How smart is a Maltese dog

How Smart Is a Maltese Dog? Canine Intelligence Explained

Quantifying an animals intelligence is subjective. That may be particularly true when judging our pets. Perhaps any dog owner will tell you gladly how smart their pups are and the tricks they can do. They may provide extraordinary examples of their canine companions, proving their intelligence. Thats true with any breed, including the Maltese.

The breeds history offers valuable clues for determining how smart a Maltese is. Enthusiasts selectively bred the most intelligent dogs, like the Border Collie and Poodle, for certain jobs and behaviors. Many tasks were complex, nurturing intelligence in these breeds. The Malteses role for humans is as an animal companion. These dogs are likely as smart as most dogs, capable of the emotions of a 2 -year-old child.

The Intelligence of the Maltese

The Maltese can experience the emotions of a small child. Therefore, it can feel anger, excitement, and love. All are fitting for a companion animal. We can surmise that this pup is emotionally intelligent from a canines perspective and capable of the feelings that can safeguard its place in the household. Think about the implications of how smart the dog is.

A caregiver would see to their pets every need. The pup wouldnt need to look for food or hunt prey or pests. It wouldnt be challenged mentally to do more than be a friendly and affectionate pet. Therefore, we can conclude that the Maltese is as smart as any dog with the innate capabilities to navigate its world.

Gauging Animal Intelligence

Scientists have explored the question of animal intelligence in various species. The goal is to develop criteria that are unbiased and non-subjective. That will give researchers a level playing field when considering multiple species. That can satisfy some benchmarks for universal testing of this concept.

Dogs share 84% of our DNA, which suggests they are at least capable of high-information processing. Science supports this suggestion. In one study, researchers have discovered similar voice areas in canine and human brains using comparative neuroimaging¹. These findings support the importance of vocal communication, given that humans and canines shared a common ancestor 94 million years ago.

Researchers developed three aspects of intelligence to gauge this trait in other species.

They include the following:

• Formation of general concepts based on experience
• Problem-solving
• Social intelligence or the ability to know conspecifics and humans

The significance of these criteria is that they allow for robust testing. Scientists can create experiments that demonstrate an animals capacity for each one. Armed with this information, we can gauge whether the Maltese or any other breed is intelligent. However, its essential to put it in context with canine abilities and the tasks that will tap into these qualities.

Canine Criteria

A dog owner may judge a pets intelligence differently than a scientist conducting an experiment. Perhaps the best criteria involve the elements of training, a canines adaptability to new experiences, and the ease of behavior modifications.

The German Shepherd stands out in the first score since it can pick up new commands or tricks quickly. That makes sense, given its job as a guard dog. The ability to read situations and react accordingly is desirable in this breed. It is easy to train and eager to please, which provides further proof of its intelligence.

Dogs with jobs in herding, guarding, and hunting often involve independent thinking and decision-making. Many pups, such as the Chow Chow, can tolerate being alone. Some breeds also show a headstrong streak, like the Scottish Terrier. Their day-to-day life encourages this behavior. The Maltese doesnt show these same tendencies. Instead, it is a gentle and affectionate animal.

The Maltese doesnt like to be alone, which isnt unusual for a pup selectively bred as a companion animal. It encourages this trait, although perhaps inadvertently. Likewise, this pup is sensitive to harsh words or negative reinforcement. This breeds happy place is by its owners side. Anything that detracts from it is out of this dogs comfort zone.

Being Cute

Its a fair assumption that being cute and affectionate are essential attributes in a companion dog. They dont require extraordinary intelligence to read their owners emotions. Its simply a matter of being observant instead of solving complex problems. This role doesnt challenge the Maltese, although the pup is easy to train since it goes hand-in-hand with pleasing its owner.

This breed is loyal and sometimes wary of strangers. The two traits are also compatible, given their historical and current role. The Maltese is also a playful dog, which falls in line with its personality. Its worth noting that mental stimulation isnt as critical for this breed as it is for intelligent breeds like the Golden Retriever. The Maltese also has a low wanderlust potential. Why leave a good thing?

Conclusion

The Maltese is the American Kennel Clubs 39th most popular breed, with good reason. It is a sweet dog that endears itself readily to its owner. We couldnt agree more. Its compact size makes it a cuddly pup anyone would love to have. The easy life has its perks. However, it doesnt encourage this breed to be any smarter than other companion animals.

Featured Image Credit: Petra, Pixabay

Maltese

For more than 28 centuries, the Maltese spaniel has been the aristocrat of the dog world. It is believed that the Maltese originated in Malta, a tiny island south of Sicily. It is only fitting that such a noble dog be established in Malta, whose civilization was distinguished by its sophistication and opulence.

One Maltese of note, Issa, was owned by Publius, the Roman governor of Malta in the 1st century. Issa was described in a celebrated epigram as frolicsome purer than a dove's kiss, gentler than a maiden more precious than Indian gems. Many famous authors and scholars, including Pliny the Elder and Strabo, wrote of the beauty, finesse and irresistible charm of the tiny Maltese dog. The Greeks erected tombs to their Maltese and, from the 5th century on, these ornate dogs are represented in Greek ceramic art. Archaeological evidence exists to show that Maltese dogs were owned by the Egyptians who may have worshiped them.

The Maltese has been highly valued in society throughout time. In fact, one account is of a Maltese being sold in the 1500s for the equivalent of $2,000. It is said that Maltese dogs were particularly popular with women who carried them in their bosoms or their sleeves. Invariably, scholars of yore drew attention to the breed's diminutive size. In 1792, the botanist Linnaeus referred to Maltese as being about the size of squirrels. The first Maltese exhibited in the United States was white and listed as a Maltese lion dog at Westminster's first dog show in 1877. The American Kennel Club registered the Maltese in 1888.

100 Smartest Dog Breeds A Guide to Measuring Dog Intelligence

When potential owners begin looking into dog breeds, researching basic breed info is a must. Starting with our smartest dog breeds list is a bright idea. In fact, its normal most owners want to gauge the intelligence of their potential pup.

But regardless of how smart a dog you choose, whats more important is that theyre compatible and loving. There really is no reason to pick a dog breed just because theyre intelligent. The truth is, a dog really doesnt need to be that smart.

Most dogs will be able to go through basic dog training thats not above and beyond what youll need. Some will require a bit more time, but its not impossible. Its just that those breeds specialize in hunting, retrieving, pointing, herding and other things.

RECOMMENDED: 35 Least Intelligent Dog Breeds

How We Measure the Smartest Dog Breeds

Stanley Coren, a canine psychologist and PHD from the University of British Columbia, developed the criteria for ranking dog intelligence. With his criteria, Coren contacted obedience trial judges from the AKC and CKC to help evaluate and rank various dog breeds.

He received 199 responses, which represented half of obedience judges in North America at the time. In addition, not all dogs in the trial appeared on his list. In fact, only dog breeds that received at least 100 evaluations qualified for his final list of smartest dog breeds.

As a result, he was able to collect valuable data and infamously rank most of the popular recognized breeds. His findings eventually led to his renowned book: The Intelligence of Dogs. Its a fantastic read that you can check it out here.

The Criteria for Dog Intelligence

Stanley Corens criteria for dog intelligence was met with a lot of skepticism and criticism and for good reason which well discuss later. However, he remained consistent with these two metrics in which he measured during his trials.

His dog intelligence criteria was based on the following:

1. Dog breeds were measured by the number of repetitions needed to learn a new command. This meant that smarter dogs were able to learn new commands with fewer repetitions.
2. The success rate that your dog obeys a known command on the the first attemptreflects how smart a dog is. For example, if your dog obeys a known command (on the first attempt) 19 out of 20 times, theyre top-10 smart.

The results were relatively consistent. That is, Border Collies were always in the top 10, while Afghan Hounds were always in the bottom 10.During his trials, Stanley Coren estimated that a Border Collie knew 200 spoken words(commands) on average.

Dogs with Average Intelligence

Is there anything wrong with being average in intelligence? Not really, especially when it comes to your dog. Although average, these dogs are still very much capable of learning tricks and leading packs. It just might take a little longer.

The dog breeds in this category can learn a new command after 25 to 40 repetitions of the command. This means thats the amount of times necessary to teach the average dog something new. Dog training isnt rocket science, but isnt a walk in the park either.

Average intelligent dogs willobey a known command on the first try with at least a 50% success rate. Some dogs just need a little more clarification. Though others require a trusted handler in order to be more responsive with obedience training.

Ranked 100 63rd Smartest Dog Breeds

100 (tie). Boston Terrier The Boston Terriers are called the American Gentleman dogs for a reason. Theyre friendly, kind and entertaining all the best qualities of a terrier.

100 (tie). Welsh Terrier The Welsh Terrier is spirited and alert dogs. Their intelligence make them very trainable dogs too.

100 (tie). Irish Terrier These dogs are dominant and protective of the family. At the same time, their high intelligence makes them very trainable.

100 (tie). Ibizan Hound These hounds have a kind of clownish personality to lighten the mood. But dont mistaken them as dumb, they are certainly intelligent dogs.

99. Rhodesian Ridgeback Although theyre loyal dogs, the Ridgeback is known to be a little mischievous at times.

98. Wire Fox Terrier These Terriers are bold and fearless dogs. Despite that, they are friendly dogs to be around.

97. Chinese Shar Pei These Chinese dog breeds are very suspicious dogs. Theyre especially careful and alert around unfamiliar people.

96. Whippet The Whippet dogs are gentle, friendly and quiet, but are surprisingly very intelligent dogs.

95. Alaskan Malamute The Alaskan Malamutes are known for its loyalty and devotion, but they are a very playful breed too.

94. Staffordshire Bull Terrier These Bull Terriers are bold and reliable dogs. Theyre courageous and fearless, but affectionate at the same time.

93. Shiba Inu The Shiba is a little fearless dog with lots of confidence for its size. Theyre also alert and keen when outside.

92. Dachshund Despite their small size and funny body shape, the Daschunds are actually courageous dogs. They also have a lively and playful attitude.

91. Great Dane The Great Dane is the big, friendly giant of dogs. Theyre actually very reserved and gentle dogs.

90. Boxer The Boxer dogs are full of energy and have a playful manner. They have a bold attitude and are very courageous dogs too.

89. Scottish Deerhound The Scottish Deerhound is gentle, friendly and docile dogs. But, they are also very dignified breeds.

88. West Highland White Terrier These dogs are independent and courageous workers, but also friendly around those at home.

87. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon The Griffons are proud and loyal dogs, known to be very trainable. Despite the bold personality, theyre actually very gentle.

86. Greyhound These dogs are great runners, but also require a lot of exercise. Theyre active and independent hounds.

85. American Foxhound This dog breed is loyal and independent, but can be kind and loving dogs at home.

84. Jack Russell Terrier These Terriers are very intelligent, but also stubborn at times. They are energetic, fearless and active dogs.

83. Otterhound The Otterhounds are very even tempered dogs with a very pleasant manner. Everyone will get along with them.

82. English Foxhound These dogs have extremely high patience on top of a gentle attitude. They make very good companion dogs.

81. Tibetan Spaniel This Spaniel is aloof and independent, but they make up for it with their intelligence and assertiveness.

80. English Toy Spaniel This toy dog breed is very similar to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, just smaller. Plus, theyre great people pleasers.

79. Havanese The Havanese are gentle and playful companion dogs that need a lot of affection in return.

78. Bichon Frise The Bichon Frise are little feisty dogs with a lot of cheer and energy. They love to play, but can be sensitive at times.

77. Siberian Husky The Huskies are serious workers with a lot of energy to expend. At the same time, theyre gentle and friendly dogs.

76. American Water Spaniel Intelligent and trainable, the American Water Spaniel is regarded as a very protective dog. They will have your back.

75. Black and Tan Coonhound The Black and Tan Coonhounds are mellow dogs with an even temper. Overall, the dog breed is easygoing and very lovable.

74. German Wirehaired Pointer These are active dogs with a lot of loyalty and affection towards its loved ones.

73. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel This Spaniel breed is very sociable and loves to be around people. They can be quite fearless at times, especially when playing.

72. Pointer The Pointer is everything you want in a dog. They are very loyal, intelligent, affectionate, but active at the same time.

71. Finnish Spitz This dog breed is generally very happy and playful. They can be very vocal dogs at home.

70. Saluki Although reserved at times and aloof towards people, the Saluki is quietly intelligent.

69. Miniature American Shepherd The mini shepherd resembles a miniature Australian Shepherd. They may be compact, but retain the self-motivation and work ethic of their larger cousins.

68. Kuvasz The Kuvasz dogs are extremely loyal dogs, but can sometimes be overly protective of their owners.

67. Irish Wolfhound These Wolfhound breeds have a very calm personality. Theyre loyal and sweet-tempered, and would do well around kids.

66. Curly Coated Retriever This Retriever breed is known to be very trainable. Their clever attitude and lively personality make them excellent dogs.

65. Smooth Fox Terrier The Fox Terrier comes in two sub-breeds: the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wire Hair Fox Terrier. Both equally intelligent and friendly dogs.

64. Bedlington Terrier The Bedlington is affectionate and intelligent, making them excellent companion dogs to own.

63. Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier The lively and spirited personalities of the Wheaten Terrier make them great entertaining dogs to own.

Dogs Above Average Intelligence

In terms of dog intelligence, these dog breeds are stillconsidered very smart. Simply put, theyre above average when compared to their peers. But how farback behind in intelligence are they compared to the former two intelligence categories?

According to Coren, the above average group can learn new commands with 15 to 25 repetitions. At this level, it may not be a good idea to use fruits and vegetables as dog treats for training. After all, too many human-food treats can cause nastyside effects.

For a dog to be above average, theyll also need to be able to successfully obey a known command on the first try with 70% (or higher) accuracy. As such, above average dogs are some of the most obedient animals in the world.

Ranked 62 32nd Smartest Dog Breeds

62. Dalmatian The Dalmatian is brimming with energy. Theyre active dogs and very outgoing with humans and other dogs. If i could, I would raise 101 of them.

61. Norwich Terrier The Norwich is a bit more sensitive and affectionate than most dog breeds. Despite that, theyre still very energetic dogs.

60. Clumber Spaniel The Clumber is the type of dog that you see and immediately know theyre kind-hearted dogs. However, they dont make the best guard dog.

59. Pharaoh Hound The Pharaoh is an active dog thats always alert and active. Because theyre so smart, they are known to be very trainable dogs.

58. English Setter The English Setter has it all. Theyre smart dogs on top of being playful, gentle, energetic and affectionate.

57. Miniature Pinscher The miniature version of the Pinscher is like you would expect: playful, active and fun-loving. However, theyre quite clever canines.

56. Australian Silky Terrier These terriers are alert and full of joy. Their friendly nature make them a compatible dog with kids.

55. Affenpinscher These little Pinschers are very curious in personality and love to explore. Although they love to play, they can also be stubborn.

54. Norwegian Elkhound The Elkhound is one bold and courageous dog. From their stance to their look and attitude, you can tell theyre quite awesome dogs.

53. Irish Setter These dogs make great companion dogs due to their independent, yet affectionate nature. They are oftenviewed asenergetic and lively dogs as well.

52. Kelly Blue Terrier The Kelly Blue is a strong-willed Terrier that also has an affectionate side. They are very loyal and gentle around family members.

51. Cairn Terrier The Cairn is one of the oldest Terrier breeds. They can be quite the assertive and fearless dog on the field.

50. Bearded Collie These Collies are just brimming with self-confidence. Theyre smart with a energetic and lively nature to them.

49. Gordon Setter Ive never seen a dog breed as happy and fearless at the same time. The Gordon Setter is an excellent play dog.

48. American Staffordshire Terrier This dog breed will always have your back. Theyre tenacious and courageous, yet loyal and devoted.

47. Australian Terrier Although small, the Australian Terrier is big in livelinessand energy. They make wonderful companion dogs for those just as spirited.

46. Newfoundland The Newfoundlands are dogs that are big gentle giants. Theyre sweet and kind-hearted canines.

45. Field Spaniel These dogs are quiet Spaniels that are cautious and docile by nature. When around those that are familiar, they really start to open up.

44. Samoyed The Samoyed dogs love to play in a lively and energetic manner. However, they are known to be stubborn from time to time.

43. Manchester Terrier The Manchester Terrier is such a pleasant and happy dog to be around. Their wonderful personalities will liven up any room.

42. Australian Shepherd These are overall good-natured dogs. Their loyalty and affection towards the family make them very protective dogs, though obedient and trainable.

41. Welsh Springer Spaniel These small Spaniels are always lively and active. They love people, but can be a little stubborn at times.

40. Briard The Briard dog breed is known for its undying loyalty. They are great people pleasers and will fit well with any family.

39. Border Terrier The Border Terrier is fearless and alert in the fields, but affectionate and obedient at home. Theyre great dogs to own.

38. Bouvier des Flandres Protective of its family, this dog is loyal and gentle. Their intelligence makes it feel like theyre very understanding of different situations.

37. Airedale Terrier This dog breed is very sociable and outgoing. Theyre highly intelligent dogs as well.

36. Portuguese Water Dog These waterdogs were originally bred to be multi-purpose helpers for fisherman. They have the same curly water-proof coat as the Poodle, in addition to their affinity towards water.

35. Giant Schnauzer This is one powerful and dominant Schnauzer. The good news is that theyre loyal and kind dogs too.

34. Yorkshire Terrier The Yorkshire is small, but bold and courageous. Small dogs arent typically known for intelligence, but this little one is.

33. Puli These dogs look like the end of a mop, but dont let fool you. These smart dogs are high in energy and obedient.

32. Chesapeake Bay Retriever The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an awesome family dog. Theyre protective over their loved ones, but affectionate and quiet at the same time.

Bright Dogs

In this batch of 21 dog breeds, we are left with dogs that are considered to be extremely smart. Well call them the bright dogs because thats exactly what they are. Theyre quick learners, but also responsive with obedience.

The dog breeds in this bright intelligence categoryare able to understand and learn a new command in just 5 to 15 repetitions. Depending on the complexity of the command, bright dogs will probably be able to learn a new command in under 30 minutes!

To make things more impressive, theyre able to obey a known command the first try with at least a 85% success rate. Not bad at all. At this rate, their obedience rate is almost unnoticeable from dog breeds in the next class up.

Ranked 31 11th Smartest Dog Breeds

31. Cardigan Welsh Corgi Like the Pembroke, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is highly intelligent. The Cardigan is a great companion to have.

30. Vizsla The Vizsla dog is gentle and affectionate. Although quiet, the Vizsla is quite the smart canine.

29. Irish Water Spaniel They may have a goofy and silly personality. But this large Spaniel breed is a lot smarter than it acts.

28. Pomeranian These small dogs are surprisingly very sociable and playful. They love being active and have the intelligence to learn quickly.

27. Bernese Mountain Dog This dog breed makes the perfect family dog. Theyre smart, loyal and affectionate towards human.

26. Belgian Malinois The Malinois is an extremely hyper dog. Theyre smart enough to be trained to be police or special search dogs. Think of them as small German Shepherds with unlimited energy.

25. Weimaraner Although very smart, the Weimaraner has been known to be aloof around people. They just need more time to warm up to people.

24. American Cocker Spaniel Quiet and friendly, the Cocker Spaniel is an affectionate dog thats good with kids. Theyre smart enough to know when to be gentle and also very trainable.

23. Brittany Their attentive personality and intelligence make them very adaptable dogs. It always seems like they know whats going on.

22. Standard Schnauzer The Schnauzer is overall very trainable and good-hearted. They love to play and can be excellent family dogs.

21. English Cocker Spaniel Theyre quiet dog breeds, but also extremely smart. Dont mistaken the quietness as low intelligence.

20. Flat-Coated Retriever The Flat-coated Retriever is always happy and optimistic. They like to socialize and are 100% devoted to their humans.

19. German Shorthaired Pointer These dogs are known to be very trainable. Im certain their high intelligence has something to do with that.

18. Keeshond The Keeshond breed is active and energetic. But their high intelligence make them very obedient dogs to own.

17. Collie The Collie is the dog breed that played the one and only, Lassie. How smart are they? Just watch the movie if you havent already.

16. Belgian Sheepdog From physical appearance to intelligence, this breed is very much like the Schipperke. They are also slightly larger, but great herders too.

15. Schipperke This dog breed is fearless, courageous and active. But dont worry, theyre smart enough not to get themselves into too much trouble.

14. Belgian Tervuren Because the Belgian Tervuren Shepherd is such a smart dog breed, theyre able to effectively herd sheep. In fact, theyre some of the best herders around.

13. English Springer Spaniel These spaniels were bred to be top-tier bird flushing dogs with an obedient and trainable nature. Their eagerness to please is what makes them so easy to train.

12. Miniature Schnauzer Dont let these small dogs fool you. Small dogs mean small brain, but not less intelligence. Theyre quite obedient dogs, but full of energy too.

11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi The Pembroke Corgi is a little bundle of energy. Their intelligence makes them very trainable, but can sometimes be stubborn in personality.

10 Smartest Dog Breeds

The top 10 smartest dog breeds happen to also be some of the most popular dogs in the world. Is this a coincidence? Probably not. People are attracted to smart people. Likewise, people are attracted to smart dogs. Makes sense, right?

The breeds that have made this exclusive category are some of the most trainable dogs in the canine kingdom. And according to Stanley Coren, the top 10 dogs can learn a new command with just 5 repetitions or less! Theyll need a few minutes for basic commands.

In addition, these breeds will obey a known command on the first try with a success rate of 95% or more. These numbers are pretty remarkable and just shows how intelligent and obedient dogs can really be at the highest level.

10. Australian Cattle Dog

Highlights: Diligent, Active, Curious

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the premier herding dogs to hail from Australia. Part of the reason why theyre such fantastic herders is because of their high dog IQ. Though they love to work, it takes intelligence to be such skilled and efficient herding dogs.

Australian Cattle Dogs are also famously called the Blue Heelers. Theyre called this because of their unique herding technique, in which they nip at the heels of the cattles. Many Australian Cattle Dogs also come in a blue coat color too, hence the complete name.

READ MORE: Why Blue Heelers Are Intelligent

9. Rottweiler

Highlights: Loyal, Protective, Loving

The Rottweiler (or Rottie) is one of the most loyal dogs in the dogdom. They are confident, yet smart and big on pleasing people. Rottweilers are generally used as watchdogs because of their bold and courageous personality.

There arent not many people I know that would want to mess with one. Rottweilers make fantastic police dogs, herding dogs, service dogs or just a companion and friend. Theyre just that versatile. And, like many other intelligent dogs, they play great with kids.

READ MORE: Heres Why Rottweilers Are Smart

8. Papillon

Highlights: Friendly, Cheerful, Positive

The Papillon dog breed is not as popular or known as the others on this list. But dont let that deter you from keeping one. Their intelligence is first class and they are especially good at learning tricks mainly tricks that require a lot of athleticism.

Papillons are versatile dogs that can be trained to do all sorts of things. And, they are more than willing to show off. Theyre energetic and alert, but most importantly, friendly and people-oriented. Papillons are a great choice for a family dog or affectionate lap dog.

7. Labrador Retriever

Highlights: Friendly, Social, Active

Theres a reason why the Labrador Retriever is the most common dog breed in the States. Theyre a good jack of all trades dog. Theres really no negatives to the Labrador. Hence, their staggering popularity. In fact, theyve been the most popular breed in the United States fordecades.

The Lab is certainly a smart dog breed, but they are also gentle, courageous and easy to raise. Theyre excellent family dogs and great around kids. Needless to say, Labs are the perfect companion dogs.

READ MORE: The True Intelligence of Labradors

6. Shetland Sheepdog

Highlights: Playful, Lively, Cheerful

The Shetland Sheepdog is pretty much a small Collie. These intelligent herding dogs make great family dogs because they love to learn new tricks (and show off too). Plus, they learn them fast. Their loyalty lies with the family and they will happily entertain the kids with tricks.

Some say theyre the perfect playmates for children. Furthermore, they make great watchdogs because theyre vigilant by nature, especially around those theyre not familiar with. Fortunately, the Shetland Sheepdog is smart enough to recognize when strangers are threats or friends.

READ MORE: Heres Why Shelties Are Smart

5. Doberman Pinscher

Highlights: Devoted, Fearless, Alert

The Dobermann has massive strength, size, speed and endurance. Like the German Shepherd, theyre fantastic police dogs. Because of all their amazing physical attributes, along with high intelligence, Dobermans are often called war dogs. Why you ask?

They served in the Second Battle of Guam in 1944 and many of them died for the country in that war. Still, Dobermans make great family dogs because of their intense devotion. If youre looking for a dignified companion that will protect you and your family at all cost, youve found the dog.

READ MORE: Are Dobermans Smart? Heres Why

4. Golden Retriever

Highlights: Friendly, Playful, Loyal

Golden Retrievers are the third most popular dog breed in America. They are almost perfect dogs for any type of owner, which explains their immense popularity. Obviously, theyre wicked smart and one of the most trainable dog breeds.

Theyre known to be extremely friendly, loyal and skilled sporting dogs. Whatever task you hand their way, they will take to heart and perform to the best of their abilities. Goldens can do it all. Plus, they are the perfect feel-good family dog.

READ MORE: Are Golden Retrievers Smart?

3. German Shepherd

Highlights: Confident, Brave, Diligent

The German Shepherd is the premiere dog for police forces around the world. Is it really a surprise that law enforcement picked a dog breed this high up the list? They are extremely smart, ferocious workers and brave. All of which, make them ideal for a partner-in-crime.

German Shepherds are also the 2nd most popular family dogs due to their unwavering loyalty and brave yet protective instincts. They loveto work for their family and will always have their backs. However, they require a ton of work.

READ MORE: Are German Shepherds Smart?

2. Poodle

Highlights: Proud, Loving, Active

The Poodle is a dog breed thats very dignified and proud rightfully so. They are exceptionally quick learners and have been used to track down, hunt and retrieve a variety of game. Some Poodles are even bred to retrieve objects from the water.

Due to their high intelligence and fantastic temperaments, they have become widely popular family dogs. In fact, theyre the 7th most popular breed. The Poodles cheerful temperament make them a fun-loving companion dog worth keeping for any family.

With such a high intelligence, its no surprise why Poodle mixes (like the Labradoodle or Goldendoodle) are super smart too?

RECOMMENDED: Heres Why Poodles Are Smart

1. Border Collie

Highlights: Loyal, Hard-working, Smart

The Border Collie tops the list as the number one smartest dog breed. Who would have guessed? These workaholics are arguably the best sheep herders among all dog breeds. Not only are they super smart, but theyre also hard and skilled workers.

However, theyre much more than just excellent herding dogs. The Border Collie is also very lively and affectionate towards its family. They dont always make for a great cuddle at home, but they show you love and affection through their work.

READ MORE: Border Collies: Worlds Smartest Dogs

The 3 Other Dimensions of Dog Intelligence

The 100 smartest dog breeds list featured in this article was based solely on obedience and working intelligence. However, theres so much more to dog intelligence than just that namely, instinctive and adaptive intelligence.

Stanley Coren used working and obedience intelligence because its much easier to rank breeds based on that type of intelligence. In fact, its the only objective way to measure IQ in dogs. Both instinctive and adaptive intelligence are more subjective. Let me explain why.

1. Instinctive Dog Intelligence

Instinctive intelligence refers to the innate ability or skill of the dog breed. In other words, what the dog was bred for. Before dogs made it into the mainstream and house pets, they were primarily bred for roles and jobs in society.

For example, the lively Australian Shepherd may be average for obedience & work intelligence, but they excel with instinctive intelligence. Australian Shepherds were bred to herd livestock, and as a result, theyre some of the best herders in the dogdom.

Every dog has an instinctive intelligence, but it is senseless to make comparisons across breeds as to which are smarter in this respecttheir abilities are simply too different to compare.

Stanley Coren

This ability to round up livestock and naturally guide them towards a direction requires intelligence, especially without little to no extra training from humans.In a sense, this is instincts to the dog, but can also be viewed as a special type of intelligence.

Though they may be just family dogs and companions today, each dog breed was originally bred for a purpose. Whether its herding, guarding, retrieving, ratting, hunting and even companionship, all dogs have instinctive intelligence.

2. Adaptive Intelligence in Dogs

The third component of canine IQ is adaptive intelligence, which refers to what the dog can learn for him or herself.In my opinion, this may be the most important aspect of dog IQ. Its just that its extremely difficult to measure.

How great is the dog at learning from previous experiences and the environment? Is the dog good at solving problems without human help and intervention? All these questions are used to evaluate the adaptive intelligence in dogs.

All Golden Retrievers have the same instinctive intelligence, yet while most are quite clever, you will occasionally encounter one that seems totally clueless, making same mistakes over and over.

Stanley Coren

Within the same breed of dog, individual dogs have roughly the same instinctive intelligence. But with adaptive intelligence, dogs can vary a lot in the same breed. Similar to how not all humans are very intelligent dogs are the same way!

However, there are many dog breeds known for high adaptive intelligence, such as Cocker Spaniels, Shiba Inus, Golden Retrievers, Poodles and many more. The only way we can evaluate this unusual type of intelligence is through stories and anecdotes.

For instance, an example of adaptive intelligence is a dog learning that when you put on sunscreen, youre going to walk the dog. It could also be a dog avoiding a house with a large aggressive dog on walks.These dogs are all learning from experience.

3. Emotional Intelligence in Dogs

Like with humans, dogs can experience an array of emotions and feelings. Emotional intelligence, also known as EQ, is the dogs capability of recognizing and understanding their own emotions and the emotions around them.

For the longest time, humans believed that dogs develop a similar set of emotional range as humans. After all, they can understand humans as well as any other animals, right? As much as we would like to believe this, it isnt the case.

In the earliest study by French philosopher and scientist Ren Descartes, dogs were described as a complex type of machine. That is, they were programmed (or conditioned) to react with emotions and were somewhat predictable.

Animals eat without pleasure, cry without pain, act without knowing it: they desire nothing, fear nothing, know nothing.

Ren Descartes

Descartes also believed that a dogs development of feelings and emotions stops much earlier than a baby human. To be exact, roughly after 2 and a half years. As a result, dogs never develop emotions such as shame, pride, guilt and contempt.

However for example, plenty of owners disagree saying their dogs do feel guilt. With their tails tucked in and a lowered head, it must mean guilt, right? Not exactly this can just be signs of a stressed out dog, and not necessarily a guilty one.

And although emotional intelligence is perhaps the most difficult type of dog intelligence to measure, many scientists are still researching. There is no clear answer to just how emotionally intelligent these animals really are yet.

Your Dog Isnt on this Intelligence List?

Did your dog breed not make the list? Thats okay, there are a few reasons they may not be on this list. They could be outside the top 100 list. Or, they can be a mixed dog breed, which were not part of the trials. In addition, non-recognized breeds were excluded too.

1. Outside the Top 100

This list only accounts for the 100 most intelligent breeds. However, there are many more dog breeds than that. According to the AKC, there are currently 193 recognized dog breeds. So, nearly half of all recognized dog breeds fall outside this top 100 list!

Some of the most popular dog breeds didnt make the cut. For example, the Pug, Maltese, Beagle, Chihuahua, Saint Bernard and the Bulldog are all outside this list. But like we explained, this does not mean your dog is dumb.

2. Mixed Dog Breeds

Certain dog breeds, such as the Cavachon (King Charles Spaniel x Bichon Frise) or Horgi (Husky x Corgi) are popular hybrid breeds. Unfortunately, this listonly covers purebred dog breeds.

There is no data on mutts at the time because there are simply too many variations. However, if your dog is a cross of two highly intelligent breeds, theyre likely very intelligent. We often see high IQ with the Goldendoodle, for example. See mixed dog breeds here.

3. Not a Recognized Breed

This list only contains breeds recognized by the American and Canadian Kennel Club. With that said, the Japanese Spitz wasnt included in Corens trials. Those dogs may be recognized by the JKC, but not the AKC or CKC. Thus, they wouldnt be included on this list.

Does Owning a Smart Dog Breed Matter?

In a nutshell, no it does not and should not matter. If you had a kid that was loving and affectionate, but not as intelligent as you wanted, what would you do? Would you abandon them or wish you had another kid? Of course not!

Keep in mind, you dont need to spend a fortune to buy a smart dog. Not all dogs near the top of the intelligence list are expensive dog breeds. Though, some will inevitably be more pricey.

Choose a Dog Breed That Matches You

I understand why people obsess over buying smart dog breeds having a smart dog can make you feel good. And yes, it can make dog training a bit easier and save some time. But I always suggest that its best to find a dog breed that matches your personality and needs.

Unless you need a dog trained for something special (think police, service, etc.), every dog can learn all the basic commands needed to adequate communication and living. And, all dogs can learn how to be house trained with relative ease.

But every dog breed has a unique personality and temperament. So, I urge you to pick a dog that fits your personality, hobbies and lifestyle regardless of how smart they are. Dont let these experts tell you whether your dog is intelligent or not.

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