What dog has the highest IQ
The Top 20 Smartest Dog Breeds, Ranked
Border Collie
The valedictorians of the dog world, these herders took the top spot in Stanley Coren's intelligence rankings, meaning most can learn a new command in under five repetitions and follow it at least 95% of the time.
- Height: 18-22 inches
- Weight: 30-55 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Poodle
Nowadays, you can adopt cockapoos, whoodles and goldendoodles, to name a few, but breeders love regular ol' poodles for more than just their hypoallergenic qualities. The curly-coated cuties also took the silver medal for working intelligence in Coren's survey.
- Height: 10-22 inches
- Weight: 6-7o pounds (depending on variety)
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
German Shepherd
German Shepherds happily serve as police dogs, seeing eye dogs, medical assistance dogs and therapy dogs, so it's no surprise that consistent obedience comes standard with this breed.
- Height: 22-26 inches
- Weight: 50-90 pounds
- Life expectancy: 7-10 years
RELATED: 13 Best Guard Dogs to Protect Your Family and Home
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Golden Retriever
That's right one of the nation's most beloved family pets also took home straight A's in this intelligence survey. While the breed was originally intended for hunting, goldens also enjoy acting like straight-up goofballs once in a while (which you already know if you have one of your own).
- Height: 23-24 inches
- Weight: 65-75 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10-12 years
Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans got their start in the late 19th century, when a German tax collector named Louis Dobermann wanted a medium-sized pet to act as both a guard dog and companion. Translation: These fearless protectors can hold their own, and hang with kids.
- Height: 24-28 inches
- Weight: 60-100 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10-12 years
RELATED: 35 Best Large Dog Breeds for People Who Want Impressive Pets
Shetland Sheepdog
Smaller than collies, these adorable fluff balls hold their own in herding, agility and obedience trials. Consequently, Shelties do tend to bark, chase and herd, but their affectionate nature and love for cuddles will erase any hard feelings.
- Height: 12-15 inches
- Weight: 14-20 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
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Labrador Retriever
Labs love to please, whether they're serving as guide dogs, narcotic detection dogs or just everyday family pets. Americans have accordingly made them the most popular breed in the country for a whopping 27 years in a row.
- Height: 21-25 inches
- Weight: 55-80 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10-12 years
RELATED: 20 Most Popular Dog Breeds in the U.S.
Papillon
The first toy breed to crack the top 10, papillons aren't your average lap dogs. The 5-pound wonders often take home top prizes at competitive agility trials, according to the American Kennel Club. Their name French for "butterfly" alludes to their tall, pointed ears.
- Height: 8-11 inches
- Weight: 4-9 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12-16 years
Rottweiler
Rottweilers likely descended from drover dogs in Ancient Rome, with the rugged, dependable temperament to boot. An engaged Rottweiler owner will take care to train and exercise their pooch thoroughly with the reward of a loving and loyal friend.
- Height: 22-27 inches
- Weight: 85-130 pounds
- Life expectancy: 8-10 years
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Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog sits outside the top 50 in AKC's popularity rankings, but don't miss out on this smart breed. Alert, curious and pleasant, the high-energy herders do best with a job.
- Height: 17-20 inches
- Weight: 30-50 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12-16 years
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is extremely energetic and highly trainable. For most commands, all they need is a treat as an incentive to obey. Getting them not to bark, however, can be more difficult as their high intelligence also makes them a bit stubborn.
- Height: 10-12 inches
- Weight: 20 30 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10-12 years
Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are known for their working intelligence and obedience. It only takes them about 5 to 15 repetitions to learn a new command, and they're more likely to obey on the first attempt, according to the Smart Canine. That's what we call one smart doggie!
- Height: 11 to 14 inches
- Weight: 10 15 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12 15 years
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English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is very friendly and outgoing, making it the perfect candidate for socialization and training. Their intelligence also makes training a breeze. They do have a retrieving urge that could cause issues with chewing on furniture.
- Height: 1922 inches
- Weight: 4555 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12 14 years
Belgian Tervuren
The Belgian Tervuren Shepherd's intelligence is put on full display with its sheep herding skills. The Tervuren's need to be active and work can be daunting for an unassuming owner.
- Height: 24-26 inches
- Weight: 5575 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12 14 years
Schipperke
Schipperkes come in at #15 on Coren's list. They are high energy and also very willing to be trained. They may be small, but training them to obey as early as possible is the best way to make sure it sticks.
- Height: 11-13 inches
- Weight: 1016 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12 14 years
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Belgian Sheepdog
Known to be great herders, Belgian Sheepdogs are also highly intelligent. According to AKC, they do need a lot of mental stimulation and have a lot of energy.
- Height: 24-26 inches
- Weight: 5575 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12 14 years
Collie
Not to be confused with a Border Collie, these pups are so smart, they made their way into mainstream television. That's right, the most famous dog ever, Lassie, was a Collie.
- Height: 24-26 inches
- Weight: 6075 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12 14 years
Keeshond
The Keeshond is known to be a very obedient dog breed. If you so choose to adopt one, you'll be sure to get the best of both worlds as they are also very energetic and playful.
- Height: 17-18 inches
- Weight: 3545 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12 15 years
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German Shorthaired Pointer
Not only are German Shorthaired Pointers super smart, but they are highly adaptable and friendly, according to the American Kennel Club.
- Height: 23-25 inches
- Weight: 5570 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10 12 years
Flat-Coated Retriever
Flat-Coated Retrievers are extremely good with children and other dogs, and have a trainability level that's categorized as "eager to please," a.k.a. highly trainable, according to AKC. But FYI: That means they need a lot of mental stimulation.
- Height: 23-24.5 inches
- Weight: 6070 pounds
- Life expectancy: 8 10 years
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Who has the highest IQ in the world in 2024?
Intelligence quotient (IQ) is used to measure a persons level of intelligence. Scores are gathered by participants completing standardised tests that measure abilities in puzzle-solving, memory, and more.
Based on a median score of whats typically around 100, your given IQ score is relative to that of the general intelligence of the population. Below 85 is seen as a poor score, 130 and above is smart (in the top 2 per cent of the population).
It is difficult to accurately judge intelligence and its always worth taking IQ scores with a pinch of salt due to cultural differences and other factors. As a study in Frontiers In Systems Neuroscience states, intelligence test scores are often misunderstood and can be misused.
Another factor to consider: an IQ score is not a unit of measurement. For example, someone with an IQ score of 130 is not 30 per cent smarter than someone with an IQ score of 100. Given the changes to testing across the decades, it is also tricky to compare scores achieved at different times.
Theoretically, there is no limit to IQ scores. 200 is often seen as the theoretical peak score but some people have shot past that number.
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Who has the highest IQ in the world?
Pictured above, Terence Tao is said to have the highest IQ score in the world currently, with an impressive score of between 225-230. If the Chinese-American mathematician scored 230 he is definitely out in front.
Effectively tying for the title, though, is Marilyn Vos Savant. Her recorded IQ in the Guinness World Records was 228, awarded between the 1986-1989 editions until the record was discontinued in 1990, with IQ scores deemed too unreliable to document.
Christopher Hirata has the second-highest confirmed IQ, with a staggering score of 225. There have been a few others with scores equal or higher. Again, the same caveat applies that IQ scores are to be taken with a grain of salt, especially for those before the IQ test was invented.
What has had the highest IQ ever?
It's tricky to judge who has had the highest IQ ever. For many great minds, the IQ test simply did not exist during their time on Earth. The validity of others who are said to have taken an intelligence test is in question, too, as official records are tough to locate.
However, this hasn't stopped some humans from being declared to have the highest IQ ever.
William James Sidis
Said to be the smartest person who has ever lived, William James Sidis is the benchmark for child prodigies. He was reportedly able to read the newspaper aged just 18 months and entered Harvard University aged 11, graduating at 16.
He wrote various studies, including creating a constructed language in the Book Of Vendergoord (aged 8) and The Animate And The Inanimate (which covered cosmology and the reversibility of the second law of thermodynamics and predicts the black hole).
In Psychology For The Millions, Abraham Sperling details how he had been told by Helena Sidis (William's sister) that "a few years before his death, her brother Bill took an intelligence test with a psychologist."
Sperling explains that William Sidis' "score was the very highest that had ever been obtained. In terms of IQ, the psychologist related that the figure would be between 250 and 300."
In the years since, however, the claims of Sidis' IQ score have been heavily disputed.
Ada Lovelace
The first computer scientist, Ada Lovelace is often mentioned when it comes to the most intelligent people who ever lived. Through her work on the Analytical Engine, she essentially invented the first computer programme the world had seen.
Christopher Michael Langan
Reported to have an IQ score of 195, Christopher Michael Langan is often considered one of the smartest people alive. The controversial figure has often sided with conspiracy theories and claims that the existence of God can be proven by mathematics.
Albert Einstein
Often regarded as one of the smartest people who ever lived, it is often claimed that Einstein's IQ was actually lower than you might think. Given that the test wasn't around when Einstein walked the Earth, however, it's impossible to know just how intelligent this famous scientist actually was.
Leonardo da Vinci
Another who is often regarded as one of the smartest people ever, Leonardo da Vinci was a mathematician, engineer, botanist, cartographer and much more, so its hard to single out one achievement.
Sho Yano
Sho Yano was a college freshman at the tender age of nine and became a medical doctor at just 21. This made him "the youngest student in the University of Chicago's history to receive an MD," according to Chicago Tribune.
Katherine Johnson
You will have come across mathematician Katherine Johnson if you've seen the Oscar-nominated film Hidden Figures. Her work was vital in early NASA space missions and played a role in getting astronauts John Glenn and Alan Shephard into space. Johnson's orbital calculations were even used in the Apollo missions.
Stephen Hawking
What can be said about Stephen Hawking? The Simpsons legend is one of history's most famous theoretical physicists and cosmologists. He famously showed that black holes radiate energy, slowly shrink, and explode in a flash of gamma rays, with Hawking radiation becoming a key cosmological theory.
Read more:
To have your mind blown by more science, check out our ultimate fun facts page.
What Are the 10 Smartest Dog Breeds?
By Amanda Lutz | January 12, 2024
Prospective dog owners seek intelligent dog breeds for different reasons. Some want working dogs that can perform certain tasks, and others want pets they can train easily or teach to do impressive tricks. Like humans, dogs present intelligence in different ways, and each dog is unique. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes canine intelligence in the forms of social response, word learning, problem-solving, trainability, and communication.
A 2022 Scientific Reports study revealed that different breeds display varied measures of social cognition, persistence, inhibitory control, and problem-solving ability. While we dont technically have all the information to fully understand dogs intelligence, research offers many reasons why the following dog breeds are considered the smartest. Our list is ordered from smartest to least smart breed, but any of the dogs mentioned would make for a clever companion.
1. Border Collie
Height: 1922 inches (males), 1821 inches (females)
Weight: 3035 pounds
Life span: 1215 years
Appearance: Border collies are medium-size with a medium-length, wavy double coat. Their coats come in solid colors, bicolor patterns, tricolor patterns, and merles. One or both ears can be straight or folded forward or outward. The eyes are almond-shaped, wide set, and alert, and they can be any color.
As pets, border collies are affectionate with family members, good with children, and amicable with other dogs. Theyre fairly protective of their owners but open to meeting friendly strangers. Due to their working background, these dogs are highly trainable and eager to please. However, the same temperament leads to high energy levels that demand significant effort from their owners.
A border collie is an optimal choice if youre interested in adopting a dog that learns quickly and performs specific tasks and tricks. Chaser, a border collie dubbed the smartest dog in the world, developed a record-breaking vocabulary of over 1,000 words, proving that dogs can learn similarly to children.
2. Poodle
Height: Over 15 inches tall (standards), 15 inches or under (miniatures), 10 inches or under (toys)
Weight: 6070 pounds (standard males), 4050 pounds (standard females), 1015 pounds (miniatures), 46 pounds (toys)
Life span: 1018 years
Appearance: Poodles are available in three sizes, with all three sporting a curly, fluffy coat. Their coats come in a range of colors and bicolor patterns. Their eyes are oval-shaped and dark, and their long ears hang close to the head, set slightly below eye level.
Poodles are extremely affectionate to family members, good with children, and can be taught to coexist with other dogs. While their curly coats require frequent grooming, they arent prone to shedding, which is ideal for pet owners with allergies. Poodle owners often opt for the Continental clip, as seen in dog shows, or the sporting clip, to keep the coat manageable.
While poodles are highly trainable, they also have high energy levels and mental stimulation needs that must be met. Their intelligence is comparable to that of a 2-year-old child, and they can learn hundreds of words and even perform basic math tasks.
3. German Shepherd
Height: 2426 inches (male), 2224 inches (female)
Weight: 6590 pounds (male), 5070 pounds (female)
Life span: 710 years
Appearance: German shepherds are large, muscular dogs with a medium-length double coat in several solid and bicolor patterns. Their ears are pointed and held erect when at attention, and their eyes are almond-shaped and attentive.
While they descend from a family of German herding dogs, German shepherds are known for their ability to train for a variety of services. Theyre often used as police dogs, service dogs, and obedience dogs.
German shepherds are also known for their loyalty and strong affection for their owners. Theyre good with children and can learn to get along with other family dogs. While they arent generally aggressive toward strangers, they can be aloof, and their affection typically must be earned. Theyre also vigilant watchdogs that are likely to sound a warning when unexpected visitors arrive.
Like most intelligent dogs, German shepherds are highly trainable. Their intelligence also leads to high energy levels and the need for frequent mental stimulation in the form of games or tasks. When not kept busy, German shepherds may create their own entertainment, which can mean trouble for their owners.
4. Golden Retriever
Height: 2324 inches (male), 21.522.5 inches (female)
Weight: 6575 pounds (male), 5565 pounds (female)
Life span: 1012 years
Appearance: Golden retrievers are powerful, medium-size hunting dogs with a medium-length, double coat that ranges in color from light golden to dark golden brown. It has a feathery tail and short ears that fall to the side of its head, and its eyes are dark and friendly.
The Golden retriever is a lively and enthusiastic companion that displays puppy-like behavior well into adulthood. Bred for hunting, with the capability to retrieve waterfowl for hours on end, they have limitless energy.
Goldens are also very friendly. Theyre affectionate with family members of all ages, peaceful with other dogs, and friendly to strangers. Theyre devoted to their owners and highly trainable, easily learning a range of commands. They also make good therapy dogs.
Their intelligence and exuberant nature mean they require substantial mental stimulation to stay busy. Yet, these needs can easily be met through playtime with children, problem-solving activities, and obedience training. While their lustrous coats dont typically require daily grooming, they shed heavily and should be brushed routinely to avoid matted fur.
5. Doberman Pinscher
Height: 2628 inches (male), 2426 inches (female)
Weight: 75100 pounds (male), 6090 pounds (female)
Life span: 1012 years
Appearance: Doberman pinschers are large, sleek, imposing dogs with short, smooth coats found in only four recognized colors (black and rust, blue and rust, fawn and rust, and red and rust). Their tails are typically docked, and their ears are typically cropped. Their eyes are almond-shaped and dark.
Although theyre fiercely protective, Dobermans are affectionate with family, good with children, and open to strangers. They can learn to get along with other dogs and have high energy levels, making them good playmates. These dogs are also highly trainable and respond well to socialization and obedience training. They also make good guard dogs. However, their high energy levels demand they get routine exercise to avoid becoming irritable.
The Dobermans short coat requires minimal grooming to maintain its shine, though it sheds frequently.
6. Shetland Sheepdog
Height: 1316 inches
Weight: 1525 pounds
Life span: 1214 years
Appearance: The Shetland sheepdog bears a strong resemblance to the collie, with a lustrous, long, double coat in a variety of solid, bicolor, and tricolor patterns. Its tail is long and full, its ears are small and held erect or folded forward, and its eyes are almond-shaped and dark or occasionally blue in blue merles.
Also referred to as a sheltie, the Shetland sheepdog is an intelligent herding dog that originated in Scotlands Shetland Islands. Theyre excellent watchdogs, which means theyre often vocal and extremely loyal to their owners but may also be reserved toward strangers. As herding dogs, theyre highly trainable and quick to pick up commands.
As a family dog, shelties show affectionate behavior toward family members of all ages. Theyre also playful companions to other dogs, making them a good pairing for other energetic breeds. Like most herding dogs, their high energy and intelligence require their owners to keep them busy with routine tasks or games. This can be achieved with agility trials and frequent play.
Maintaining your shelties long coat requires frequent grooming to avoid tangles and frequent vacuuming to keep up with its shedding.
7. Labrador Retriever
Height: 22.524.5 inches (male), 21.523.5 inches (female)
Weight: 6580 pounds (male), 5570 pounds (female)
Life span: 1113 years
Appearance: The labrador retriever ranges from a medium to large size, with a black, chocolate, or yellow short double coat. Their heads are wide with large, close-hanging ears and brown eyes. Their tails are thick at the base and gradually taper toward the end, creating a rounded appearance often described as an otter tail.
Known for their outgoing disposition, the labrador retriever has a long-standing position as one of Americas most popular dog breeds. Unsurprisingly, labs are great family pets and get along well with other dogs. They are open to meeting strangers and are very playful, requiring routine exercise to stay busy and keep fit.
Their kindness doesnt impact their intelligence, as labs are easily trainable and eager to please their owners. The breed is classified as a sporting group, meaning theyre fond of athletics, such as swimming and fetch. Although their short coats dont require excessive grooming, they shed frequently.
8. Papillon
Height: 811 inches
Weight: 510 pounds
Life span: 1416 years
Appearance: The papillon is a small, dainty dog with a silky, medium-length coat. It can be found with bicolor or tricolor patterns of many colors. Its eyes are dark and round, and its tail is long and arched, with a flowing plume of fur.
Papillon is French for butterfly, a name that can be attributed to this pups large, wing-shaped ears. Despite their small stature, papillons are athletic and hardy. Theyre also generally happy and energetic, eager to interact with friends and strangers. Theyre highly trainable and enjoy participating in obedience and agility competitions. At home, theyre affectionate with family members and good with young children.
Beyond their need for copious playtime and mental stimulation, papillons need a reasonable grooming routine to keep their silken coat free of tangles and debris. While they shed moderately, they require less vacuuming than some of the short-haired dogs on this list.
9. Rottweiler
Height: 2427 inches (male), 2225 inches (female)
Weight: 95135 pounds (male), 80100 pounds (female)
Life span: 910 years
Appearance: Rottweilers are big, powerful dogs with a short, smooth coat that comes in three color patterns (black and rust, black and mahogany, and black and tan). Their thick tails (when not docked) may stand at attention when the dog is active. Their heads are wide, and their eyes are dark brown and almond-shaped.
Rottweilers are protective and territorial but also incredibly affectionate and highly adaptable. Descended from the mastiffs of the Roman legions, rotties are confident and brave. When properly trained and socialized early, their territorial instincts are easily controlled.
Although this breed would prefer to have all of your attention, they can learn to get along with other dogs and small family members. As active dogs, they need routine exercise or specific jobs to avoid boredom. Rottweilers require companionship to avoid boredom and irritability. Their coats only shed moderately, with minimal grooming needed.
10. Australian Cattle Dog
Height: 1820 inches (male), 1719 inches (female)
Weight: 3550 pounds
Life span: 1216 years
Appearance: The Australian cattle dog is a strong, compact working dog with a short, smooth double coat available in five standard colors (blue, blue mottled, blue speckled, red speckled, and red mottled). Its head is muscular, with oval-shaped eyes and pointed ears. Its tail is thick, although its sometimes docked.
Also known as blue heelers, Queensland heelers, and Australian heelers, the Australian cattle dog was developed to herd cattle. Theyre energetic problem solvers who shine at agility. While highly intelligent, they can be stubborn, potentially causing challenging training sessions.
With natural protective instincts, Australian cattle dogs are generally watchful and suspicious of strangers. Theyre moderately affectionate with family members and can be trained to interact with young children and other dogs.
Cattle dogs need mental stimulation to ward off boredom. Otherwise, theyre likely to get into mischief. Their intense work drive and high energy level make them good running partners.
In Conclusion
Smart dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and temperaments. While the above breeds are considered the 10 most intelligent, many other well-behaved, smart dogs exist. This includes the Pembroke Welsh corgi, German shorthaired pointer, miniature schnauzer, and English springer spaniel.
Remember, the more intelligent the dog, the more mental and physical stimulation it will likely need. Before choosing a dog for your family, thoroughly research the breed to ensure you have the time and resources to care for it properly.
Smartest Dog Breeds FAQ
What dog has the highest IQ in the world?
The border collie is known as the dog breed with the highest IQ. They can learn new commands in minutes and obey known commands at least 95% of the time.
Which dog breed has the lowest IQ?
According to research conducted by Stanley Coren, UCLA psychology professor and author of The Intelligence of Dogs, the Afghan hound is the dog breed with the lowest IQ. Theyre independent and strong-willed, preferring to spend their time playing and lavishing their humans with affection.
How intelligent are dogs?
According to research, dogs are highly intelligent, with mental abilities close to that of a 2-year-old child. The average dog can learn 165 words and count up to four or five.
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