10 Smartest Dog Breeds

You may think that your dog is the cutest and smartest pup around, but where do they rank among the world's smartest dog breeds? Today, we'll cover the top ten know-it-all dog breeds. Where does your dog rank?  

#10: Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog is a naturally loyal, hard-working, and protective breed. Since they were bred to manage stubborn cattle, they have the perfect temperament for dealing with children. Australian Cattle Dogs, like most dogs, need something to do, or they can be prone to behavioral issues. Long walks, playtime, games, and daycare will keep Australian Cattle Dogs happy and occupied.

#9: Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a devoted companion and working dog. The breed is generally known to be even-tempered, watchful, and extremely intelligent. The Rottweiler has become an international favorite, and its popularity peaked in the mid-90s. Because of their intelligence and ability to learn, they are often used as police dogs and guard dogs, but this intelligence and willingness to adapt means that Rottweilers can also be seen working as therapy dogs.

#8: Papillon

Known for their large butterfly-like ears, Papillons are one of the most revered small breeds today. The word Papillon actually means "butterfly" in French, and the nickname was given to Continental Toys Spaniels that had these large wing-like ears. They are known for their friendly and inquisitive natures. Papillons are some of the best small breeds at learning a large number of dazzling tricks.

#7: Labrador Retriever

Labradors consistently appear on most of the top dog lists, and for good reason. Labs have a great temperament in are iconic all-around family dogs. Their intelligence and willingness to learn make them great companions for almost every family. Labs can easily adapt to almost any situation, whether it be a rescue mission, helping the blind traverse the world, or hogging the sofa. 

#6: Shetland Sheepdog 

Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, look like small Rough Collies. They are known to be excellent companion dogs and are loved for their gorgeous coats. Ironically, they aren’t seen herding or even much at all in the Shetland Isles, and even though they aren't popular where they got their namesake, they are popular around the world. They can most often be seen in obedience and agility trials.

#5: Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman was created in the late 1800s by a German tax collector to be the ultimate Terrier. What resulted was a strong, fast, and intelligent dog. Because they got their start as personal protection dogs, Dobermans prefer to be up close or right next to their humans rather than watch them from afar. They are fiercely loyal and devoted and always appear to be calm. They can tend to be clingy, and their intelligence and willingness to please make them easy to train. 

#4: Golden Retrievers  

Just like its closely related cousin, the Lab, Golden's being found on a top ten list is nothing new. Their beautiful coats, excitement to try new things, and intelligence have made them one of the most admired and popular dog breeds in the world. Goldens got their start as hunting dogs but can now be seen doing almost any job. They make great guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs, and service animals, but make no mistake, a Golden will feel right in place in your home. 

#3: German Shepherd

Another iconic dog to add to this list, the German Shepherd is known as one of the smartest dogs around. They got their start as herding dogs and livestock guardians but are now known as police dogs and loving companions. German Shepherd's ability to learn and perform new tasks has earned them a reputation as the best working breeds. They can be seen on rescue missions, sniffing for contraband and patrolling the streets with officers. 

#2: Poodle

The Poodle got its start in Germany and was later refined in France. They love water and are seen as one of the most intelligent dogs around. Poodles were a symbol of wealth and status in the 19th and 20th centuries. Now, Poodles are loving companions and great playmates for both humans and animals alike, and they just love to be the center of attention. 

Finally, at #1: Border Collie 

The world's best herding dog, the Border Collie, is a classic example of a workaholic. These dogs love having a job to do, especially a job that involves using their amazing agility. Just as proof that Border Collies are the smartest breed, Chaser, a Border Collie, famously learned over 1,000 words. Chaser's trainer taught her to pick up her toys by their color and name. She can even decipher basic grammar better than some humans do. This level of intelligence has been observed in dolphins and chimps, but Chaser is a trailblazer for dogs. 

Conclusion 

Do you have one of these smart pups? What's the smartest thing your dog has ever done? Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our social media pages. If you liked the video, check out some of the other videos on our YouTube Channel!