these pooches also make great exterminators.
They have a strong prey drive, so they love going after small rodents, reptiles, and similar critters. Their curious minds make them eager to learn.
How Smart Is Your Dog?
Not sure where your dog stacks in the brains department? Give them a doggy IQ test to assess their smarts. For more helpful pup pointers, check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog.