Can You Guess the Smartest Dog Breeds?

All dogs have great capacities to learn, perform tricks, and of course, convince you they deserve another treat. A “smart dog,” however, is often thought of as highly trainable. But according to dog trainer and behaviorist Karen London, Ph.D., a dog’s intelligence can be measured in many different ways, and the characteristics that make a dog smart can vary widely. Read on to learn more.

Some of the qualities include being highly trainable (including being able to learn new cues quickly), being adaptable, having the ability to learn complex tasks, and possessing good problem-solving skills. Smart dogs are also emotionally intelligent and able to interact positively with humans and other animals. But there are so many other ways that we can think of a dog as being intelligent.

TL;DR: Some dog breeds are naturally intelligent and excel in training due to their quick learning abilities. Breeds like the Border Collie, Poodle, and German Shepherd are known for their obedience and problem-solving skills. These intelligent companions are great for families, working roles, and pet parents who want a pet who is versatile.

What makes a dog breed smart?

All dogs are intelligent in their own ways, but some breeds are extra smart. When humans think of smart dog breeds, we usually have a certain picture in mind: a well-behaved dog who knows and responds to many different cues, and seems highly in tune with people. Many different traits contribute to a dog’s level of intelligence.

• Trainability: Highly trainable dogs are quick learners. They have the drive to learn and a level of focus that allows them to block out distractions, so they can learn and perform new tasks. Trainable dogs also have great memories, so they can easily recall the things they’ve learned in the past.

• Biddability: In training circles, biddability refers to a dog’s desire to work and engage with humans. Biddable dogs are very eager to please and are engaged with their human partners. In other words, they’re very obedient dog breeds.

• Adaptive intelligence: Smart animals of all species are extremely adaptable and excellent at problem-solving. This allows them to notice things in their environments and respond to them, figuring out how to make things work or surmount obstacles. 

• Instinctive intelligence: This refers to a dog’s instincts and abilities, some of which are highly adapted to do certain work, such as herding or hunting. 

• Social intelligence: Even though humans communicate very differently from dogs, smart dogs can observe our behavior and learn how to read and respond to our expressions, emotions, vocal tones, and body language.  

Smartest dog breeds

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1. Border Collie

Border Collies are known for their intelligence, agility, and herding instincts. Lots of Border Collies are still gainfully employed as working dogs on farms and ranches. But whether working or not, they’re quick to pick up skills related to obedience training, agility competitions, and flyball. While the Border Collie is considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds, they require a lot of mental and physical stimulation and may try to herd other pets or even children if they need something to do. They can be encouraged to redirect this energy, but may not be a good fit for potential pet parents who don’t have lots of dog experience.

Traits

• Height: 18 to 21 inches

• Weight: 31 to 53 pounds

• Breed group: Herding

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2. Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog (also called a Blue Heeler) is another herding breed known for working with cattle. The breed, which hails from Australia, is medium-sized with a muscular build and a short, dense coat that's speckled gray-blue or red. They have a strong work ethic and are loyal and protective of their families, though they can be shy with strangers. While Heelers are highly intelligent, they are also pretty independent, which can translate to stubbornness. They are a great fit for active households with plenty of opportunities to exercise their minds and bodies.

Traits

• Height: 17 to 20 inches

• Weight: 31 to 53 pounds

• Breed group: Herding

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3. Schnauzer

The Schnauzer is a breed that originated in Germany. These smarty-pants dogs have wiry, salt-and-pepper coats and a lot of confidence. They’re friendly, personable, and make great family pets. They are also good watchdogs, which means some barking is to be expected. They need regular exercise, but mental stimulation is more important for a Schnauzer. After some explorative play, they love cuddling on the couch with their people.

Traits

• Height: 13 to 27 inches

• Weight: 9 to 97 pounds

• Breed group: Terrier

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4. German Shepherd Dog

German Shepherds are very versatile and trainable for all sorts of tasks. They have an imposing presence with a muscular build, and have transitioned from their original jobs as herders and sheep guarders to, most frequently, working for the police and military — thanks to their loyal, protective instincts, especially in the face of threats. These intelligent pups can also make great service dogs and have a strong desire to please their people. They need patient, knowledgeable handlers to behave at their best, and they require lots of regular exercise.

Traits

• Height: 22 to 26 inches

• Weight: 48 to 97 pounds

• Breed group: Herding

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5. Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is another smart herding dog who has segued into military and police work but can also be trained for search and rescue, or other working jobs. These dogs get super focused on whatever new tricks they’re asked to do and can stay focused for a long period of time. (If only we all could say the same.) With that much brain power, the Belgian Malinois requires lots of mental activity and exercise, so they need experienced pet parents with time for training and a lot of runs. But it’s worth it — a well-trained Malinois is an amazing companion.

Traits

• Height: 22 to 26 inches

• Weight: 40 to 83 pounds

• Breed group: Herding

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6. Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is a large breed with a short, sleek coat that is typically silver-gray. The smart Weimaraner was originally bred as a hunting dog and has a strong prey drive, lots of endurance, and immense speed. They are now often used in search and rescue teams, police work, and as service dogs. Though tough, Weimaraners are very loyal and affectionate with their pet parents and need a lot of company to prevent anxiety and destructive behavior. They also need plenty of exercise.

Traits

• Height: 22 to 27 inches

• Weight: 54 to 97 pounds

• Breed group: Sporting

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7. Poodle

The Poodle offers so much: intelligence, elegance, and a (mostly) hypoallergenic coat, which is curly and non-shedding. There are even different sizes for different households: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Poodles are considered by many to be one of the most intelligent breeds, because they are quick learners who are great with obedience, agility, and even hunting. They also make great service dogs. Just don’t leave them to their own devices too much, or they’ll get creative in destructive ways.

Traits

• Height: 8 to 15 inches

• Weight: 7 to 28 pounds

• Breed group: Non-Sporting

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8. Labrador Retrievers

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. These dogs are known for their intelligence, friendly personalities, and loyalty. Their coats can be various colors, including black, yellow, and chocolate, and they were originally bred to retrieve game and fish. They love to swim and need a lot of exercise, as well as social time to be happy pups. They’re generally very friendly and a great choice for families with kids. Plus, they like other animals, too.

Traits

• Height: 21 to 24 inches

• Weight: 49 to 77 pounds

• Breed group: Sporting

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9. Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog hails from Scotland and was originally bred as a herding dog. Like most herding dogs, they’re super smart and still love participating in competitive herding trials. They can make great therapy dogs or work in search and rescue roles — give this dog a job, and they’ll thank you. They are loyal, affectionate, and social, and love the company of people and other animals. They have a lot of personality and energy, so are a good choice for families with the time, space, and patience to train them properly.

Traits

• Height: 13 to 14 inches

• Weight: 12 to 24 pounds

• Breed group: Herding

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10. Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is a mix of a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. The character traits they inherit from each parent can vary, but like their Poodle parent, Cockapoos are mostly hypoallergenic. Both Poodles and Spaniels are intelligent breeds, and Cockapoos also tend to inherit this trait. They’re also affectionate and social, making them great family pets. They’re pretty adaptable to their surroundings, and with enough exercise and mental stimulation, they’re adaptable to most environments, including apartments.

Traits

• Height: 14 to 24 inches

• Weight: 15 to 69 pounds

• Breed group: Crossbreed

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11. Flat-Coated Retriever

The Flat-Coated Retriever has exceptional retrieving abilities and a thick, shiny coat (hence the breed’s name). These retrievers have a unique face that almost appears to be smiling, which is only fitting because they have a reputation for being eager to please. They’re playful, outgoing, energetic, and very adaptable, thriving in many different living situations. They are also often used as therapy dogs due to their gentle and social nature.

Traits

• Height: 22 to 23 inches

• Weight: 51 to 87 pounds

• Breed group: Sporting

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12. Papillon

The Papillon is a toy breed who originated in France and has beautiful, butterfly-shaped ears and silky coats. Although usually considered a lapdog, the Papillon is highly energetic and active. These smart pups are stars at agility and obedience trials. Papillons are both quick to learn and agreeable. They love people and other pets and are quite fearless despite their size. They are great for apartment living as long as they get exercise and mental stimulation.

Traits

• Height: 8 to 11 inches

• Weight: 4 to 12 pounds

• Breed group: Toy

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13. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a large breed known for their protective nature and big brains: They are quick to learn and have a strong desire to obey. Though they are independent, Rottweilers are fiercely loyal to their families and are often used as guard dogs. They require consistent training and socialization to help make the best of their abilities.

Traits

• Height: 23 to 27 inches

• Weight: 72 to 132 pounds

• Breed group: Working

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14. English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is a sweet, playful, friendly pup who is also plenty smart. They have an excellent sense of smell, strong tracking abilities, and have historically been used as hunting companions. They also have great problem-solving skills and still work alongside hunters today. If you don’t like clingy pets, they’re not for you: The Springer Spaniel is sometimes referred to as a “velcro dog,” since they always want to be by your side. They’re also chill with all types of environments as long as they have company and regular activity.

Traits

• Height: 19 to 21 inches

• Weight: 32 to 68 pounds

• Breed group: Sporting

15. Schipperke

The Schipperke is a small breed with a thick, black, water-resistant coat and a build often described as “sturdy.” These smart dogs have fox-like faces and thin legs, and are quite energetic and playful. The Schipperke is a clever, independent thinker who won’t be overly reliant on you for direction. That can be a good or bad thing, depending on your relationship, but obedience training is something they’ll take well to with consistency.

Traits

• Height: 9 to 14 inches

• Weight: 9 to 19 pounds

• Breed group: Non-Sporting

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16. Corgi

Corgis, a smart breed of herding dogs originating in Wales, have long, stocky bodies and adorable short legs. Few things are cuter than a Corgi’s waddle, and they’re well-known for being popular among U.K. royalty. Those Corgis who don’t live in palaces may still work as herding dogs and are adaptable to different living situations, including apartments. These smart pups are highly responsive to training and enjoy learning new commands and tricks. Corgis’ excellent memories help them remember commands and routines forever. Despite their small size, they need a lot of exercise to keep waddling into their old age.

Traits

• Height: 10 to 13 inches

• Weight: 23 to 42 pounds

• Breed group: Herding

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17. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever was originally a hunting dog but is now more often a beloved family dog. They have beautiful yellow coats, smiling faces, and are smart and friendly. Golden Retrievers are highly active dogs who need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They’re very attuned to human emotions and are often used as therapy dogs because of their calming presence and ability to comfort people. They’re a great choice for a first dog.

Traits

• Height: 20 to 24 inches

• Weight: 46 to 80 pounds

• Breed group: Sporting

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18. Doberman Pinscher

Originally bred to work as personal protectors and guard dogs, Dobermans are often used as police and military dogs because, when well-trained, they can quickly assess potential threats and respond to the slightest command. They have an alert, protective nature and make excellent watchdogs, but also make good family pets who are very sensitive to their pet parent’s feelings. Even though they may need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to feel and act their best, Dobermans make wonderful, loyal companions.

Traits

• Height: 24 to 28 inches

• Weight: 60 to 117 pounds

• Breed group: Working

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19. Collie

There’s a reason Lassie was always saving Timmy — Collies are the epitome of smart. Collies are blessed with an extraordinary level of intelligence that lets them solve puzzles and learn tricks with the ease of a seasoned pro. Just keep in mind that their brilliance sometimes leads to mischievous antics when not provided enough physical exercise and mental enrichment.

Traits

• Height: 20 to 24 inches

• Weight: 44 to 79 pounds

• Breed group: Herding

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20. Mixed Breed Dog

Don’t overlook one of the most common types of intelligent dogs: mixed breeds. These dogs exhibit a wide range of physical and behavioral characteristics because of their genetic diversity, which can result in unique dogs who are intelligent, athletic, and friendly. They can be just as trainable and reliable as purebred dogs and may also have a lower chance of having inherited diseases and health problems than purebred dogs.

However, mutts’ temperaments and behaviors can be influenced by a variety of factors, too, including their environment, socialization, and training — but the same can be said of purebred dogs. There’s no way to predict who your pet will be, so be sure to spend time with them before bringing them home.

Traits

• Height: 5 to 30 inches

• Weight: 5 to 190 pounds

• Breed group: Mixed

Choosing the right intelligent dog for you

When looking at the most intelligent dog breeds, you’ll notice a huge range of sizes, personalities, activity levels, and coat types. The good news is that there are brainy dog breeds for any individual or family setup. The key is finding the right smart dog for your lifestyle and personal preferences.  

Factors to consider

When adopting a dog, look beyond their physical appearance and consider how their needs work with yours. When you make a good match, your new dog will fit seamlessly into your life. 

Activity level

How much exercise a dog will need is one of the biggest considerations when choosing a dog. Many of the smartest dog breeds are herding dogs and hunting dogs, with tons of energy that needs expending every day through hours of vigorous exercise. Without enough physical activity, these dogs can develop behavioral problems, including excessive barking, destructiveness, escape attempts, and anxiety. 

Training commitment

Despite their intelligence, smart dogs won’t grow up to be perfect on their own. They need consistent guidance and training to not only teach them how to behave, but also to keep their brains busy through mental stimulation. Training for obedience, tricks, or dog sports like agility or flyball, keeps them happily learning.  

Social interaction

Most smart dogs have high levels of social intelligence, which means they are attuned to their people. Most smart dogs don’t do well if left alone for long periods. If you work long hours, consider hiring a dog walker to come in the middle of the day to exercise and play with your dog. Sometimes, adopting two dogs can provide company.

Size and space requirements

Smaller dogs, even those with a lot of energy, can live in apartments and smaller homes, as long as they get daily walks. Larger dogs, especially highly energetic breeds like herding dogs and hunting dogs, typically do better in larger homes with fenced-in yards, though these dogs will also need considerable exercise beyond romps in the yard.

Ideal pet parents for intelligent dogs

Having a smart dog is a joy, but comes with a responsibility to meet their unique needs. Highly intelligent dogs won’t be content to hang out alone in the backyard or house. They do best with individuals and families who can incorporate them into their lives and stimulate those brains and bodies through a lot of daily exercise, training, play, and attention. Ideal pet parents for intelligent breeds include the following.

Active individuals or families

If you love hiking, camping, and exploring, consider one of the larger, more athletic, intelligent dog breeds, such as a herding breed or sporting breed (retriever, spaniel, or pointer). 

Competitive dog sports enthusiasts

Intelligent dogs are great for people who love the challenge of training a dog for sports like agility, flyball, dock jumping, obedience, herding trials, and hunting and field trials. 

Working roles

With the right training, smart dog breeds often make great service dogs and therapy dogs. Many intelligent dog breeds are also ideal for farm and ranch work, and other working roles.  

Training tips for intelligent dog breeds

One of the best things about intelligent dog breeds is that they are easy to train. Since smart dogs like to exercise their brains, be sure to incorporate multiple training sessions and different types of training (whether obedience, tricks, or competing in dog sports) into their days. Just keep in mind that even if a certain dog breed is known to be easy to train, teaching a dog requires a long-term commitment.

• Obedience training: All dogs should learn the basics, including “sit,” “lie down,” “stay,” “come,” and loose-leashing walking (heel).

• Advanced training: Smart dogs enjoy the challenge of training for a competitive dog sport, such as agility, flyball, dock jumping, herding trials, or field trials. Also, try teaching them fun tricks like “sit up,” “shake,” “roll over,” “play dead,” “spin,” and more. 

• Mental stimulation: Smart dogs love nose work (or finding hidden scents) and figuring out interactive puzzle toys. These activities exercise their brain, as they use their excellent sense of smell and manipulate things with their paws to solve a puzzle. 

• Socialization: Visiting lots of different places, meeting people of all ages, and interacting with other pets is a great way to stimulate your dog’s mind while helping them remain steady and calm in the face of new experiences. 

Commonly asked questions

Are intelligent dogs easier to train?

Yes, intelligent dogs are easier to train thanks to their drive to learn, ability to focus, and good memory. Most intelligent dogs are also quite eager to please their people, which makes them highly motivated to learn and perform.

Do smart dogs require more mental stimulation?

Yes, smart dogs require more mental stimulation. Some of the smartest dog breeds have an intelligence equivalent to that of a three-year-old human child, and they need to put those smarts to work. Good mental workouts include daily training, fun challenges like nose work, and lots of exercise and outdoor exploration. 

Which dog breeds are best for first-time pet parents?

The best dog breeds for first-time pet parents are intelligent companion dogs who don’t need a huge amount of exercise or grooming. Some good choices include Papillons, Corgis, Cockapoos, and many mixed-breed dogs.  

What are the best training techniques for smart dogs?

The best training techniques for smart dogs are the same as those that work well for any dog. Positive reinforcement training — using treats, play, and praise to reward a dog for doing something correctly — is a simple and highly effective training technique that gets great results with smart dogs. 

Can you train your dog to be smart? 

To some extent, yes, you can train a dog to be smart. A dog’s intelligence is often measured by their training, and most dogs are capable of being trained if that training is compatible with their natural abilities. For instance, an otherwise smart dog of one breed might struggle with a task they weren’t bred to excel at. Find something that motivates your pup and unleashes their inner genius. Try little mental exercises, such as puzzles, trick training, memory games, obedience training, herding, agility, and nose work.

Resources

E.S. Madhan, et al. “An Intelligent Dog Breed Recognition System Using Deep Learning.” International Journal of Data Informatics and Intelligent Computing, vol. 1, no. 1, 23 Sept. 2022, pp. 39–52, ijdiic.com/index.php/research/article/view/12, https://doi.org/10.59461/ijdiic.v1i1.12. ‌