Most intelligent dogs have a unique ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills. These dogs are capable of gathering the right kind of information and use it at the right time. Then, we can place them in the club of the most intelligent dogs.
Experts indicate that an adult dog illustrates a similar intelligence to that of a two-year-old human baby. So, this 6-minute read indicates that a smart dog has its limits as well.
15 Smartest Dog Breeds List in 2020
1. Border Collie
11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Height: 10’’-12’’
Weight: +-30 Pounds
Lifespan: 12-14 Years
Group: Herding
First of all, smart and affectionate Pembroke Welsh Corgi belongs to the herding group. They are the tiniest in the group. They are the most amiable among the miniatures.
Their top-notch intelligence turns them into family dogs. This role supersedes their previous working jobs. They are still the most in-demand herding breed.
Reliable, agile, and focused Pembrokes unleash a big-dog personality and stubbornness, common traits among intelligent dogs. Corgi produces nerve shuddering barks.
But he is gentle with the guests. Frankly, this is a fantastic trainee and a loyal family dog. He is susceptible to obesity. So, you have to be careful about overfeeding him.
15. Belgian Sheepdog
Height: 22’’-26’’
Weight: 45-75 Pounds
Lifespan: 12-14 Years
Group: Herding
Here comes another herder into the most intelligent dog club. This smart puppy takes no time in picking up dog training cues. His extraordinary intelligence demands an experienced owner.
You must plan in advance to keep him busy as his endless energy requires continuous jobs. Sports and agility are a breeze if you have this dog. Belgium has gifted the world with this multi-talented dog.
Does dog intelligence mean popularity?
Dog intelligence does not necessarily relate to popularity. The Border Collie captures the top spot in terms of dog intelligence score. But the AKC breed popularity list places it at the 35th position.
Contrarily, the most popular breed in the USA is the Labrador Retriever occupying the 7th spot among smart puppies. Sharp dogs may be difficult to handle. They are too much for a potential owner unwilling to spend much effort behind the puppy.
Useful Tips: Dogs Sleeping Position
What is the IQ of a dog?
Animal science suggests that an adult dog IQ stands equal to a two-year-old child. But the top smartest dogs such as the Border Collie, Poodle, and several other breeds can compete with a child aged 2.5 years in terms of mental skills.
What are the factors of dog intelligence?
Professor Stanley Coren at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver puts forward three distinct features of the most intelligent dogs. These are instinctive intelligence, adaptive intelligence, and working as well as obedience intelligence.
- Breed defines instinctive intelligence in the form of herding, pointing, protecting, companionship, and so on.
- Adaptive intelligence points to his capacity of resolving issues on his own.
- Working and obedience intelligence denote his aptitude for learning new things from humans.
So, we have brought you 15 of the most intelligent dogs who perform the best in these classifications
Which dog breed is the smartest?
Dog people agree that the Border Collie seizes this honored spot. Working breeds are normally good at receiving ideas and implementing those in life. The Collie specializes here. Five seconds is all it takes for him to learn a new command and apply it.
But such a feat must precede excellent basic training. In 95% of the instances, dogs excel in this context. Now, take a look at the list of top intelligent dogs.
Is dog intelligence subject to training?
Dog intelligence is not conditioned to intense training output. Though dogs easily learn the sit, stay, and other commands, these are not the prime intelligence factors.
Rather, it is often a grace from their breed line. Usually, we see that a herding or working dog better follows your orders. Ancestral records assist them in this regard.
Every dog has a basic function. If we try to frame a companion dog with guarding capability, it yields no fruitful results. Certainly, you can elevate his intelligence on the doggie scale. But at the upper echelon of dogdom, brilliance is often an inherited quality.
Moreover, there are breeds that master a command with as few as 5 trials and some will need 100 trials. They are characteristically different.
We can safely assume that a dog ranking list is not enough. Most of us need some related answers to satisfy our inner quest for knowledge on dogs.
So, we have listed the most common questions a dog owner might ask on this issue. Here go the questions and answers to the most basic dog intelligence issues
Can we also have a look at the least intelligent dog breeds?
Of course, the article gets fulfilled with these low performing dogs. These dogs are not responsible for this mishap. Actually, they have been bred to serve a certain purpose. So, their breeding line took a more passive line resulting into low intellect. Training them might prove a bit difficult task.
- Afghan Hound,
- Basenji,
- Bulldog,
- Chow Chow,
- Borzoi,
- Bloodhound,
- Pekingese,
- Mastiff,
- Beagle,
- Basset Hound.
To cap it all, the top smartest dog does not mean a world of good for you at all. If you are habituated to a serene life, these dogs will be a real pain for you.
So, dog intelligence ranking never means a dog should get preference over another one. Every dog is smart in its own way.
As a responsible owner, you have to select the breed to fulfill your requirements. We do not encourage you to run after the most intelligent dog and repent afterward due to a mismatch.
I enjoy the article
Thanks Shaun.
While the Brits may have had their reasons some 70+ years ago for referring to the German Shepherd as an Alsatian, it would be incorrect for North Americans to follow suit, since in this hemisphere there is already a breed of Husky known as the Alsatian. It is found primarily in northwestern Canada and Alaska. Further, referring to something originating in the former Alsace region might more usefully be considered French rather than German. To avoid saying the word ‘German’ by substituting a word having a strong French connotation seems fruitlessly obscurantist. I wonder if the Belgian Sheepdog would be amused by the Brits’ impertinence in this regard…
Thanks for this info Manley.
What’s up, just wanted to say, I loved this article.
It was inspiring. Keep on posting. Cheers