Intelligence in dogs is measured in a few different ways. Wikipedia defines dog intelligence as “the process in dogs of acquiring, storing in memory, retrieving, combining, comparing, and using in new situations information and conceptual skills.” Have you ever wondered how intelligent your dog is?

Check out the list below to see if your furry friend is among one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world! 

 

10. Australian Cattle Dog - A Smart Working Dog

This is a dog that might spark your desire for adventure. A high energy working dog with a need to be useful. It thrives on companionship and tasks that require a lot of complex thinking and problem-solving. They are extremely agile and are active both physically and mentally.

 

 

  

9. Rottweiler - A Powerhouse Among the Smartest Dogs

These dogs are large and powerful, descended from Roman military dogs and developed in Germany. It’s capable of learning commands and extremely eager to protect. They are smart but also known for endurance and strength.

 

 

 

8. Papillon - A Small and Smart Companion

This dog may look adorable but they are tough, strong and sturdy as well. Papillon means “butterfly” in French, which is how the dog gets its name due to its butterfly-shaped ears. These little dogs are fiercely loyal and extremely protective over what belongs to them.

 

 

 

 

7. Labrador Retriever - A Popular Choice Among the Smartest Dog Breeds

The most popular breed of dog chosen by families in the United States, the Lab is a perfect family dog. Their high intelligence makes them easy to train and they are often used as service dogs because of this. 

The Labrador Retriever's intellectual abilities and high level of trainability make it one of the smartest dogs. They have a keen instinct for understanding and following human instructions. Also, Labs are excellent swimmers and retrievers, which explains their role as water rescue dogs in many professional settings.

 

 

6. Shetland Sheepdog - A Smart and Devoted Family Pet

Also known as the Sheltie, this is another herding dog. An eager to please dog that loves its family, the Sheltie is often known as a “shadow” dog, following its owners everywhere. The Shetland Sheepdog is also able to learn new commands without too much repetition adding further credence for their inclusion as one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world.

 

 

5. Doberman Pinscher - A Fearless Member of the Smartest Dog Breeds

These smart and fearless dogs have a strong desire to protect and because of this, they make great police dogs. They are smart enough to be able to retain complicated training that makes them extremely useful on the force.

 

 

 

 

4. Golden Retriever - A Loving and Intelligent Breed

Golden Retrievers are some of the most loving dogs, cuddling up to strangers just as easily as their own family. This is another breed often used as seeing-eye and service dogs because of their ability to learn tasks to help people.

 

 

  

3. German Shepherd - A Courageous Breed Among the Most Intelligent Dogs

This is a courageous and protective dog that takes their family’s safety seriously. The German Shepherd thrives on tasks that give them direction and purpose. This dog wants to be useful to you!

Did you know that the German Shepherd is often considered the smartest dog in the world? Their versatility and quick learning abilities are highly appreciated in various fields including police, search and rescue, and even in the entertainment industry!

 

 

2. Poodle - Eager to Please and Quick to Learn

The Poodle is eager to please and even more eager to learn. In France, they were originally bred for retrieving and are the country’s national dog. Believe it or not, this adorable poof ball is also a natural guard dog.

 

 

 

 

1. Border Collie - The Most Intelligent Dog Breed

The most intelligent breed of dog! These dogs are capable of just about anything they put their mind to. A trained Border Collie by the name of Chaser has memorized the names of 1,000 of her stuffed animals.

What makes the Border Collie the smartest dog in the world is their exceptional ability to understand and follow complex commands. Known for their advanced herding skills, Border Collies have a keen instinct and excellent problem-solving abilities. They are also remarkably adept at recognizing human emotions and responding accordingly.

We hope you enjoyed this little look at some of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world and weren’t offended if your precious pup’s breed wasn’t on the list – we promise no favoritism was shown in the production of this post – we love all pups!