Does Your Dog Belong to the Top 10 Most Intelligent Breeds?

Canines possess far greater intelligence than we often acknowledge.

One clear indicator of their intelligence is how dogs interact with humans. As the dominant species on Earth for millennia, aligning themselves with humanity, the planet's apex predator, has proven to be a remarkably astute strategy.

This is precisely what dogs accomplished. Brilliant!

The most intelligent dog breeds excel at understanding and responding to their human companions, a skill that demands remarkable cognitive abilities. Studies reveal that dogs can decode human body language with impressive accuracy, sometimes outperforming even humans.

The exact origins of dogs' social intelligence with humans remain a mystery, but it's probable that, over thousands of years, dogs were selectively bred for traits that enhance their ability to coexist harmoniously with people.

Breeds such as border collies and Australian cattle dogs, known for their herding skills, have been specifically developed to assist humans in work while also serving as loyal companions.

Whether it's herding, search and rescue, or providing therapeutic support, dogs contribute significantly to human endeavors. Their intelligence is undeniable, and we actively nurture certain breeds to maximize their cognitive potential.

How Do We Measure Canine Intelligence?

In his 2016 book "Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are?", Frans de Waal, a renowned animal behaviorist, argues that humans have largely failed to accurately evaluate the intelligence of other species.

For example, we often regard skills like tool use, cooperation, planning, time perception, and understanding others' mental states as uniquely human traits — yet these abilities are shared by numerous animal species across various classes.

When evaluating animal intelligence, we tend to label them as smart if they perform tasks that align with our expectations.

De Waal proposes that an animal's intelligence should be judged based on its ability to thrive in its natural environment. For many dogs, excelling at following human commands is essential to their success.

Understanding Canine Working Intelligence

In the field of canine psychology, "working intelligence" refers to a dog's ability to follow commands. While researchers are exploring instinctive intelligence (such as hunting or herding) and adaptive intelligence (problem-solving), the most reliable data we currently have focuses on working intelligence, which measures how trainable and obedient a dog can be.

Stanley Coren, in his 2006 book "The Intelligence of Dogs," consulted 200 dog obedience judges to compile a ranking of breeds with the highest working intelligence. He categorized these breeds into tiers, with the most responsive dogs—those capable of learning a new command in fewer than five attempts with 95% success—occupying the top tier.

The second tier includes breeds like the English springer spaniel, which can master a new command 85% of the time after 15 repetitions. This tiered system continues down to the sixth tier, where breeds like the Afghan hound may only grasp a new command 30% of the time, even after 100 attempts.

As De Waal points out, Afghan hounds are likely highly intelligent but, much like cats, they are "independent and not inclined to please others."

Training Defines Canine Brilliance

Similar to how a person's intelligence remains hidden without proper education, a dog's potential is heavily influenced by training. Each dog is unique, and so are their circumstances.

Certain dogs have demonstrated the ability to acquire extensive vocabularies and tackle intricate challenges.

Take Chaser, for example, known as the "world's smartest dog." This border collie was trained by a retired psychologist specializing in canine cognition. She learned over 1,000 proper nouns and 100 distinct behaviors, a feat achieved through consistent and effective training methods.

While genetics play a significant role in a dog's intelligence, the impact of training cannot be overlooked.

Top 10 Most Intelligent Dog Breeds

Based on Coren's findings, here are the top 10 most intelligent dog breeds.

1. Border Collie

The border collie ranks as the most intelligent breed in terms of working intelligence. While they are deeply loyal and loving toward their families, they also demand significant time, attention, and mental stimulation.

Border collies are medium-sized herding dogs known for their boundless ... energy. Originally bred in Scotland for sheep herding, they possess exceptional stamina, drive, and focus.

Bred to manage and control large groups of livestock, border collies possess what enthusiasts refer to as the "herding eye" — an intense gaze similar to that of a wolf on the hunt, which effectively intimidates sheep.

While their extraordinary intelligence makes them captivating and enjoyable companions, experts caution potential owners to carefully consider their lifestyle before adopting a border collie.

As Coren points out, a highly intelligent dog isn't always the ideal household pet. Without a lifestyle that accommodates a border collie's insatiable need for physical activity and mental stimulation, your clever and inquisitive pet may become a source of chaos and destruction.

2. Poodle

Despite their reputation as divas, poodles are ranked second in the top tier of canine intelligence.

One of the standout features of poodles is that they are available in various sizes. Standard poodles are large, measuring over 15 inches (38 centimeters) at the shoulder, while toy poodles are under 10 inches (25.4 centimeters). Miniature poodles fall somewhere in between.

Originally bred in Germany as hunting dogs, poodles are more adaptable than border collies when it comes to being family pets. They are athletic, easy to train, and thrive on human interaction and family activities.

Poodles need regular exercise, particularly in households with young children. While they are gentle and sociable, a poodle lacking physical activity might become too energetic for a small child.

3. German Shepherd

German shepherds are versatile, large-sized working dogs known for their loyalty. As one of the most beloved breeds in the U.S., they are frequently employed in military, police, therapy, and medical assistance roles.

During the 19th century, as dog breeds were being standardized, this robust, agile, and intelligent breed emerged from the finest German herding dogs.

Their exceptional working intelligence, keen sense of smell, and brave nature quickly made them a top choice for military and police units worldwide.

German shepherds excel as guard dogs. They are fiercely loyal to their families but can be wary and protective around strangers until they feel comfortable.

4. Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are beloved pets for good reason: they are patient with children and other animals, loyal, attractive, and highly trainable, capable of mastering over 200 commands.

Originally bred in the mid-1800s as hunting companions, golden retrievers are now exceptional service dogs due to their consistently cheerful, devoted, and attentive nature.

One downside of golden retrievers is their tendency to ingest inappropriate objects, particularly during their puppy years. This habit makes them susceptible to digestive blockages.

5. Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinschers are elegant, athletic, and commanding dogs. Bred in the 1890s by Louis Doberman, a German tax collector, they were designed to be both loyal companions and formidable protectors.

Doberman achieved his goal with this breed. Known for their speed and fearlessness, they became popular in police work and military roles due to their trainability. However, their reputation for aggression is often exaggerated.

Dobermans can be trained to be gentle just as effectively as they can be trained for protection. With proper socialization as puppies, they can grow into loving, playful, and devoted family pets.

6. Shetland Sheepdog

Often called Shelties, these small, energetic, and playful dogs were originally bred as herders on the rugged Shetland Islands of Scotland. They excel in nearly every task they undertake, from agility competitions to service roles.

Shelties are naturally competitive, with a strong instinct for herding — they’ll attempt to herd almost anything, from squirrels and children to even cars.

Shelties are playful and affectionate with their families but can be reserved, though not hostile, around strangers. To keep your Sheltie happy, provide ample exercise and mental stimulation through tricks, tasks, and activities that engage their sharp minds.

7. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador retriever, often called a Lab, is the most beloved dog breed in America. Known for their friendly nature, Labs are outgoing and treat everyone they meet like a friend.

Originally bred in England as gun dogs, Labs are not only highly trainable but also adept at observing and mimicking human actions without direct instruction.

Labs are playful, great with children, and exceptionally trainable, making them a favorite for many. While they are laid-back, they thrive on daily walks or playtime with a ball thrower to burn off their energy.

8. Papillon

The name Papillon, meaning "butterfly" in French, refers to this small, elegant dog with distinctive butterfly-like ears. Despite their dainty appearance, they are as energetic, resilient, and eager to work as any breed on this list.

Papillons are classified as toy dogs, standing under 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) tall at the shoulder. They were favored by European nobility, and their presence is documented in royal family portraits dating back to the 16th century.

Despite their aristocratic background, Papillons are highly adaptable dogs. They enjoy outdoor activities, thrive as indoor pets, and, despite their small size, excel in family environments and with young children.

9. Rottweiler

Rottweilers are among the oldest dog breeds, with origins tracing back to ancient Rome. They have served as guardians, herders, war dogs, police dogs, and even draft animals. Their name derives from the butchers of Rottweil, Germany, who used them to pull carts loaded with meat to markets.

While Rottweilers are the quintessential working dogs, they also make loyal and playful companions. Known for their quiet demeanor, they typically bark only to alert or warn.

10. Australian Cattle Dog

As their name suggests, Australian cattle dogs originate from Australia and share ancestry with the iconic Australian wild dog, the dingo. Often referred to as blue heelers, these dogs are exceptionally resilient, bred to herd livestock across the rugged landscapes of the Australian outback.

Known for their sharp minds and strong build, Australian cattle dogs have a reputation for frequently outwitting their owners. Without consistent training, their intelligence can lead to mischievous behavior.