It is often said that the smartest dog in the canine family is the German Shepherd. Indeed, she is included in the top dogs with high intelligence, but she is not in first place. Who overtook the favorite of the general public, and how did experts evaluate the intellectual abilities of dogs to create a rating? We talk about everything in detail in this article and name the top 135 of man’s smartest four-legged friends.
Who, when and how ranked dogs by intelligence
All individuals have different mental abilities, but how can you accurately determine who is smarter? Why do some people learn quickly and successfully, others learn the material less quickly, but still effectively, and others are almost unlearnable? Is genetics, the dog’s insufficiently developed intelligence, or an incorrect approach to education to blame here?
Scientists have long been interested in these questions and have been passionately searching for answers. Long searches have led experts to the conclusion that there are multiple types of intelligence. Psychologist Howard Gardner was the first to voice this version, and Columbia University professor and psychologist Stanley Koren developed the idea and compiled a ranking of dog breeds by intelligence.
This man studied Gardner’s works, collaborated with dog handlers, asked trainers about the behavior of dogs, and learned the expert opinion of jury members at dog shows. He collected a lot of information from a variety of sources and analyzed all the facts he found. In his own book about dog intelligence, Stanley Coren shared his conclusions with the public and received great public recognition.
The first edition of the ranking was published in 1994, but this study is still considered the most large-scale and scientifically reliable. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the important conclusions of the scientist.
Pomeranian Spitz
The Pomeranian Spitz is a small dog, but this does not contradict its bold character, intelligence and intelligence.
The breed is highly trainable and quickly understands what the owner requires of them. Despite its size, the Spitz can serve as a guard dog; it perfectly senses a threat from the outside and bravely overcomes it.
Spitz are unusually smart and cunning dogs. They use their minds for a variety of purposes, such as submission to a master or manipulation for their own purposes.
The Pomeranian is difficult to deceive; he senses people's intentions very well and monitors the perceived danger.
What is canine intelligence and how does it manifest itself?
So, in order to rank dogs' intelligence, the author needed to objectively assess their skills. According to the theory of multiple intelligences, dogs have three types of mental abilities:
- Innate (instinctive intelligence). The genetic code passed on from generation to generation allows an individual to perform a certain role without training. Vivid examples are herding, security or hunting activities, tracking by smell.
- Individual (adaptive intelligence). Own strengths that the dog can use to analyze the situation and find solutions to the problem. Adaptive intelligence in dogs determines their chances of survival in unusual conditions.
- Workers (obedience intelligence). This part of the brain is responsible for learning new actions. This can include remembering and following commands, concentrating on the task at hand, and changing behavior at the request of the owner.
Adaptive and instinctive abilities depend on individual qualities, but the working skills of an animal are predetermined by the breed. In his work, Professor Stanley Koren assessed the intelligence of dogs specifically as a worker, associated with the execution of commands and an unmistakable understanding of the order the first time. The influence of other types of canine intelligence was not taken into account.
The author himself admits some limitations of his views. It turns out that those who are more obedient are the smartest dogs in the world. But this is unfair to those individuals who are endowed with great abilities by nature.
For example, independent dogs do not like to obey a person, but they can make the right decisions on their own. Also, ancient breeds have their own and innate skills much stronger than their ability to train. But relatively recently bred species, on the contrary, are highly trainable. Accordingly, such dogs will be ranked higher in intelligence level than individuals whose genotype is older.
However, no one has yet succeeded in conducting such a study of canine mental capabilities without any errors. So Koren’s work remains the standard that is still used when assessing the intelligence of domestic dogs by breed. The author divided the entire list into several groups, and we will also present the list in this format. Let's make just one exception, which the leader of the rating definitely deserves.
Labrador
Labradors are large dogs with a strong build. Along with high endurance, they have a good level of intelligence. High physical endurance and the ability to analyze situations make the Labrador an excellent hunter.
A flexible mind, obedient character, devotion and excellent ability to learn and remember commands allow the dog to be an excellent companion and guide. Already at the age of three months, a Labrador puppy can perform about 5 training tasks.
Labradors are good at distinguishing their owner's mood by the intonation of their voice and can immediately understand when they have been given an order.
Intellectual No. 1 or The Smartest Dog Breed
Who do you think is at the top of the table? Shepherd? Doberman? Labrador? No, it’s all over, because the top 10 are headed by the smartest dogs of the Border Collie breed!
These Britons are born shepherds, so vigilant maintenance of order is in their blood. They easily perform the functions of guards, guides and even nannies. Border Collies get along well with children, as the friendliness of this breed is simply immeasurable.
Another important trait of these smart people is their passion for work. The dog is ready to look for a suitable activity every day, learn something new and please its owners with obedient behavior. In general, keeping and training such pets is a pleasure. Therefore, this species became an unsurpassed leader, although in the list of the 10 smartest dogs in the world it had to compete with very famous competitors!
Border Collie
The Border Collie is a unique breed that combines extraordinary intelligence and quick wit. Representatives of this breed are able to distinguish more than 240 words, are highly trainable, and are able to remember a command the first time and repeat it immediately. This breed is very hardworking, knows the terrain well and loves all kinds of competitions and attention to its person.
Border collies are ideal herding dogs, good hunters and irreplaceable companions.
Top 10 most capable dogs
Now let's turn directly to Stanley Coren's classification. In the first group he included the 10 most intelligent (disciplined) dog breeds in the world. These pets obey the first time (error up to 5%) and are able to remember a new command after 3-5 repetitions.
The most intelligent and obedient dog in the world has already been named, so we start the list from the second line.
Poodle
Very loyal, affectionate and energetic dogs. The great talent of poodles is manifested in good memory, intelligence, and diligence. Poodles are easy to train and can perform in any role: from circus performers to rescuers.
German Shepherd
The honorable third place is occupied by the famous Germans. Their advantages are known to everyone, but it is worth noting that the dog’s energy needs to be directed in the right direction. Shepherd dogs are easy to train and are highly dependent on the owner: whatever the person commands, the dog will do. It is not for nothing that the German Shepherd is the smartest dog breed according to popular ratings.
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Golden retriever
Representatives of this species are hardy and strong, but not at all aggressive. Retrievers are very popular pets: they are affectionate, cheerful, and easy to train. They also have a well-developed sense of smell, which is why dogs are hired to serve as rescuers, bloodhounds and guide dogs.
Doberman
Smart dogs of the Doberman breed are located in the “golden mean” of the top 10. These are very capable, but impulsive and require a “hard hand” dogs. Without proper education, the courage, curiosity and energy of Dobermans will turn into uncontrollable chaos, so not everyone is recommended to have such a pet. But competent training will transform a wild puppy into a balanced, persistent and devoted defender.
Sheltie
The smartest small dogs of the Sheltie breed took sixth place in the ranking. In addition to their developed intelligence, they are distinguished by their cheerfulness, activity, and great love for their owners. These dogs incredibly appreciate affection and carry out any whim-command of the owner at the first call. The Sheltie's ancestors were shepherds, and generations still retain a heightened sense of vigilance. They are hyper-responsible and careful, and these intelligent dogs also love to play with children.
Labrador Retriever
A popular breed with an excellent skill set that allows them to be used both as companions and as working dogs. Developed intelligence, instant reactions, excellent memory do not allow you to doubt whether a Labrador dog is smart or not. These dogs are definitely one of the most capable of making friends with humans. In addition, Labrador Retrievers have incredible sense of smell, can fetch dead game, and are not at all afraid of swimming.
Papillon
Another representative of small dogs among the smartest breeds. These individuals are always characterized by a good mood, curiosity and sweet naivety. Papillons are mischievous in a good way: they love to play and have fun, but they are not capricious or mischievous. Super companions for children and lonely elderly people.
Rottweiler
Formidable, but with proper training, moderately aggressive animals. They are distinguished by their strong character, physical endurance, and active behavior. Such a dog needs an owner to match: self-confident, domineering, demanding. For such an owner, the Rottweiler will be an obedient, reliable and devoted friend. But if you “let go” of a puppy during puppyhood without showing proper strictness to it, the consequences can be extremely unpleasant.
Australian Cattle
The top 10 most obedient and intelligent dogs are completed by the executive Australian “shepherds”. They learn with joy and remember commands quickly. The main purpose is to monitor flocks. The dogs skillfully drive disobedient artiodactyls to the farm, moderately biting the sheep on the sides.
Golden retriever
Golden Retrievers are hardy and active dogs. They were originally bred for hunting, but now retrievers are rarely seen in the company of hunters.
They combine deep intelligence, intelligence and kindness. They respond well to training, quickly remember and follow commands.
Retrievers sense the mood of their owner well, can determine by intonation what position he is in and, if necessary, console him.
Thanks to the combination of these qualities, retrievers work well in rehabilitation centers, as guide dogs, participate in search operations, and can be not only loyal friends, but also protectors.
Dogs with high intelligence
This category includes “excellent workers” - individuals who will respond correctly to a requirement 85% of the time. For successful training, they will have to repeat the order 5-15 times. Here the following breeds are mentioned in the top ten smartest dogs:
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Fearless, non-aggressive, easy to train fluffies. Responsibly perform guard functions.
- Miniature Schnauzer. Smart little dogs, great companions. Affectionate, friendly, quick to learn and obedient. Miniature Schnauzers are a bit noisy but effective guard dogs.
- English Springer Spaniel. Hunting breed. Animals are very active and require constant exercise. By nature they are friendly, cheerful, playful, attentive to the orders of their owners. They love children.
- Tervuren. The list of dogs based on intelligence continues with Belgian Shepherds. They are sensitive, attentive, and sometimes overly impulsive. It is difficult to tolerate rudeness, so the owner-educator must be kind, but at the same time quite demanding.
- Schipperke. The smallest shepherd in the world. Thanks to its mini-dimensions, it is nimble, nimble, and literally brimming with energy. This baby's intelligence allows him to quickly learn commands, perform excellent guard work and hunt small rodents.
- Collie. Active, sociable, smart dogs. They are balanced, do not show aggression, and are sometimes very sensitive. Training is desirable soft, gradual, but persistent. By appointment, Collies are companions, guide dogs, bloodhounds, and guards.
- Wolfspitz (Keeshond). Bred in Holland, intended for life on ships. Merry fellows, active rodent hunters, vigilant watchmen. Active, frequent barking makes many people doubt: are Spitz smart or stupid? The 17th line of the world ranking of geniuses and smart people gives an eloquent answer to this question.
- Kurzhaar. He is also a German Pointer. A born hunter: brave, energetic and self-confident. It senses prey from afar, which it announces with a graceful stance. Ports game quickly and under any conditions. He is inquisitive, friendly and devoted to his owners, but often strives for dominance.
- Flat-Coated Retriever. Another representative of retrievers included in the ranking of the most intelligent dog breeds. It is characterized by high emotionality and an almost complete absence of aggression. Therefore, straight-coated retrievers cannot be trained with harsh methods and cannot be used in guard service.
- English cocker spaniel. A type of hunting dog, but increasingly they are bred for the role of companions. The character of English Cockers is peaceful, good-natured, and cheerful. They love to listen to the owner and carry out given orders with lightning speed. Sometimes there are stubborn people in the family who require more persistent training.
These are the twenty smartest representatives of the canine family. But the second group of Koren’s list is not limited to the already named breeds. In the most famous ranking of smart dogs in the world, on lines 21 to 30 are:
- Miniature Schnauzer;
- Breton epagnole;
- Cocker Spaniel;
- Weimaraner;
- Belgian Shepherd (Belgian Malinois variety);
- Bernese Mountain Dog;
- Pomeranian Spitz;
- Irish Water Spaniel;
- Hungarian Vizsla;
- Welsh Corgi cardigan.
We can say that this top 30 are the smartest dog breeds in the world, because there is not such a big difference between the three “tens” in terms of indicators. Next on the list are less brilliant individuals.
Poodle
Poodles are charming dogs, very active and smart, good both in hunting and in everyday life. Poodles literally grasp everything on the fly; their high intellectual level, combined with their innate cunning, makes them family favorites.
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They love to learn through play and will be grateful for praise in their direction, even for a mistake. This breed is capable of performing simple tricks and demonstrating them in front of the owner in the future.
An excellent intelligence is indicated by the fact that poodles obey well not only adults, but also children; the main thing is to remain friendly.
Not gifted, but capable
The third group contains representatives of the dog intelligence rating, who remember a new lesson after 15-25 repetitions. Quick execution of orders was recorded in 70% of situations. The following breeds are included in this section of the list.
| 31 | Chesapeake Bay Retriever | 41 | Australian Shepherd | 51 | Kerry Blue Terrier |
| 32 | Bullets | 42 | Manchester Terrier | 52 | Irish Setter |
| 33 | Yorkshire Terrier | 43 | Samoyed | 53 | Norwegian Elkhound |
| 34 | Giant Schnauzer | 44 | Field Spaniel | 54 | Affenpinscher |
| 35 | Portuguese merman | 45 | Newfoundland | 55 | Australian Silky Terrier |
| 36 | Airedale | 46 | Australian Terrier | 56 | Miniature Pinscher |
| 37 | Flanders storm | 47 | American Staffordshire Terrier | 57 | English Setter |
| 38 | Border Terrier | 48 | Scottish Setter | 58 | Pharaoh Hound |
| 39 | Briard | 49 | Bearded Collie | 59 | Clumber Spaniel |
| 40 | Welsh Springer Spaniel | 50 | Cairn Terrier | 60 | Norwich Terrier |
And the Dalmatian brings up the rear in the ranking of dogs with above-average intelligence. The spotted beauty took 61st place.
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miniature pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher is a miniature breed of dog with pronounced muscles. Despite the small size and enthusiasm of the dog, few people know what qualities are inherent in it. Initially, the miniature pinscher was kept to catch rats and protect the premises from thieves and robbers. His small stature, agility and intelligence helped the dog cope with the assigned tasks with distinction.
Representatives of this breed are very smart and quick-witted. Miniature pinschers are excellent at learning commands and being trained, especially at a young age. From an early age, a puppy can be weaned from bad habits. These dogs also understand the words of the owner, especially those that are often used.
Miniature pinschers are very vigilant and are good at sensing danger from the outside world. They are ready to defend the owner, even if the offender is many times larger and stronger than the dog.
Strong middle peasants
Here, those who perceive new information 25-40 times will immediately complete what is required with a 50/50 probability. The list includes “acceptably” smart dogs of large and small breeds, and in total the category contains about 40 names.
- Rating of dogs by intelligence, places No. 62-70: Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, Curly-Coated Retriever, Irish Wolfhound, Kuvasz, Saluki, Finnish Spitz, English Pointer.
- Lines 71 to 80: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Drathaar, Black and Tan Coonhound, American Water Spaniel, Siberian Husky, Bichon Frize, Havanese Bichon, King Charles Spaniel, Tibetan Spaniel, English Foxhound.
- Rating of dogs by intelligence position 81-90: Otterhound, Jack Russell Terrier, American Foxhound, Greyhound, Griffon Cortalsa, West Highland White Terrier, Deerhound, German Boxer, Great Dane, Dachshund.
- Last ten top 100: Shiba Inu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Alaskan Malamute, Whippet, Shar Pei, Wire Fox Terrier, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Ibizan, Welsh Terrier, Irish Terrier.
The Boston Terrier (101) and Akita Inu (102) breeds could not get into the ranking of one hundred smart dogs, but belong to the group with average abilities.
Welsh Corgi
The Welsh Corgi is a short-legged herding dog, famous for its cheerful disposition, high activity and amazing intelligence. As a herding dog, the Corgi is versatile - he can look after both small and large livestock.
Despite the high activity of the corgi, he is very responsible and focused on his work.
Corgi's high level of intelligence allows him not only to perfectly assimilate new commands, but also to skillfully manipulate household members. These dogs understand many words from the owner’s active vocabulary and are able to sense a bad mood and help lift it.
Trainable stubborn people
If you repeat the instruction 40-80 times, then these dogs will probably understand it. And in 30% of situations they will even be able to fulfill the order the first time.
| 103 | Skye Terrier | 113 | Dandie Dinmont Terrier |
| 104 | Norfolk Terrier | 114 | Vendeen Basset Griffon |
| 105 | Sealyham Terrier | 115 | Tibetan Terrier |
| 106 | Pug | 116 | Japanese Chin |
| 107 | French Bulldog | 117 | Lakeland Terrier |
| 108 | Brussels griffin | 118 | Bobtail |
| 109 | Maltese | 119 | Great Pyrenees |
| 110 | Italian Greyhound | 120 | Scottish Terrier |
| 111 | Coton de Tulear | 121 | Saint Bernard |
| 112 | Chinese Crested | 122 | Bull Terrier |
The working intelligence of the Chihuahua allowed this breed to take 123rd place. The Lhasa Apso was next, and the Bullmastiff took the 125th place.
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Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a very large but good-natured dog breed. Newfoundlands are very social and enjoy interacting with people. If a dog sees that a person is in danger, he will rush to help without any hesitation. Thus, many cases were recorded when Newfoundlands saved a drowning person or pulled people out of a fire. Thanks to this dedication, the breed serves in police stations and military bases.
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Newfoundlands are not very easy to train, but this does not exclude the presence of a high level of intelligence. The breed is very sensitive to facial expressions, emotions and movement patterns, and to the voice.
By intonation, the dog can determine what mood the owner is in and will try to help him. They also easily determine the presence of danger and hidden threats, they cannot be deceived or outwitted, people are like an open book to them.
But they are beautiful!
And the ranking of dogs by intelligence is completed by the last “ten”, which understands the owner the hundredth time (or even worse), and responds to the call with a probability of 25%.
- No. 126 – Shih Tzu.
- No. 127 – Basset Hound.
- No. 128 – Mastiff.
- No. 129 – Beagle.
- No. 130 – Pekingese.
- No. 131 – Bloodhound.
- No. 132 – Russian Greyhound.
- No. 133 – Chow-chow.
- No. 134 – English Bulldog.
- No. 135 – Basenji.
At the very bottom of the list, the Afghan Hound sits alone, but proudly and independently. Yes, she is difficult to train, but she is not bad-looking and has been endowed by nature with a number of positive qualities.
Cocker Spaniel
There are several varieties of Cocker Spaniels: American, English, French and Russian. Spaniels are very smart and cunning dogs. I use my intelligence and natural intelligence both when hunting for birds and small game, and next to the owner. Spaniels are easy to train and love to learn commands in a playful way.
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A trained spaniel can carry out commands of varying complexity, for example, searching for lost things. In law enforcement agencies, spaniels were often involved in the search for narcotic substances.
Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds (herding dogs) have a very interesting and unique color. Representatives of this breed are often engaged in herding livestock and birds. The Australian Shepherd is well versed in the mountains, has a piercing gaze and never uses force when herding livestock.
Herding dogs are very smart, loyal and quick-witted. They are highly trainable and happily follow various commands. Australians love and appreciate their owner and understand when something is bothering him.
Saint Bernard
Everyone who has ever watched the film Beethoven has dreamed of such a dog in one way or another. Very massive, with well-developed muscles, ideal as an escort and companion.
The dog has deep intellectual abilities, but unfortunately, it is quite difficult to train. If you work hard from an early age, the St. Bernard quickly learns different commands and is able to learn and understand the sequence of actions even just by watching its owner.
