Science Reveals the Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds: Is Your Pup on the Genius List?

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Let’s be honest, our canine companions often leave us in stitches with their delightfully goofy antics.

But when it comes to following commands and picking up new tricks, some pups simply outshine the rest with their brilliant minds.

So which breeds reign supreme in the smarts department?

Renowned psychologist Stanley Coren did the leg work, surveying 200 obedience judges to uncover the most intelligent dog breeds for his book, The Intelligence of Dogs.

Get ready to be impressed as we unveil the 10 brightest stars of the dog world, proving that brains and an adorable furry face can absolutely go paw-in-paw.

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1. Border Collie

border collie

Coren found that these dogs can grasp a new command within five seconds and execute it correctly at least 95 percent of the time.

2. Poodle

poodle smart dog breed

Ranked second on Coren’s list of intelligent canine companions, these hypoallergenic dogs are beloved additions to many households for their family-friendly nature.

3. German Shepherd Dog

german shepherd dog smart

These pups excel as crime-fighting partners due to their obedience, alertness, and undeniable charm.

4. Golden Retrievers

smart dog breed golden retriever

Known as the ultimate family-friendly companions, these dogs are cherished for their loyalty, intelligence, and remarkable patience.

Read this too: Facts you might not know about Golden Retrievers

5. Doberman Pinscher

doberman pinscher smart dog

With their playful nature and love for fun, this breed is highly trainable and displays unwavering loyalty.

6. Shetland Sheepdog

shetland sheepdog are smart

Hey, only a truly clever breed could successfully raise a pig. (And if you haven’t seen Babe, it’s a must-watch!)

7. Labrador Retriever

labradors are smart dogs

One of America’s favorite dog breeds, and for good reason, is also among the most intelligent. Renowned for their affectionate and devoted nature, they make excellent companions for families.

8. Papillon

Papillon smart dogs

Derived from the French word for “butterfly” due to their adorable pointed ears, this toy breed is known for its intelligence, energy, and amiable nature.

9. Rottweiler

rottweiler smart dogs

Readers familiar with the children’s book “Good Dog, Carl” will find it fitting that Rottweilers are characterized by their fearlessness, loyalty, and confidence. (And according to Coren, they’re quite obedient too!)

10. Australian Cattle Dog

australian cattle dog smart dog

It’s no surprise that these dogs excel as working companions. However, even without herding duties, this breed proves to be fantastic companions due to their obedience, loyalty, and protective instincts.

In Conclusion: What Are The Smartest Dog Breeds in The World?

While intelligence levels can vary between individual dogs, these 10 breeds showcase an exceptional ability to learn and follow commands with impressive speed.

From family companions to working dogs, their quick minds and eager-to-please attitudes make training an absolute joy.

So for those seeking a canine Einstein, look no further than these whip-smart pups!

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Zack Keithy
Zack Keithy

Hey, I'm Zack, the Chief Editor here. I was formerly a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) for a good 6 years before moving on to greener pastures. Right now, I am still heavily involved in dog parenting duties, and it is my desire to share all our knowledge with fellow dog owners out there! Connect with me on LinkedIn, or read more about Canine Care Central!

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