PetMD came up with a list of the top ten smartest canine breeds in the world. Your dog, obviously, is the smartest individual dog in the world. As is mine. Anyway, here are PetMd's top 3 picks:
#1 Border Collie
The Border Collie comes in at number one. Because of their extraordinary intelligence and high energy, it is essential to give Border Collies an occupation or purpose, or you may well find your home wrecked upon your return from a long day at work. They have an intense connection with humans, making them ideal work and home companions. However, keep this in mind: Border Collies invariably will not do well unless they are with people who are as high energy as they are; they do best with humans who can participate in dog sports with them. Also, because of their background as herding dogs, they may be frustrated by small children, as their inability to herd the children as they deem fit is confounded. For the right human, the Border Collie is well behaved, exceptionally good at learning, and a true-blue companion.
#2 Poodle
Easily trainable, steadfast, and sharp-minded, Poodles flourish in human company. Even with the frou-frou hairdos, Poodles are sometimes made to endure and can be quite effective as guard dogs, especially the standard sized Poodles. In fact, the “poodle clip,” was created specifically for the working Poodle, so that it could swim more effectively, while still having fur to protect its organs as it went about the business of hunting and retrieving. The Poodle excels at training and obedience, and also loves creative play time. This is what made them so popular as circus performers. But, this can be a drawback as well. If left alone to boredom, Poodles can be creative about finding ways to amuse themselves, sometimes finding trouble along the way.
#3 German Shepherd
The German Shepherd was originally bred specifically for intelligence. Smart, courageous, and protective, the Shepherd is one of the most dependable of companions. They learn tasks after only a few repetitions, and obey first commands nearly always the first time it is given. They are eager to learn new tasks, as this gives them direction and purpose—very important for a Shepherd. Besides being used for herding animals, they are often used as guard dogs, police dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and have even been trained by the military for parachute jumps.
To read the full article, head on over to DivineCaroline.com
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Anonymous
June 3, 2009, 2:36 pm
Border Collie Is not the smartest dog and easiest dog to train it's the collie/Rough because i have 1 and she is only a puppy and she knows so much probbly more then me+ she never runs away and protects me+ she saved me from a cow almost to trampple me so rethink about it because i have been bite by a border collie alot before so THINK!!!!!!!
Anonymous
June 3, 2009, 2:46 pm
I disagree
Anonymous
June 3, 2009, 2:50 pm
The Boder Collie Is not the smallest + ithe 2nd 1 ment i disagree on the collie the smartest so not true
Anonymous
June 3, 2009, 2:53 pm
Smartest sorry about the 3rd 1 it's smartest
Anonymous
June 7, 2009, 2:41 pm
i do think that german shepards are very smart but i am sure that maybe that beagles are very smart.
Anonymous
June 8, 2009, 2:28 pm
COLLIE, whatev!! no way, they are just an hearding intensive breed with a quick attention to chase, EASIEST TO TRAIN not smartest, def lab or golden
Anonymous
June 9, 2009, 4:59 am
German Shepards are the smartest. I mean you dont see people using Border Collies as assistance dogs. Personally I think most collies are just plain dumb, but most of the time blame the bad owners. if they were that smart they could do schutzhund (guard, obedience, and rescue).
Anonymous
June 30, 2009, 11:58 am
Since the list is consistent with almost every other list of the smartest dogs, i think your personal opinions of smarts/trainability is pretty irrevelant. Just be cause you knew a dog that is smarter than one on this list, certainly that does not make it the rule, but the exception.
Anonymous
July 4, 2009, 1:52 pm
I have a border collie and he learned how to shake in like 20 minutes.... His name is Joey he is the nicest dog we have ever had....and border collies are good with children!!!!
Anonymous
July 4, 2009, 1:54 pm
I do not agree the Border collie is the smartest and your just jelus
X-P
Anonymous
July 4, 2009, 2:02 pm
Border Collies are the best dogs ever and there the nicest ever......Joey can stay, shake, lay down, play soccer, back up, speak, fetch,"and brings the ball back" chase his tail, and he is only 1!!!!
THEY ARE THE SMARTEST!!!!!!!!!!!!
X-P
Anonymous
July 5, 2009, 11:47 am
This all depends on the dog breed. I have a springer spaniel mix and he is the smartest dog i know. he lerned sit bretty(beg) in 1 day. shake in about 2 minutes. high5 in a really short time.
Some dogs are quickerlearners then others but that dosen't mean there smarter. Frankly i don't think its fair to have a smartest dog list
Anonymous
July 7, 2009, 2:31 am
My German Shepherd used to let the cat in and out of the house. (she loved that cat!)
She usually ignored a Springer Spaniel we had at the time. One day we were sitting in front of the fire & felt a bit of breeze. Minutes later the dog catcher called. He had been across the street and saw our door open & out came the Spaniel!
We will never know if Lady looked out & saw him or just got lucky!
The Dog Catcher, a very good guy and dog lover, brought out wayward girl home without imposing fees!
Anonymous
July 7, 2009, 4:51 pm
German Shepherds are by far superior in intelligence. That's why they're used in so many areas of importance (war dogs, seeing eye dogs, police dogs, etc.) They are very cool dogs who almost seem to understand their beauty and skill. Another exceptionally intelligent dog is the American Staffordshire Terrier, another dog used during the war for their courageousness and bravery. The AmStaff is also an extremely intuitive dog, a quality not found in a lot of other dogs.
Anonymous
July 8, 2009, 1:30 pm
It's amazing how illiterate most of the writers of comments here are. Poor spelling, poor grammar, and nonsensical arguments.
How do any of you expect to convince people that your Fido is so smart when you can't even form a complete clause; you're probably right, your one year old puppy is smarter than you.
Sadly, that doesn't make it the smartest breed.
Anonymous
July 8, 2009, 1:41 pm
Border Collies aren't used more for assistance animals because most handicapped people aren't active enough to keep them entertained and exercised enough.
Border Collies are more high maintenance than most people who require assistance can handle. Assistance dogs spend a lot more time sleeping at your feet than most BCs would tolerate.
The Border Collie is far and away the smartest dog, and it's also by far the most athletic and agile dog. They are consistently the top breed in nearly every dog sport, and they are also being studied for their smarts, pushing the boundaries of what we think dogs are capable of.
Anonymous
July 8, 2009, 1:48 pm
German Shepherds are nice dogs (aside from being structural messes, they have been turned into hideous, diseased beasts by the show community).
But the truth is, they were NEVER really good shepherds and no one ever used them in this manner. They are more Mastiff than shepherd anyway.
GSs are like marines, very athletic with a bent on being violent and strong, smart and disciplined enough to get the job done consistently, but not so brilliant that they are good independent thinkers.
The BCs are independently brilliant because they have been bred to work at great distances from their handlers, even managing whole flocks by themselves, out to pasture in the morning in to the pens at night.
That level of independent problem solving isn't asked of other breeds, and thus they simply aren't as good at it.
Anonymous
July 13, 2009, 3:45 pm
Any questions about the LEAST smart owner? Probbly you.
Anonymous
July 14, 2009, 11:14 pm
Huskies are defiantly the smartest but there not among the top ten its insane. Look on youtube huskies have been know to speak words fairly clearly. Also i saw a husky open a door with its paws and it was a round doorknob. They are also expert escape artists as well. Also my husky is a great actor she likes to pretend shes hurt for attention or limp so she doesn't get in trouble. A dumb dog would not understand the owners feelings if they did something wrong. I think second to the husky is the German shepard by far. Huskies are the closest dog to wolves and wolves are Very smart they could not survive in the wild if they werent
Anonymous
July 26, 2009, 3:53 pm
i think the german shephard is the best dog in the world they are sssssssooooooooooo cute.they should uv called cuties or smarties
Anonymous
July 26, 2009, 3:57 pm
every one thinks the german shepards are the best so chang that 10 top dogs now. ttyl
Anonymous
July 26, 2009, 6:17 pm
SHELTIES RULE.. No doubt about that!
Anonymous
July 28, 2009, 6:58 am
I am genuinely surprised that Goldens are smarter than Chihuahuas. My Lhasa Apso was one of the most intelligent dogs I have known -- almost errily so. She impressed other dog lovers similarly. Perhaps she was just an Einstein of the breeed.
Anonymous
August 1, 2009, 11:20 am
Shetland Sheepdogs should most definitely be on the list before German SHEPHERDS. God it annoys me that I'm 15 years old and the grammar on here seems to pop out of the page because of how bad it is. Please stop saying SHEPHARDS, beacuse that is not how it's spelled!!!!!!!
Anonymous
August 5, 2009, 3:01 pm
Actually, dogs' intelligence consists of how you train the first, and then as others are born, they may take that intelligence. German Shepards have been used for so long that they are just naturally born smart. If other dogs, such as the border collie, were used in missions such as war, they'd be just as smart. Oh and I heard of a Boxer that was a seeing eye dog, that proves that it's just the way they're trained.
Anonymous
August 6, 2009, 11:28 am
Base by the level of grammar and spelling here, the owners would be lucky if they made it into the top 10 of the canine intelligence league.
Woof.
Anonymous
August 6, 2009, 11:30 am
Excuse my grammar, I'm a dog.. arf.
Anonymous
August 6, 2009, 11:31 am
it may not be Shepher but it's not beacuse either he he.
Anonymous
August 8, 2009, 5:47 pm
I think that poodles are the smartest breed. My Regal related to me better than most humans. The German Shepherd and the Giant Schnauser comes in at a distant second.
Anonymous
August 11, 2009, 9:20 am
I think that this list must be comprised of only AKC breeds. I've had Australian Shepherds for years and they don't come much smarter than an Aussie. If they were included on this list anywhere it would be in the top five. And I've viewed the entire list...down to #79 and the Australian Shepherd is not listed anywhere.
Anonymous
August 12, 2009, 2:02 pm
Wow, this was really very helpful, I'm thinking of getting a poodle (as my father thinks that German Shepherds are a little dangerous, although I love 'em!) So thanks so much for this info! If anyone knows if a Yorkie is a good dog???
t2jaw1
August 12, 2009, 8:32 pm
I agree with one of the posters who noted that the spelling and grammatical errors made by prior posters are unfortunate. Let's keep to the subject at hand. That is more pertinent. This is a valuable forum to share questions, answers, and information.
Derrick Soo
August 13, 2009, 6:58 am
Oakland, CA
I too think that my dog is the smartest breed. I've owned many breeds and have had the opposite too. The dumbest dog that I had was a Black Lab, but he was the kindest, most easy going dog ever. My nieces loved him since he was like a small pony at 105 lbs! I've had a Belgin Shepard, German Shepard, Dashund, Keeshound, Rottweiller, Whippet, German Short Hair Pointer and American Staffordshire Terrier. So far I rank my Staffy the smartest! At 8 mos old, she learned that our inflatable boat would take her from the main boat to shore for potty breaks. And this was on her FIRST experience on two very different size boats. Terriers are very intelligent dogs to start, but I have never had a dog learn and retain eevrything as well as this one. Just my 2 cents worth.
terry
August 18, 2009, 9:45 am
Denver, CO
I have to say that my Catahula leopard dog is one of the smartest breeds I have ever seen House training her was seemless and I swear she knows everything I'm talkin about when we are going out she gets my sneakers, her leash she is so smart extremely strong climbs trees but is as gentle as a kitten with a wonderful disposition. This breed needs to get more widely known I love this dog
steveandelaine
August 31, 2009, 9:13 pm
Anyone knows that any dog is only
as smart as the person is who is training it!!! Breeding plays a small part in a dogs intelligence, however, it still come back to the trainer. And bigger still is the intelligence of the trainer. I own a Papillon that was 6 weeks when I got him, he just had his 15th birthday. He is very smart .
I have never given him a whipping , he understands language. He undersands what I say tto him.
I am also Cherokee by blood. Maybe this gives me more insight than some people.
Good Luck!!!!!!!
sales
September 2, 2009, 7:51 pm
Once you've had a border collie there is no other breed.
Judy
September 3, 2009, 8:15 am
Lansdowne, PA
I agree. I had a border collie lab mix and he was very intelligent. Now I have a cockapoo 10 mos old I'm having a difficult time trying to get him to sit, stay and come to me. Do you think it's the mix of poodle and cockaspaniel??
DAISYIZZY
September 9, 2009, 12:40 pm
The Affenpinscher (monkey dog) by far is the world's smartest dog and creature overall.
DAISYIZZY
September 9, 2009, 12:42 pm
0
Joan
September 25, 2009, 10:39 pm
Yes I agree the border collie is intelligent, as is the poodle and the German Shepherd. Well I have been told before the Golden Retriever appears to be smart, because they want to please the owner, but the Golden was bred with the Australian Shephard in the 70,s to help their disposistion and was told they are smarter than the Golden too. I have two Goldens in their golden years and my female understands not just commands but human talk. She actually listens and understand what you say. In my house we do not talk about her so she can hear. She is ending in her years and knows who and what we are talking about. Emotions are picked up by her too. Do not get me wrong my male is bright, but my 12 year old female is more like a human with always pure intentions. I heard on a radio talk show putting dogs down. This person said they do not love. Well they have no idea of the canine species. I may go over to my senior friend, she will actually put her paw up to my shoulder and hug me. My dogs are pure in their heart and soul too. If trained right, respected, and given lots of love that love is returned by far more than any human can give. They forgive even the most hideous acts that some may have been done to them. Who does these acts,? humans who supposedly have the brighter brain, so who can love more? This man was basically saying we crucify those who mistreat animals, so who has the more intelligent brain then? 98 to 99% of canines that may be unruly or viscous either were misbred for greed, mistreated or not properly trained. Most of the fault falls within the humans. In my opinion, who is the most intelligent breed? It is the one who is properly bred, trained and loved with respect that we would like to receive ourselves. We humans are in the animal breed ourself. We must be trained from infancy too. I know the breeds that have been picked from one to ten. I do agree some breeds are better for certain tasks, but does that make that breed more intelligent? How can a mini breed do some tasks that a stronger and larger breed can do? All breeds are different in many ways. We human are too. We have police officers, teachers and brain surgeons that are great with what they do. It is like labeling, which in my opinion does not work. If it did, Albert Einstein would of been labeled not too intelligent. With his family's history, medical and emotionally, he would of been mislabeled as slightly mentally retarded years ago. And a genius he was and will always be in our history.
motomom14
September 27, 2009, 12:28 pm
We recently bought a Labradoddle. We absolutley love this dog. Having many other breeds of dogs over period of our lifetime this dog is by far the smartest. No shedding and hypoallergenic makes it even better. Very cute, loveable and intellegent. He is only 12 weeks old and knows how to shake, sit, lay down, when it's time to go to bed and jumps up to open the door. Love this dog. When you are ready for a dog lool into a labradoddle...you won't be dissapointed.
dkleitzell
September 30, 2009, 7:56 am
German Shepherd are the smartest. Border Collies and poodle are also VERY intelligent. It is a close call, but look at how much german shepherds are used in law enforcement and military work. Another very intelligent breed that should be in the top 5 is the belgian malinois. they are used just as much in police work as the german shepherd.
Kallie
October 3, 2009, 8:12 pm
Everyone thinks their dog is smartest. So to join the club: Pit Bulls are the smartest breed I've ever come across. I've had labs, border collies, and mutts galore. yes they were all smart but the Pit beats them all. I've never had a dog not just smart but so intuned with me. Therefore, PIT BULLS RULE!
jessie.cueto
October 3, 2009, 8:53 pm
I have never owned a pit, but I have read they are in deed very,very smart and loyal to their fam. I am glad to see positive things being said about this wonderful breed. However, since we all think our pet-pets are the smartest, My choc lab got to be number 1 on this list!!! .... lol:)
Rebecca
October 4, 2009, 11:12 pm
Philadelphia, PA
Time to start voting for Andre. Please vote once a day and do whatever you can (re-post to fb, cites, blogs etc.) to publicize his cute ass. Show this little guy some love.
http://www.cutestdogcompetition.com/vote.cfm?h=21F7A9BC9ACAD4A616D0535B15FE08BA&page=1
annbro
October 9, 2009, 7:04 am
I have a 9 month old white german shepherd. He is truly intelligent. however he could not be used for police work as he has no fight drive! he is sweet, caring loving, and very gentle. He is a true athelete. He excels in sports. We also have a 12 yr old yellow lab and the puppy has always been very respectful to him. knowing not to play rough and trying to help him up the stairs. He keeps him company no matter how bored he gets. He just understands emotion. He was house trained in two days and has learned all the basic comands at top speed. When I take him hiking off leash he stays with me no matter what the distractions. Sometimes he goes ahead a bit but then waits for me to catch up. My lab is also quite intelligent but not on the level of the white shepherd. I think one of you said it best. they are smart for what they have been bred to do though out their breed history. I just feel lucky to have my white shepherd.
jdeisme
October 9, 2009, 1:23 pm
German Shepherds are the smartest dogs. They reason things out instead of just doing.____Let's talk about the dumbest dogs. My first choice would be a Cocker Spaniel.
mark
October 13, 2009, 1:11 pm
A dog is only as smart as their teacher
admin
October 13, 2009, 6:03 pm
I agree with the Border Collie being at one of the smartest. I have trained several and the only one that comes close I have trained in ease of training is a pair of Australian Shepard's I trained.
jay
October 15, 2009, 4:42 pm
I just had an interview with Marc Hauser PhD. and Professor in charge of the Canine Cognitive Lab of Harvard University. From the research they have done there
rodmace01
October 16, 2009, 10:29 am
I have owned many dogs over the past 40 years including German Shepherds, Dobermans, Pit Bulls, Labs, Collies, Boston Terriers, Bull Terriers, and many mixes. I have to say the two smartest dogs I have owned were a Boston Terrier and a Border Collie. I served in the Military in law enforcement and although I do believe German Shepherds are very smart, I don't believe they are smarter than Border Collies.
PAWSDOG
October 17, 2009, 12:36 pm
BELFAST
WE COULD GO ON ARGUEING FOREVER ON THE SUBJECT,,IT DEPENDS WHAT BREEDS YOUVE HAD EXPERIENCE WITH,,,IV HAD A ROTTIE,,,3 JACK RUSSELL TERRIERS,,AND 2 YORKIES,,AND A STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER..THEY ARE ALL CLEVER IN THEIR OWN RIGHT,,AND FAST LEARNERS,,ON AVERAGE A DOG HA S THE INTELLIGENCE OF A YOUNG CHILD,,I HAV FOUND THAT THE JACK RUSSELL PICKS COMMANDS UP VERY QUICKLY,,,BUT THEY ALL HAVE REMARKABLE INTELECT,,,WHAT DOES IT MATTER WHOS THE SMARTEST AND HOW CAN WE EVER TRUELY PROVE IT.............ME AND MY HEAVENLY DOGS..XXXXXX
mckinley1945
October 21, 2009, 9:30 pm
attn: "Anonymous" poor spelling, poor grammar,illiterate people know more about smart dogs because the above people and there dogs have common sense__i see by your ass nine remarks you do not have any common sense you __can't teach common sense in school or college you are born with it__the above people and there pets have more common sense then__you mr. Anonymous.____wayne tolbert october 22, 2009__12:27am
PAWSDOG
October 23, 2009, 11:14 am
BELFAST
I TAUGHT MY NEW PUPPY JRT TO HIGH 5 SIT ,STAY ,GIVE A KISS,HIS NAME AND WERE TO TOILET IN SIDE A WEEK,,HE WAS 6WEEKS WHEN I GOT HIM,,HES 18WEEKS NOW,,,DOGS ARE CLEVER END OF.......THE TOILET TRAINING WAS DONE AFTER SHOWING HIM3 TIMES WERE TO GO...ALL IT TAKES IS PATIENCE UNDERSTANDING AND BE REPETTATIVE,,ITS LIKE US LEARNING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE,,,THEY ARE ALL SMART,,,IF YOU LOVE DOGS YOU WILL AGREE,,,,,
Casey
October 26, 2009, 5:25 pm
I looked it up and the Afghan Hound is the dumbest breed! heehee.. At least they're pretty! ;)
WOOHOO!! Rootweilers!
Actually, the Rotty and Papillon need to switch ;)
I know Poodles are smart, but i REALLY don't like them. Most of them are mean! Just my opinion ;)
Casey
October 26, 2009, 5:26 pm
DAISYIZZY,
Never.
-Casey<33
righter007
October 31, 2009, 9:59 am
Has anyone ever had an Airedale Terrier? First police dog ever! Very smart, easy to train. Had one tree it
Jean
November 2, 2009, 6:05 am
Kallie, i have to agree with you! Pit Bulls are the smartest dogs! My Pit Lucky (a rescue dog I adopted about 11 months ago -- he was about 8 or 9 mos old) is very intelligent and catches on so quickly! I also agree that dogs are only as smart as their owners! So what does that say for me and you Kallie? : )
imskeeter
November 2, 2009, 4:31 pm
all of this is true but of course i think my 4 year old jack russell/rat terrier is the smartist of them all.i found her outside my house at devenshire st. in duluth mn. she is black brown and white.
La Ren
November 4, 2009, 8:19 am
Sorry guys but this order is very true. Scientists from all over the world have named the Border Collie as the smartest dog breed. But that does not mean that every single Border Collie is smart nor does that mean that your Beagle, German Shepherd, Lab or Golden is not smarter than a Border Collie. I happen to have a German Shepherd that is very smart and caught on to everything that we taught him very fast. Also mixed breed dogs can also be very smart. My mother has a German Shepherd/Siberian Husky mix that is extremely intelligent. I have yet to experience a dog that can match her. Just remember that all of our dogs are prettier, smarter and cooler than anyone else's dog, because they are ours!!!
idnotknow22222
November 4, 2009, 4:47 pm
How about Golden Retreiver. I have two of them now. Both can get the paper. Get the phone for me. You name it you can teach these dogs how to do it. Plus there pretty damn good lookin
hollie
November 6, 2009, 6:59 am
My golden happily brings me my bath towel. It's amazing what they understand, she picks up so much just from observing us and our day-to-day routine. She lost her Kong in the crawl space our basement when she was 8 months old. 6 months later, I jokingly said, "Go get your Kong!" and she jumped into the crawl space and found it. I about fell over.____I do find it's easier to train her now that she's completed her online 'English as a Second Language' course.
