What is the 5 smartest dog
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
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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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18 of the Smartest Dog Breeds
All dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but many breeds are celebrated for their intelligence, too. The smartest dogs can quickly learn and understand new cues, exhibit problem-solving skills, and show their independent side.
But earning a spot on the list of smartest dog breeds is more than just how fast a pup can learn new tricks. Experts say signs of dog intelligence are a combination of various factors, not just how trainable they are. In fact, some smart pups show their intelligence in ways that can be frustrating for first-time dog parents. Clever dogs with high cognitive abilities may be more likely to show off their creative problem-solving skills, like how to steal snacks off the counter or unlock a gate.
Wondering if your pooch makes the list of most intelligent dog breeds? Here are some of the smartest dogs by breed and the features that make them so clever.
1. Border Collie
Border Collies are some of the most talented pups youll ever meet and are known to quickly learn and respond to cues during training. Need proof? Just look at Rico, a Border Collie who can respond to more than 200 words.
These pups are superstars in agility and obedience competitions, and they have exceptional problem-solving skills. The uber-trainable Border Collie is part of the herding group, so they are happiest when they have a job to do. Their boundless energy means they can work for extended periods without tiring, so theyre excellent companions for farmers and ranchers. Puzzles and energy outlets like dog sports will help them live fulfilling lives if theyre not rounding up sheep on the farm.
2. Poodle
Originally bred as a hunting dog, Poodles have a long history of working alongside their humans. This strong connection to their people means theyre relatively easy to trainthey aim to please. Present-day Poodles might be a more common sight curled up on the couch at home, but these smart pups are still frequently at the top of the winners podium at obedience and agility competitions.
3. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are considered one of the smartest dog breeds due to their exceptional intelligence, trainability, and versatility. Their instincts from hundreds of years protecting flocks (hence the shepherd name) are still intact today. Because of years spent problem-solving in the field, the adaptable and hard-working German Shepherd still excels in jobs that many humans would find demanding and stressful, like police and military work or on search and rescue missions.
4. Golden Retriever
With training, Golden Retrievers can excel in various tasks such as hunting, retrieving, obedience, and even service and therapy work. These intelligent sporting dogs have a notoriously gentle nature. Their ability to learn quickly and respond well to commands means theyre relatively easy to train with a pocket full of treats to reward their food-motivated minds.
Goldens are known for being very loyal and affectionate family pets, solidifying their stature as one of the most popular dogs in the U.S. Their gentle demeanor and eager-to-please nature make them an ideal breed for first-time dog parents.
5. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are exceptionally intelligent, loyal, and trainable. These versatile dogs excel in obedience competitions as well as police and military work. While they are known for being highly perceptive, they are also very curious pups. To live their best lives, Dobermans should get plenty of exercise and be able to use their brains as well as their bodies. Their intelligence and athleticism make Dobermans well-suited for active families who have plenty of time to train and play.
6. Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs are known for their high intelligence, trainability, and excellent problem-solving skills. Also known as Shelties, these quick learners excel in herding, agility, obedience, and working as therapy dogs. While considered affectionate and loyal family pets, their energetic nature and intelligence means theyre best suited for active families who enjoy spending time outside.
7. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are some of the friendliest dogs youll ever meet, but theyre also super smart! Labs have a long history of working alongside their humans to hunt and retrieve, meaning theyre instinctually perceptive and quick to learn. With adequate training, Labs can become champions in retrieving, obedience, and service and therapy work. They are also loyal and affectionate family pets, making them a popular choice for households with children. Like Golden Retrievers, Labs have a gentle demeanor and eagerness to please that makes them an ideal breed for first-time pet parents.
8. Papillon
Dont let those cute butterfly ears fool youPapillons are perceptive little dogs. These tiny balls of energy are quick to learn, making training a breeze. They are also highly active and excel in agility and obedience. Despite their small size, Papillons are confident, energetic, and make loyal family pets. Their affectionate and playful nature also makes them a popular choice for households with children.
9. Rottweiler
Big, burly Rottweilers are known for their loyalty and smarts. With proper training, eager-to-please Rottweilers can excel in obedience competitions and as service dogs. Their intelligence and athleticism make them well-suited for active families who can ensure their Rottweiler gets plenty of mental stimulation, physical exercise, and early socialization. Puzzle toys and enrichment games are a great way to keep your Rottie from getting bored.
10. Australian Cattle Dog
Another member of the herding group, Australian Cattle Dogs are known for their intelligence and ability to learn new cues quickly. These energetic dogs have a strong desire to please their pet parents, and they make good companions for families who have lots of time to spend with their pooch outdoors, playing and engaging their natural instinct to herd and chase.
11. Miniature Schnauzer
The scruffy-faced Miniature Schnauzer is a smart dog breed due to their alert, playful nature. Originally bred to work on farms in Germany, these pups still love having a job to do and require quite a bit of exercise and mental stimulation to be their happiest selves. Agility and obedience training are great ways to engage your Miniature Schnauzer, as they are perceptive and quick to learn new skills.
12. English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels are another highly intelligent sporting dog known for their trainable, friendly nature. These smart dogs excel in hunting and retrieving skills, and theyre wonderful family pets that just want to be near their people. Their active nature and desire to please make them an excellent breed for active families who enjoy hunting and hiking.
13. Belgian Tervuren
Like other members of the herding group, Belgian Tervurenare a hard-working dog who loves having a job to do. These super-smart pups are very energetic, so they need lots of mental and physical challenges to keep them engaged. Consistent training and socialization is a must for Tervs, and tasks like herding, agility, and obedience will help them flex their muscles as well as their brains. As natural athletes, Tervs are well-suited for active families who enjoy being outside.
14. Schipperke
They may be small in stature, but the ever-alert Schipperke was originally bred to work. They would hunt rats and protect Belgian boats, so present-day Schipperkes still love having a job to do. These independent dogs do well when they have enough room to play and exercise, so a home with a fenced yard is a good fit. Puzzle toys and ongoing obedience training can also help keep their minds stimulated.
15. Collie
Perhaps no dog in history has a reputation for being as intelligent as Lassie! The perceptive, protective hero we know from the popular show is not far from Collies true nature. These herding dogs are alert and friendlytheyre problem-solvers as much as they are family pets.
While known for their trainability, super-smart Collies appreciate a little extra mental stimulation to keep them challenged. Collies can excel in herding, agility, and obedience competitions.
16. Bloodhound
No dogs nose is quite as notable as the Bloodhounds, and their keen sense of smell has been used to track animals and humans for centuries. These determined dogs are frequently used in search and rescue missions. When not working the trail, Bloodhounds are loyal pups that can be excellent companions for families.
Their instinctual ability to follow a trail with dogged determination does come at a price. These pups are independent by nature and have been known to follow a scent for 130 milesmeaning nothing can get in the way of their nose if theyre on the scent! Lots of playtime and a fenced yard can help your Bloodhound explore and exercise safely.
17. German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers are excellent hunting dogs that have a strong desire to please their parents. This means theyre relatively easy to train, but they still require lots of exercise and activity to be their best selves. Loyal and affectionate, GSP dogs are great family pets and well-suited for active, outdoorsy families.
18. Briard
Briards are another type of herding dog known for their smarts. These big, wavy-haired pups arent as well-known as some of their counterparts, but Briard parents will tell you these smart dogs are wonderful family pets who love having a job to do. Briards are excellent companions for active familiesrunning and hiking can be good ways to burn off their herding energy. Once theyve stretched their legs, Briards are happy to hang out at home with family members of all ages.
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