Having learned to live close to humans for millennia, dogs are among the most intelligent animals. However, some dog breeds are more cunning than others.
Dogs have long been recognized as faithful companions that people can trust. Even today, many are accompanied by their dog, whether for hunting, guarding or simply for the pleasure of having a trusted ally. Do you see? There are even people who trust their dog more than their neighbor.
The three types of dog intelligence
But just like us humans, not all dogs are the same. Some breeds are smarter than others. Nevertheless, it remains difficult to measure with certainty their level of intelligence. Over the years, many researchers in ethology have tried to measure the degree of intelligence of this quadruped. They tried to compare it to human intelligence. Thus, a classification of dog breeds has been published, according to 3 types of intelligence:
- Innate intelligence, which is defined by race;
- Adaptive intelligence, which is determined by how the dog learns to solve a problem;
- Working intelligence, which is the dog’s ability to learn and obey its master.
Based on these 3 types of intelligence, we are pleased to present to you today the 10 most intelligent dog breeds of all. Without further ado, let’s discover the top 10!
10 – The Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever, a breed originating from Great Britain, is one of the most popular dogs in the world. He is a very sociable, affectionate, loyal and docile dog. It is both an exceptional hunting dog and a very gentle companion. He is a good companion for the whole family, especially for children and the elderly. This breed would much rather have company than be alone. He needs a lot of tenderness and attention. He is a public entertainer, capable of all tricks to attract the attention of his master.
So, if you are looking for a good companion dog that is friendly and cheerful, the Golden Retriever would be an excellent choice. Note that dog always seeks to please his master and make him happy. One of the most famous Golden Retrievers is called Buddy. This dog is distinguished by his real talent as an actor. He acted in the movie “Air Bud” and other movies released between 1997 and 2003. He reveals to the world all his talents as an athlete in various sports such as football, basketball, American football, baseball , and even volleyball. If you want advice, the Golden Retriever is simply the perfect dog!
9 – The Dobermann
A breed of German origin, the Dobermann takes its name from its first owner: Frédéric Louis Dobermann (1834 – 1894). The Dobermann is a large breed, weighing from 32 kg to 45 kg and measuring between 68 cm and 72 cm.
Despite its fierce appearance, the Dobermann is a gentle and affectionate dog that must be well educated. Very vigilant, the Dobermann is the ideal guard dog. He is never unnecessarily aggressive and is benevolent towards his family. Moreover, he is very attached to his master and is often wary of strangers. This is the type of dog you should not joke with! It is necessary to educate him fairly early in a firm and fair way. His intelligence, his receptivity and his love of work facilitate his education.
8 – The Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog is above all an excellent guard dog. Indeed, he can sense danger. Despite its small size, it is a very intelligent dog breed. Plus, he can pick up a whole new habit after just a few repetitions.
In fact, this breed, which comes directly from the Scottish islands, has long been appreciated by shepherds for guarding their flocks. He is a working dog who is not afraid to take on challenges. Nowadays, it still makes some shepherds happy, even if it is mainly considered a companion dog.
In addition, the Shetland Sheepdog is very good at dog sports such as agility competitions. He is an active dog who needs a good dose of exercise to thrive. With regular walks, he can adapt to any lifestyle.
7 – The Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is an excellent guide for the blind and an excellent rescue dog. A sturdy-looking, medium-sized dog that is sable, chocolate or black in color. He is a very good companion dog for the family. This dog will be a great playmate for your children. Sweet, loyal and intelligent, the Labrador Retriever makes a very good watchdog.
He is particularly docile and easy to train. He can adapt to an urban or rural living environment. He is a dog that can suffer from loneliness, so be sure to give him the attention and time he deserves.
6 – The Papillon dog
He is a very athletic little dog who easily adapts to all kinds of situations. Despite its small size, from 27 cm to 28 cm, it is a particularly robust and intelligent breed of dog. He is very cheerful, easy-going, curious and able to learn very quickly. The Continental Toy Spaniel is a particularly affectionate breed. He is a companion dog very attached to his master.
He is distinguished from others by its sweetness and tenderness. Moreover, this dog likes to charm you to gain your empathy. As you go, you will even be tempted to spoil him in his education. But teach him to respect certain limits. The Papillon Spaniel dog is perfectly adapted to living in an apartment in an urban environment. It is suitable for all types of owners, especially the elderly, whom it helps to feel less alone.
5 – The Rottweiler
Dog of German origin, of giant size, the male Rottweiler weighs from 45 kg to 54 kg. The Rottweiler is one of the oldest dog breeds. Imported to the Rottweil region of Germany by the Romans, it is said to have been crossed with a sheepdog, giving rise to the breed we know today. For a long time it was used to protect livestock from butchers. His tenacity, his courage and his protective instinct made him an exceptional guard dog.
In 1910, when the law prohibited the transport of cattle by road, the Rottweiler was recruited by the German and Austrian police for his flair and his robustness. Thus, the breed officially becomes a police dog. Nevertheless, this does not prevent the fact of having one at home. The Rottweiler is a very intelligent, curious and above all very devoted dog. He will do everything in his power to protect his master and his home. Just be sure to take her for a walk once in a while!
4 – The Australian Shepherd
Contrary to what one might think from its name, the Australian Shepherd is not native to Australia. In reality, it is a breed that appeared in the United States in the 1900s, on the initiative of farmers who wanted to have a resistant dog, capable of guarding and rounding up livestock.
The Australian Shepherd is a lively and versatile dog. Nowadays, you can still see shepherds and farmers with this breed. The Australian Shepherd is a good companion dog for the whole family. He appeals to younger people and shows his loyalty every day. On the other hand, he is a little more reserved towards people who are not familiar to him. The Australian Shepherd is not really suited to apartment living. He prefers spaces and gardens where he can have fun and release his sporty temperament.
3 – The poodle
The Poodle is also a very popular dog. It is one of the cutest dogs of all existing breeds. With a cheerful and hyperactive character, he brings joy and dynamism to his master. He is also a very sociable dog, easy to train and maintain. With its weight of approximately 6 kg to 23 kg, it is a particularly robust dog of its kind.
During the war, poodles helped supply soldiers at the front. They are also very good at hunting in an aquatic environment, such as duck hunting. Moreover, the words poodles and ducks come from the same root, from an etymological point of view. The Poodle is a lively and intelligent dog. He is very obedient and will always seek to please his master. In addition, he is an excellent alarm dog since he is very cunning!
2 – The German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is one of the most intelligent dog breeds. He remains to this day the first favorite dog of the French. In fact, it is distinguished from other races by its very high level of concentration. It is a loyal, obedient, vigilant dog with a protective instinct. Concretely, the German Shepherd tends to analyze the situation well before making a decision. It is for these particular aspects that they join the rescue teams or the gendarmerie brigade. These dogs are also very versatile. For a long time they have been useful in many areas. During the First World War, for example, they were mobilized by German troops to rescue wounded soldiers. A very skilful dog, physically strong and above all very intelligent, the German Shepherd is an excellent police dog, a fine tracker and a very good guard.
As a reminder, German Shepherds are nicknamed “working dogs”. The fact is that they are particularly easy to train and are very devoted to their master. They are also very affectionate and sometimes very sensitive dogs. In fact, they like to be congratulated after a gesture well done. If you leave them alone for a while, they may feel left out. They enjoy the company of their master and are very attached to him.
1 – The Border Collie
The Border Collie was originally a herding dog. He is a dog with a special intelligence. While being affectionate and obedient, the Border Collie is also very easy to train. In truth, it is recognized as being the most intelligent breed of dog of all. Among the most famous Border Collie dogs is Chaser. This is why the media described this dog as “the smartest dog in the world”. In fact, Chaser was able to recognize 1022 toy names spoken by his master. He can even, with a simple sound of his voice, gather scattered animals and lead them into an enclosure. He is an excellent herding dog. For him, collecting scattered objects is like an obsession.
If you want a dog that is both lively and intelligent, the Border Collie is what you need. However, you should know that this breed of dog cannot stand being inactive. We can even classify it in the category of hyperactive, because sometimes, it does not know how to keep quiet. In an apartment, it won’t always be rosy with a Border Collie around, so let’s warn you! Nevertheless, thanks to its legendary intelligence, it is a dog that can easily learn good manners. In addition, he enjoys the company of small children and the presence of other animals does not bother him in any way.
