Top 10 of the smartest dogs: These breeds are intelligent

The top 10 most intelligent dog breeds

While it's clear to many how we humans can show off our smarts, what about our furry friends, what counts as intelligent and especially clever here? Of course, no matter the breed, every dog owner finds something in their four-legged companion they consider smart, but we're here to show you what science has to say about it. Get ready for pure cleverness, the craftiest canines – the 10 most intelligent dog breeds ranked:

Which dog breed is the most intelligent?

1. Border Collie

Its unmistakable look combined with its already well-established reputation as the "smartest dog" makes the Border Collie also on paper the most intelligent dog. Of course, there are exceptions here too, and not every Border is born with a guaranteed high intelligence – but the chances are very good that with this →British dog breed you'll have a highly intelligent companion by your side.

If you're thinking: "Great, so that's a total walk in the park!" and just leave your Border to their own devices, you'll probably end up with a... runaway. Because while the Border Collie learns incredibly fast, they need proper mental and physical stimulation with →sensitive, patient training, otherwise they may develop bad habits. Sports like agility are also perfect for combining mental and physical exercise.

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2. Poodle

Wild curls, sharp mind – that's how the →Poodle with its clever nature lands at number 2 among the most intelligent dog breeds. Not only does it learn incredibly fast and practically understands right away what its humans want. It also proves to be a patient and →cuddly family dog, who is very relaxed with children.

Despite its all-rounder qualities, the Poodle is not a dog to be left alone. To reach its full potential, it thrives with consistent training and activities like food search games that challenge its clever mind. And it's not just the Poodle's inner values that impress: it comes in three different sizes as a toy, miniature, and standard poodle. As a member of the →low-shedding dog breeds, coat care is uncomplicated. A visit to the groomer every 6-8 weeks is recommended. Beyond that, the Poodle is also a popular →dog for allergy sufferers.

3. German Shepherd

Few dogs have made a name for themselves like the German Shepherd. With its graceful posture, sleek coat, and strong character, this →large dog breed wins the hearts of true dog lovers. No wonder, since the German Shepherd also comes with a remarkable intelligence .

If you want this smart dog as a friend, you need to be well-informed about its protective instincts and channel them in the right direction. In return, you'll be rewarded with an intelligent breed that's often used as a police, assistance, therapy, or working dog .

This versatile dog doesn't like boredom at all – if you let its temperament run wild, it may develop various bad habits. Kept busy with dog sports or another task, it proves to be affectionate and balanced – even in a family with (older) children.

4. Golden Retriever

Number 4 shouldn't come as a surprise, since the "Goldie" seems to be found in every other home. Its clever nature, cuddly appearance, and tendency toward constant friendliness make the →Golden Retriever one of the →most popular dog breeds.

Whether it's learning new tricks, dog sports or a challenging task like training as a therapy dog: the "Goldie" is a smart fellow, eager to take on many roles and even →beginners will have lots of fun with him. Today, you'll mostly find this breed as a →large family dog – but what family is big enough for a dog with a heart of pure gold?

The wavy mane of the "Goldie" and other long-haired companions is best to pet when it's soft and stays that way. Say goodbye to knots and matting by brushing your dog daily as part of →routine coat care. For a gentle bath, mild grooming products are a must – that's where Pets Deli CARE comes in. Extra gentle on coat and paws, guaranteed vegan and free from unnecessary additives.

5. Dobermann

Its impressive physique and reputation as a →aggressive dog breed definitely precede the Dobermann. Unlike what movies often show, this black-and-tan dog doesn't want to spend its life barking in a backyard – quite the opposite. It loves to show off its cleverness and its character is eager to learn, persistent, and attentive.

The Dobermann certainly has potential as a guard dog and performs this role enthusiastically, but it's just as motivated by varied training sessions. Although it's considered a listed breed in Brandenburg and was once bred for its impulsive nature, nowadays breeders focus more on a calm and friendly character. If you're a dog expert and show persistence in training, you'll find in the Dobermann a loyal companion who, when well-trained, also makes a great family dog.

Big dog, big appetite? Pretty much, since large breeds need plenty of healthy proteins to fuel them, giving them energy for the day. Our BARF fresh menus not only bring freshness to the bowl, but also keep smart pups fit.

6. Sheltie (Shetland Sheepdog)

The Sheltie is reminiscent of Collie "Lassie" – just in a smaller package. But this little dog packs just as much wit and class, because the Sheltie is a distinct recognized breed and not just a smaller version of the famous Collie.

Many years of herding tradition are hidden in this short-legged pup, who is known to be very gentle, playful, and extremely smart. Even though the Sheltie now lives in cities and not just on Scottish pastures, this lively dog loves tasks like agility, dog dancing, or other types of training. Thanks to its easy-going nature, even →beginners in dog training will find a loyal friend in the teachable Sheltie.

7. Labrador

A friendly smile on its lips, a constantly wagging tail, and above all, one thing defines the →Labrador: it's always hungry. Popular and well-known as a loyal family dog, many don't realize that the "Lab" also comes with a good dose of intelligence .

Along with its daily cuddles, which it loves to get from the kids in the family, working with it is a lot of fun. Originally bred as a retriever , this dog still loves any kind of activity. Whether it's dummy or retrieving tasks: the Labrador is sharp-minded and focused and won't disappoint its humans.

Its already mentioned passion for its food bowl can be a downfall for breeds like the Labrador. Not everything our dogs "vacuum up" is good for a dog's stomach. So you should teach your dog from a young age not to eat things off the ground or steal from the dining table. Some →foods are toxic to dogs and the risk of →poison baits on walks should never be underestimated.

8. Papillon

The →Papillon, also known as the Continental Toy Spaniel, wears its look in its name: the plush fur on its ears resembles butterfly wings and its name literally means "butterfly." This →small dog breed is often underestimated because of its delicate appearance and small size. But the Papillon is anything but a lapdog – whether at the French court or in the British royal family, this →French breed has always been an eager companion, quick and happy to learn new things.

Besides its cleverness, the Papillon's strengths include its adaptability and friendly nature towards people and animals. Its ability for alertness shouldn't be underestimated, as it sometimes musters up all its confidence to defend its favorite humans. Generally, though, the Papillon is considered a →calm breed that's also perfect for beginners.

9. Rottweiler

Although the Rottweiler isn't born with an aggressive nature and instead comes with a good dose of alertness, protective instinct, and lots of strength, it's on the list of so-called →"dangerous dogs" in some German states. As with all breeds that share the Rottweiler's traits, the most important thing is: proper training makes the dog and ensures a four-legged friend is guided in the right direction.

Its determination, clever nature and motivation at work make it an intelligent breed you can work with very well indeed. That's why it's still popular today as a companion and rescue dog, and with an experienced handler at the other end of the leash who can confidently guide the "Rotti," this dog can also be a loving family member.

10. Australian Cattle Dog

Few dogs bring as much work ethic and cleverness as the Australian Cattle Dog. Originally bred as a herding dog for farms and ranches , it can hardly suppress its natural drive – and with proper care, it shouldn't have to. This breed-appropriate lifestyle is essential. The →medium-sized dog can be kept busy with agility, treibball, or disc dogging to its heart's content.

If its mind is happy and its body is →just as well exercised, the Cattle Dog will gladly show its affectionate, relaxed side. It definitely belongs in experienced hands, who appreciate its love for sports and have the time to give this clever dog a purpose.

Intelligence in dogs – a measurable trait?

Since we can't just hand our dogs a pen and paper and then have them rate their IQ on a scale, we need other methods. That's what psychology professor Stanley Coren thought, and in his research on the subject, he even developed a test to measure intelligence in dogs. The focus of this measurement is on the creativity of our four-legged friends when they're asked to solve certain tasks. The following aspects must be considered when evaluating the intelligence of dogs:

• Speed at learning a new command

• Combination of instinct, obedience, and the ability to learn from the environment

• Assessment of context

The last point is especially important when it comes to evaluating dogs with different functions. Neither Max the Dachshund nor Maja the Setter will be keen on sports like agility, but when it comes to sniffing tasks, they'll truly be ahead of the pack.