The smartest dog breed is listed in a book by Canadian professor and longtime four-legged researcher Stanley Coren. After surveying more than two hundred dog training judges from the United States and Canada, he ranked the smartest dog breeds in the world based on three types of canine intelligence. Instinctive implies innate abilities (guarding, hunting), adaptive - the ability to adapt to daily tasks, obedience intelligence - a high ability to learn and follow commands.
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Despite the fact that the smartest dogs were determined almost unanimously by two hundred professionals, Koren's classification cannot be considered 100% correct. You need to understand that there is no simple way to assess a pet's intelligence, since each dog has its own unique characteristics, and their development can be facilitated by a caring owner.
Top 10 smartest dog breeds in the world
Cynologists from the American Kennel Club began studying the question of which dogs are the smartest in the world.
Their research was inspired by the work of Vancouver psychology professor Stanley Coren, “The Intelligence of Dogs,” first published in 1994. The book has been translated into 26 languages and has already been reprinted 16 times – and that’s not the limit. It is impossible to determine a dog's IQ without selection criteria. The ranking of “the smartest dog breeds” took into account:
- how many times does the command need to be repeated for the dog to master it;
- the percentage of pets that performed the learned command accurately and the first time.
This approach made it possible to identify the most intelligent breeds, but with reservations.
- Some dog breeds may be highly intelligent, but their thinking patterns are different from others. Thus, dogs of hunting and sled breeds must have sufficient independence to make decisions on their own in a critical situation. Because of this, hard workers are less eager to follow commands than pets. This does not mean that they are dumber, but they occupy lower places in the ranking of the smartest breeds due to their relatively poor learning ability.
- “Young” breeds carry out commands more easily than their “ancient” relatives, whose genotype is closer to that of a wolf. For this reason, the Afghan Hound and Basenji, two of the oldest breeds, came last on the list.
- Dogs of medium and small size, as a rule, occupy places lower than real ones, this is due to their natural stubbornness.
Thus, the top 10 smartest dog breeds in the world is quite arbitrary. In addition, if you start a conversation about dog intelligence with a loving and caring owner, then most likely he will have the smartest dog!
Stanley Coren Intelligence Scale for Dogs
In his book “The Intelligence of Dogs,” Koren proposed judging the mental abilities of pets based on 3 types of intelligence:
- instinctive (innate). Represents abilities inherent genetically;
- adaptive. These are acquired skills to perform assigned tasks;
- worker - the ability to learn to carry out human commands.
Koren divided all the breeds considered into 6 groups according to the degree of intelligence and ability to learn and follow commands.
Australian Shepherd (Aussie)
The birthplace of the Australian Cattle Dog, despite the name of the breed, is America. Each Aussie has an original color and is therefore considered unique. The breed is distinguished by its phenomenal abilities in grazing livestock in mountainous areas. Australian Shepherds easily tolerate pressure changes at altitude.
It is interesting that Aussies herd poultry and livestock only with the help of their piercing gaze, and never bite or use force. An Australian shepherd stands opposite an animal that has strayed from the herd, lowers its head and looks at it sternly - this is enough for the loner to return to his fellow tribesmen.
Aussies are very smart, sensitive and loyal, for them there is no better reward than the praise of their owner. Dogs love to play and walk for hours. Responsible and hardworking, “shepherdesses” can babysit a child or a cat all day long.
Among Australian shepherds, a dog named Strick distinguished himself. One day, an Aussie breeder fell to the bottom of a canyon on horseback. Streak ran for several hours without stopping to get to the nearest village and bring help. Subsequently, the Aussie hero became one of the main founders of the breed.
Australian Shepherd (Aussie)
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.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers were bred in the German city of Rottweil and were originally used for driving livestock, helping with housework and as guards. Representatives of this breed are distinguished by endurance, strength and energy, which are easy to direct in the right direction, thanks to their high intelligence and balance of character. “Butcher’s dogs” consider only one person as their master, to whom they are endlessly devoted.
The Rottweiler quickly learns new commands and literally picks up everything on the fly, but the dog needs regular training and iron discipline. To curb a Rottweiler that wants to dominate, you will have to show persistence and self-confidence; it is not for nothing that they say: “If you trained a German Shepherd, you did nothing, but if you trained a Rottweiler, then a lot.”
A Rottweiler named Eve was riding in a car with her owner, an American woman, Katie, who suffers from partial paralysis. The car broke down and a fire started. Katie could not get out of the burning cabin on her own; she only opened the door for her pet. Instead of trying to save herself, Eve began to pull out her mistress, who was 5 times heavier than her, by the legs. A couple of minutes later the vehicle was completely on fire, but Katie was already at a safe distance from the fire, thanks to her brave and faithful pet.
Rottweiler
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.
Continental Toy Spaniel (Papillon)
The Papillon, despite its doll-like appearance and miniature size, is included in the list of the smartest dogs. The breed, whose name translates as “butterfly,” appeared in the 14th century in France. Unusual ears, reminiscent of butterfly wings, and an extraordinary mind quickly made Papillons the favorites of kings. These adorable babies were held by Henry IV, Louis XIII, Louis XIV, Marie Antoinette and Madame de Pompadour.
The Continental Toy Spaniel is an indoor toy breed designed for companionship and stress relief. The dog will be an excellent companion not only for royalty, but also for ordinary families with children. Papillons are friendly, cheerful and active, they charge others with positivity.
Papillon Lilin found its way into French chronicles. Henry III's pet met the king's killer with aggression and furious barking, not typical of the breed. For the sake of maintaining the decency of the audience, the servants were forced to take the baby out of the hall, where in a few minutes the murder took place, which led to a coup d'etat.
Papillon
Japanese Spitz
The Japanese Spitz is small in size and has beautiful white fur. Spitz often take part in circus performances, where they perform simple tricks. It follows from this that Spitz are very smart and quick-witted dogs that are easy to train and train. They like learning to take place in a playful way. Spitz are very loyal to their owners and remember well certain behavior of people, they know when to play with the owner and when to just lie down next to them.
Japanese Spitz have a small vocabulary and understand many human words.
Despite their harmless appearance, they are very brave and always look out for danger around them.
Labrador Retriever
It’s hard to surprise anyone with a Labrador Retriever making it into the top 10 smartest dogs in the world. The breed was bred on the Canadian island of Newfoundland, which is part of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Dogs have high intelligence, excellent memory and a keen sense of smell. Representatives of this breed successfully work as rescuers, bloodhounds, security guards, and guide dogs.
Kind and affectionate Labradors love to actively spend time with their owner and are ready to walk all day. They always find a common language with children and pets. The character of these merry fellows completely lacks rancor and aggressiveness.
The Labrador easily learns new commands and does it with sincere joy. During training, the dog tries so hard, peers into the eyes of the owner and listens to his words and intonation, that it is simply impossible to give a command with a stern, serious look or punish the pet!
There are dozens of exploits of Labrador retrievers in history. One of them belongs to a guide dog named Dorado. Together with his owner Omar, the dog ended up in the same Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. When the planes crashed into the north and south towers, the buildings began to rapidly collapse, and blind Omar could not quickly get out on his own. Dorado was not taken aback, grabbed the owner tightly by the trouser leg and pulled him towards the emergency exit. The friends survived with only bruises and contusions.
Labrador Retriever
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer or Wirehaired Pinscher is a hunting and guard dog with amazing powers of observation and deep intelligence, as well as a high ability to train. These qualities allow pinschers to work in the customs zone and with law enforcement agencies. Despite the seriousness of the breed, they get along well with people and guard their home, even in times of complete calm.
Miniature Schnauzers always act according to plan; they do not like monotonous, boring training, but will be happy to try something new.
Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
Those who nostalgically remember the series “Lassie” and dream of having a collie at home, but are hesitant because of the size, should pay attention to its smaller copy - the Sheltie. The homeland of this breed is the Shetland Islands, where small, agile animals were engaged in grazing and moving herds and, if necessary, even protecting fields from sheep.
Shetland Sheepdogs are smart, quick-witted and easy to train. Charming Shelties are able to instinctively make the right decisions, play the roles of watchman, guard and companion. The dogs are not aggressive at all; they will bark but not bite. Shelties are distrustful of strangers, but they are ready to do anything for their owner and family!
Scottish farmer Robert Sinclair lived alone in the forest. He had an asthma attack and needed emergency care. Without particularly hoping for anything, the man wrote a note, put it in a bottle and threw it out of the window. Meanwhile, a Shetland Sheepdog who lived on a nearby farm found the bottle and took it to its owner. With this decision, Ben the dog saved a man's life. The shepherd's owner read the letter and called 911. The doctors managed to put an oxygen mask on Robert at the last moment.
Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
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.
Doberman
The top five smartest dogs are the luxurious Dobermans. This breed was bred in the German city of Apolda. Dobermans make a mixed impression: on the one hand, they fascinate with their beauty and elegance, but on the other, they seem dangerous and frightening. Representatives of the breed even received the nickname “devil’s dog.” Doberman Pinschers can effectively follow the scent, search for prohibited substances, and protect people.
These short-haired service dogs are distinguished by loyalty, endurance and reliability. Each Doberman is a true individual who reveals his potential with regular training, quality care and a healthy atmosphere in the family. In order for a dog’s high intelligence to work in a direction other than pranks, you need to keep him busy with training.
Dobermans have many famous representatives. Tref, a tracker dog with more than 1,500 solved crimes, became a real legend. The Dobermann was born in the von Thuringen kennel and in 1908 began working as a bloodhound for the police of the Russian Empire. Club's reputation was so impeccable that rumors of a Doberman's imminent visit were enough for criminals to flee the city - as long as the dog did not pick up their trail.
Doberman
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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Dogs that don't shed or smell are safe breeds for allergy sufferers. Looking through the rating of dogs by intelligence, looking for a smart dog, but what about dogs that don't shed? It may be interesting to read the list of such breeds in a separate article.
Golden retriever
The Golden Retriever descended from common ancestors with the Labrador Retriever, but then its genotype was supplemented with genes from the Yellow Flat-Coated Retriever, Scottish Water Spaniel and Setter. And, judging by its higher place in the ranking of the smartest dogs, it’s quite successful. The defining character traits of a Golden Retriever are kindness, sensitivity and calmness. A dog can be useful as a bloodhound, a guide, or just a four-legged friend.
Golden retrievers have no difficulty learning new commands; they are not at all lazy. Representatives of this breed always come to the rescue of people, are ready to play with children and are even used for medicinal purposes, helping to cope with psychological problems.
Retrievers love outdoor activities, including splashing in the water. Despite their size, they can live not only in a house, but also in an apartment.
Golden Retriever Trepp is the most skilled sniffer in the Guinness Book of Records. The dog, employed by the Florida Police Department, has apprehended more than a hundred criminals and also found drugs worth $63,000,000. When the retriever was brought to the police academy to demonstrate his talent, he was tasked with detecting 10 bags of drugs. Trepp found 11.
Golden retriever
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.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd deservedly took bronze in the list of the smartest dogs in the world. Among all modern breeds, it is the closest relative of the wolf. The first German Shepherd named Graf was registered in the city of Hanover. The dog can be safely called a “universal soldier”, capable of working in any conditions and maintaining composure. Most often, shepherds worked as shepherds or carried out patrol duty.
It is interesting that when patrolling, the dog has to change its partner almost every day. Unlike many breeds that obey one owner, the German Shepherd will strictly follow the command of every policeman.
To raise an obedient and friendly pet, you need to train them from childhood. The German Shepherd is easy to train, has high intelligence and is very efficient. By nature, the “German” is non-aggressive, but if the owner is in danger, he will not hesitate to defend him.
The sniffer Trepp was accompanied by customs officer Leo in the Guinness Book of Records. The German Shepherd served at the airport customs for 9 years. During this time, Leo detained more than 300 drug dealers.
German Shepherd
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.
Poodle
The British speak of poodles like this: “Not yet a person, but no longer a dog.” Ludwig van Beethoven, George Sand, Giuseppe Verdi, Winston Churchill, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, John Steinbeck, Emma Watson and Rihanna were able to personally verify the outstanding intellectual abilities of poodles. Representatives of this breed rightfully took second place in the top ten smartest dogs. Poodles are the national breed of France, with roots going back to northern Europe.
Poodles are invariably associated with the circus, but few people know that the breed comes in many varieties. Hunting poodles help catch birds, and large swimming poodles help save drowning people. Dogs also cope with the duties of a guard or companion.
Curly-haired beauties are able to master the most complex commands. Their sharp mind is combined with attentiveness, sociability and inexhaustible energy.
While shepherds and retrievers collect medals in the field of serving the law, the white poodle has distinguished itself on the other side of the barricades. A smuggler named Malin was transporting expensive lace under his skin. The owner cut his dog's hair, wrapped lace around its body, and on top put on a fur coat made from previously cut wool. In this form, Malin crossed the French border and came to the appointed place, where the owner took away the valuable cargo. When customs officers - following a denunciation from envious acquaintances of our couple - went to court, it was decided to catch all white poodles. Then Malin began to wear not a white, but a dyed fur coat. And when the customs officers decided to seize all the poodles in a row, he escaped punishment thanks to his dexterity. Rumor has it that the dog and his owner retired from business, being very rich.
Poodle
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.
