When it comes to the world of canine companions, there is no shortage of intelligence. From Labrador Retrievers to Border Collies, many breeds boast impressive smarts and can learn a wide range of commands and tricks. The intelligence of the dog you get can be important if you’re looking to train up a service dog or want them to do important, high-stress work, such as herding.
So that you can narrow down the list of hundreds of existing dog breeds in the world, today we’ll be looking at ten of the most intelligent dogs for prospective dog breeders.
10 Smartest Dog Breeds in 2022
1. Border Collie
The Border Collie is widely considered to be one of the smartest dog breeds in existence. They are known for their strong herding instinct and natural ability to quickly learn complex commands. Border Collies have an intense focus on their owners and can easily learn tricks, agility courses and even advanced obedience commands such as “find it” or “hold”.
This breed is also highly trainable and has an eagerness to please, making them perfect for any owner who wants a well-behaved companion that can learn quickly. They are also highly energetic and require plenty of mental stimulation through activities such as agility training or herding livestock in order to stay sharp.
2. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are often praised for their loyalty, strength, and intelligence. These versatile dogs have been used as police K-9 units, guard dogs, search-and-rescue dogs and more due to their superior intelligence and ability to learn complex commands quickly. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods and love to please their owners with new behaviours and tricks.
3. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is another highly intelligent breed that loves learning new things.
They also make great therapy dogs as they can pick up on emotional cues from their owners and respond in a positive manner. They have an excellent memory which makes them ideal for search-and-rescue operations. Overall, Golden Retrievers are the perfect combination of obedience, loyalty and the ability to learn quickly, which has made them some of the most popular dogs in the world.
4. Poodle
Despite its glamorous reputation, the Poodle is actually an incredibly intelligent dog breed. Poodles, no matter the size, have a knack for learning various commands quickly and performing them on command – even when distractions are present. With proper guidance from an experienced trainer or owner, these pups can become obedient companions in no time. They’re also hypoallergenic, which is great for people with dog allergies.
5. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the most respected working dog breeds. This herding dog has a natural instinct for finding clever solutions when presented with a challenging situation – whether that means outsmarting livestock or mastering advanced obedience commands swiftly. It’s no wonder they make great working dogs as well as beloved family members.
6. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds (also known as Aussies) are renowned for their intelligence. Much like the Australian Cattle dog, not only do they easily learn commands but they also display an impressive capacity for problem solving. Aussies also thrive on physical activity so if you’re looking for a canine companion who loves spending time outdoors then this breed could be just what you’re after.
7. Papillon
The Papillon may be a small breed but don’t let its size fool you–this pup has some serious smarts! They are quick learners and can easily pick up commands given by their owners. They are also very attentive, alert and social dogs that bond with their owners quickly. Papillons enjoy playing games and learning new tricks which can help to further develop their intelligence. They are also known for being very independent thinkers who often surprise their owners with creative solutions to problems.
8. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is known for its friendly personality as well as its intelligence. This water-loving pup loves learning various commands due to its eagerness to please humans. They make excellent service animals due to their unwavering loyalty towards humans in need of assistance, such as those who are visually impaired or hearing impaired. Labradors tend to be very reliable and obedient partners in any task they are given.
9. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher might look intimidating but this athletic breed actually enjoys learning new things just as much as any other pup out there–especially when treats are involved. However, this breed requires firm yet consistent guidance from an experienced owner during training sessions. The reward, however, is worth it, as Doberman Pinschers are whip smart and extremely loyal to their families.
10. Shetland Sheepdog
Last but certainly not least on our list of intelligent dog breeds is the Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie for short. These lively little herding pups have earned a reputation among trainers and owners alike for being quick learners and obedient pets. With proper socialisation and training, they can be taught to do just about anything; from herding sheep to performing a variety of tricks. Their gentle, sweet disposition also makes them one of the best dog breeds for families with children.
Whether you’re looking for a canine companion with whom you can spend your days playing fetch or competing in shows, there’s sure to be a breed among this list that will fit your needs perfectly. Each breed brings its own unique set of traits and skills that’ll make your life richer and happier if you can give your dog what they need to thrive.