Rating of dogs by intelligence. List of smartest dogs

The largest organization of dog breeders in the United States (American Kennel Club) has compiled a rating of dog breeds that are highly intelligent and can perform certain tasks better than other dogs. Let's figure out which dogs are the smartest.

1. The smartest dog is the Border Collie

In first place was the Border Collie breed, which was bred in the UK. These dogs are distinguished by an extraordinary instinct and craving for the service of man. They are considered the smartest dogs in many ratings.


2. The smartest dog - German Shepherd

The second line of the ranking of the smartest dogs went to the German Shepherd. Representatives of this breed, according to experts, are highly intelligent at work and are considered the best service dogs for the military and security forces.


3. The smartest dog - Bloodhound

The third position in the ranking of the most intelligent dogs was occupied by the Bloodhound breed, bred by the clergy back in the 13th century. Bloodhounds are extremely balanced dogs, they almost never show aggression. They are very hardworking, considered the best in training and education, often involved in the police and rescue services.


4. The smartest dog - Beagle

Representatives of the Beagle breed took fourth place in the list of the most intelligent dogs. They have a strong sense of smell, which makes dogs indispensable in search work. Beagles are often used to hunt rabbits and hares.


5. The smartest dog - Labrador Retriever

Considered the smartest guide and guide dogs, Labrador Retrievers round out the top five. They are highly trainable and are the most popular family dog ​​in the US.

Other rankings of the smartest dogs

Earlier, in 1994, Stanley Coren (b. 1942), professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver (Canada), compiled an intelligence scale for dogs of 133 breeds. In the course of his research, Coren interviewed dog trainers and US show ring judges. Based on the results, the professor wrote the instantly popular book The Intelligence of Dogs. This book became a bestseller. In his book, the author considers three aspects of the intelligence of dogs:
  • instinctive intelligence;
  • intelligence of obedience;
  • adaptive intelligence.
Instinctive intelligence allows the dog to perform functions that are already set genetically, for example, shepherding or guarding. Adaptive intelligence manifests itself when performing tasks with the help of its own forces. Obedience intelligence is the dog's ability to learn to follow human commands. It was the intelligence of obedience that formed the basis of the rating of the most intelligent dog breeds, which Stanley Coren presented in his book. Koren obtained data on the ability of dogs to perform various commands by interviewing dog training judges in the United States and Canada. The author himself admits the limitations of his approach to determining the intellectuality of a particular breed, since sledding or hunting dog breeds must have a significant degree of independence in order to successfully solve the tasks they face, for this reason they are less inclined to follow commands than domestic dogs. Therefore, despite the fact that sled or hunting dog breeds rank much lower than domestic breeds, this does not always mean that domestic breeds are unambiguously smarter. In addition, the author notes in his study that relatively recently bred dog breeds are more trainable than ancient breeds of dogs, the genotype of which is closer to that of a wild wolf;

1st group of dogs - Einsteins - the most capable dog breeds

From 1st to 10th places are occupied by the most intelligent breeds of dogs, with the highest level of obedience and working qualities. Most of them master the command in 5 or less repetitions, obey the trainer's command in an average of 95% of cases. Moreover, they respond to the command almost instantly! Training dogs of these breeds is easy and pleasant even for a beginner.
  • 1. Border Collie
Cynologists around the world recognize this breed as the smartest. These dogs love to work. They even say about the border collie that representatives of this breed live to work. Very easy to train, friendly, loves children. In general, they can be used everywhere - both as security guards, and as a nanny, and just as a smart home dog.
  • 2. Poodle
Poodles are very smart dogs, and are capable of more than jumping around in the circus, showing tricks. Previously, poodles served as both rescuers and observers. They swim well and are able to save a drowning person. Of course, there are a lot of poodles - there are big poodles, there are small ones. There are even hunting poodles that hunt birds with their owners. Larger representatives of this breed can be good protectors.
  • 3 German Shepherd
These dogs are very capable, they can be used as a guard, and as a house dog, and as a policeman. For some reason, the popularity of this breed has been declining lately - and it is being replaced by many exotic breeds that are nowhere near as smart as the German Shepherd.
  • 4 Golden Retriever
It has a lot in common with the Labrador Retriever, but the Golden Retriever is even smarter. Retrievers are very friendly, they like children, they are able to learn very quickly. They can also be rescuers, detect drugs, work as guides. By the way, retrievers are very patient.
  • 5. Doberman
Many consider representatives of this breed stupid. However, this is not the case - Dobermans just need to be trained, otherwise you will end up with an uncontrollable dog that does whatever it wants. These dogs appeared in 1800, when there was a need for a breed that could both protect and attack. It is imperative to train representatives of this breed, otherwise their outstanding mind will go to no less outstanding tricks. Very active dogs that are able to protect their owner.
  • 6. Sheltie
Dogs of this breed have a strong resemblance to collies, but they are not. Initially, Shelties also herded sheep - in our time they continue to do this, and among other things, Shelties live in cities. Shelties have very good hearing and sense of smell, and despite their apparent decorativeness, they are able to protect their master.
  • 7 Labrador Retriever
Representatives of this breed are very popular among residents of all countries. The victorious path of this breed began with Newfoundland, and now there are Labrador Retrievers in almost every country in the world. They, like Rottweilers, serve in the police - after all, these dogs are able to detect even small doses of drugs. They are used as guides by blind people. Labrador Retrievers also work as rescuers.
  • 8. Papillon
Representatives of this breed are very beautiful and smart. Papillons were and remain a symbol of elegance. During the Renaissance, many high-ranking persons, including kings, kept dogs of this breed with them.
  • 9. Rottweiler
Today's Rottweilers descended from a similar breed, only those dogs were larger, their tails were not docked, and the main purpose of the ancestors of the Rottweilers was to bring down cattle. Yes, they were killer dogs that could handle both a cow and a large bull. Today's Rottweilers are somewhat smaller, but still the breed is distinguished by a strong, wide skeleton, large jaws. Their mental abilities are widely known. Rottweilers sometimes work in the police, and a little earlier, the owners of these dogs trained them to carry firewood and other burdens to markets or home. Do you need a protector? You found him.
  • 10 Australian Cattle Dog
This breed was bred by Australians who needed a reliable assistant to monitor huge herds of sheep. This breed is famous for its intelligence, the ability to understand the owner perfectly, and is easy to train. These dogs do not just drive obedient sheep, they are also able to cope with stubborn ones - easily biting animals, they force them to go where the shepherd points. The breed was bred relatively recently (19th century), and their abilities are widely used today. Note that these are very active and executive dogs.

2nd group of dogs - Clever - simply capable breeds of dogs

From 11th to 22nd places were divided by dogs with unsurpassed working qualities, the training of which takes from 6 to 15 repetitions. These dogs remember commands very well and will respond to the first command given 85% of the time or more. Any owner will be able to train dogs of these breeds to an excellent level, even without special patience and experience.

11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
12. Miniature Schnauzer
13. Springer Spaniel
14. Belgian Shepherd
15. Collie
16. German Spitz (Keeshond)
17. Kurzhaar
18. English Cocker
19. Standard Schnauzer
20. American Cocker
21. Pomeranian
22. Cardigan Welsh Corgi

3rd group of dogs - Capable guys - breeds of dogs with good ability

From 23rd to 38th places are occupied by breeds with above-average training abilities. These dogs begin to understand simple new commands in 15 to 25 repetitions, but you must repeat the learned commands periodically. Dogs of these breeds respond to the first command in 70% of cases or more often. If the training is irregular or the trainer is inexperienced, the commands will be carried out through the stump deck or generally passed over deaf ears.

23. Yorkshire Terrier
24. Giant Schnauzer
25. Airedale Terrier
26. Bouvier
27. Briard
28. Springer Spaniel
29. Samoyed
30. American Staffordshire Terrier
31. Gordon setter
32. Cairn Terrier
33. Kerry Blue Terrier
34. Irish Setter
35. Miniature Pinscher
36. English Setter
37. Pharaoh Hound
38. Dalmatian

4th group of dogs - Hard workers - breeds of dogs with average abilities

Breeds ranked 39-57 are working dogs with average abilities. They understand commands after 15 - 20 repetitions, but 25 - 40 repetitions are required for a sustainable effect. Dogs of these breeds respond to the first command in 50% of cases or more often. In the absence of regular practice, skills are forgotten fairly quickly.

39. Bedlington Terrier
40. Toy Terrier
41. Irish wolfhound
42. Saluki
43. Pointer
44. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
45. Husky
46. ​​Greyhound
47. Boxer
48. Great Dane
49. Dachshund
50. Bull Terrier
51. Malamute
52. Sharpei
53. Fox Terrier
54. Ridgeback
55. Welsh Terrier
56. Irish Terrier
57. Akita Inu

5th group of dogs - Stubborn - breeds of dogs with low abilities

Places 58 - 72 were occupied by breeds that require 25 repetitions to understand the command and 40 - 80 - for impeccable execution. They remember badly, they need to refresh their skills. These dogs love to walk on their own, make their own decisions, and only react to their owner if they are nearby. These dogs are not for beginners, their training even for an expert will not be the easiest thing.

58. Skye Terrier
59. Selyham Terrier
60. Pug
61. French Bulldog
62. Brussels Griffin
63. Italian Greyhound
64. Chinese Crested Dog
65. Japanese Chin
66. Bobtail
67. Scotch Terrier
68. St. Bernard
69. Great Pyrenean Dog
70. Chihuahua
71. Lhasa Apso
72. Bullmastiff

6th group of dogs - Simply handsome - breeds of dogs with very low abilities

Close the rating of the breed, which took from 73 to 83 places. Of course, they cannot be called incapable - they are simply very difficult in terms of training. For such breeds, sometimes more than 100 repetitions-studies of the team are required, and over a long period of time. Otherwise, the dogs will behave as if there had never been classes. Most experts consider some of these breeds to be untrainable.

73. Shih Tzu
74. Basset Hound
75. Mastiff
76. Beagle
77. Pekingese
78. Bloodhound
79. Greyhound
80. Chow Chow
81. Bulldog
82. Basenji
83. Afghan Hound

The intelligence of a dog can be measured in different ways. However, there are lists with the smartest breeds, which are confirmed by official studies. Some scientists assessed the ability to train, others to memorize words or actions in free flight. Therefore, the definition of "smart" can be considered conditional. The question worries many researchers and lovers of four-legged pets, which affects different opinions about the selection criteria, assessment of abilities.

A professor of psychology from Vancouver named Stanley Coren compiled his top 10 breeds with a developed intellect:

  1. Border Collie.
  2. Poodle.
  3. German Shepherd.
  4. Golden retriever.
  5. Doberman.
  6. Shetland Sheepdog.
  7. Labrador Retriever.
  8. Papillon.
  9. Rottweiler.
  10. Australian Cattle Dog.

Their learning abilities were considered excellent. On average, all dogs performed commands in 95% of cases, and to memorize them, it is enough to repeat them 5 times. The above list includes service, shepherd, former hunting and even decorative breeds.

This does not mean that all Border Collies or Papillons are highly intelligent and learn very quickly.

A lot depends on:

  • genetics;
  • health;
  • living conditions;
  • upbringing by the owner.

However, there is a relative guarantee that the breeds from the Canadian top 10 will be smart. In the next group with excellent learning abilities, according to Stanley Coren, are the Welsh Corgi, Schipperke, Bernese Mountain Dog, Mittelschnauzer and many others. They showed excellent obedience from the first command in 85% of cases. It took them up to 15 repetitions to learn new ones.

The list of breeds with above average abilities includes Yorkshire Terrier, Newfoundland, Irish Setter, Samoyeds, Amstaffs and others. Their result is 70% of the execution of commands from the first time and 25 repetitions for learning and memorization. Average abilities were noted in Siberian Huskies, Fox Terriers, Boxers, Sharpeis and Great Danes. In half of the cases, they did not follow the command, and in order to master the skills, they had to repeat them up to 40 times.

The research of this scientist showed which dogs are the worst to train:

  1. Afghan Hound.
  2. Basenji.
  3. English bulldog.
  4. Chow chow.
  5. Russian canine greyhound.
  6. Bloodhound.
  7. Pekingese.
  8. Beagle.
  9. Mastiff.
  10. Bassethound.
  11. Shih Tzu.

Criteria for this group: from 80 to 100 repetitions of commands and 25% probability of execution after the first return. These are the worst results among all studied breeds.

Here you can see that most breeds are involved in hunting. They are trained to work independently in unusual conditions. There is an element of creativity in their actions. You can’t call them stupid, there is not a single breed in the world that initially has a low level of intelligence. Greyhounds, spitz-shaped, mastiffs differ from relatives in freedom of thinking and less human-oriented.

In training such breeds, owners are faced with stubbornness and unwillingness to perform the same command several times.

It is enough to teach them a basic course of obedience and pay attention to working qualities. The hunters have their own criteria by which the most intelligent dogs are determined. They must act decisively, carefully and show good results in their field. Many of them do not even have pedigrees.

Unfortunately, due to the published rating, opinions about such breeds as the Afghan Hound, Chow Chow, Pekingese have developed extremely negative opinions among the inhabitants. It is worth considering the selection criteria in this scientific work and consider each individual individually.

All the results of Stanley Koren's work are described in his own book. In total, 80 breeds and 208 judges participated in the studies. To do this, the scientist turned to US cynological organizations and asked to record how the animals execute the command the first time and how many repetitions are needed to memorize.

In the course of research, Coren concluded that intelligence can be adaptive, instinctive and working. Interestingly, in his opinion, young breeds show the best ability to learn and train. He designated 6 conditional groups according to the received data. In the first, a Canadian scientist indicated the most intelligent dog breeds, and then the listing goes in descending order of intelligence.

Additionally, in a book on the psychology of four-legged pets, Koren described their development in general, also touched on working qualities, in particular hunting skills and instincts. The author warns that his own top 10 breeds cannot be considered universal, because the selection criteria do not affect certain types of intelligence. It is Koren who owns the statement that an adult dog in development can be compared with a two-year-old child.

Despite the popularity of the book "The Intelligence of Dogs" 20 years ago, today the conclusions of the Canadian psychologist are often questioned. Modern trainers and specialists in the field of zoopsychology emphasize that it is necessary to test the abilities of dogs in natural conditions when solving non-standard tasks.

Stanley Coren owns the development of a test to determine the IQ of a dog. It consists of several stages and involves the creation of certain situations. For example, a pet must be over 1 year old, before the test it cannot be heavily physically loaded and starved.

The American Kennel Club has compiled its own list. It includes the following breeds:

  1. Border Collie.
  2. German Shepherds.
  3. Bloodhounds.
  4. Labrador Retrievers.
  5. Malinois.
  6. Siberian Huskies.
  7. Golden Retrievers.
  8. Australian Shepherds.

Various dogs and a large number of cynologists and specialists participated in the research. Each of them became the best in a certain area. So, border collies have excellent flair and are devoted to the owner.

They cope with complex tasks and are adapted to work. Bloodhounds are distinguished by their perfect scent, they are used for search and search activities.

Labrador retrievers have made many families happy all over the world, but they keep up with other breeds in training and skills. They easily remember commands and like to be useful. For example, they can be found in rescue services, including on the water. Golden Retrievers are similar to these dogs in most respects.

Siberian Huskies have long conquered the Olympus of sledding. There are very few equal breeds in this occupation. In addition, huskies are very hardy. On pastures, Australian Shepherds show the height of skill. They are valued for their ingenuity, love of work and innate qualities.

Malinois became popular only a few years ago, but the fame of their quick wit and diligence spread across all continents and allowed them to enter the top 10 according to the American version. Representatives of this breed work together with the military, solving problems of varying complexity.

His breed is a Border Collie. At the age of 6, he took part in an experiment by British scientists. The idea of ​​the event was to study whether the dog can distinguish between objects. Chaser passed over 800 tests in 3 years. Previously, a similar experiment was carried out with another dog named Rico from Germany. They can be given the title of "smart dogs" based on their skills and ability to learn.

During the study, Chaser trained every day for several hours. The person had to name the object, and the animal had to recognize it and find it in the general heap. For convenience, toys were used, the number of which by the end of the experiment reached 1000 pieces. Additionally, the border collie learned to manipulate them, for example, move them to a new place with the help of a nose or paw after the command of one of the professors.

Chaser managed to memorize the names of 1022 toys. It can be considered a unique dog and the only one in the world in this skill. The Border Collie surpassed Rico, who only knew 200 words.

Thus, a study of the British showed that dogs are not similar to two-year-old children in terms of intelligence, and their abilities are simply not fully understood.

Chaser's name is now called the phenomenon, because he distinguishes between nouns and adjectives. The absolute record in memorization belongs to the parrot - 1729 words.

Vasily 07/06/2015 01:59

Quoting Elena:

And why devote all the time to the dog, if I can devote it to my child? And the dog's mind lies precisely in the fact that she understands the commands and rules of life in the family right away, and there is no need to deal with her for years. You know, if I devote a couple of years exclusively to a dog, I’ll make the smartest dog out of a dachshund.

It is immediately clear what an amateur writes.

You will never make the smartest dog out of a dachshund, do not write funny things. It will take place on a bench with grandmothers, but not here.

One of the smartest collies memorized over 1,000 words, your dachshund will never remember so much.

And I didn’t say that the shepherd should be given all the time. You twist my words. I said that most do not work with dogs at all. And what will smart dogs do with such owners? Howl out of boredom? Go crazy? By the way, some working dogs can, if they do not have a job, get mental illness.

Therefore, they are not needed for people who have neither experience nor desire to deal with dogs.

And anyway, what is the point of my posts here? Write an answer to a woman who will make the smartest dog out of a dachshund. Ha-ha-ha, it is immediately clear that a person has never seen truly smart dogs, and has never worked with them. Yes, and it's good that such people give birth to show dogs.

The more popular the breed, the worse it gets, because when only Stefanitz (the founding father of the breed) was engaged in the German Shepherd, he brought out super-dogs. But when Germans are hired by lazy people and those who don’t work with dogs at all, they don’t need the qualities that experts like Stefanitz respect. But lazy people want to brag to their friends that they have a German. Thanks to millions of such lazy people, the show German Shepherd appeared.

But the real German Shepherd, the working German Shepherd (they have long been two different breeds), remained. And if Stephanitz were alive now, he would be horrified by the modern show German Shepherd. This is the result of the influence of fashion. Millions of lazy people want the Germans, but they don't want to deal with the Germans. For such people there is a show-German: it seems to be called a German, it seems to look beautiful, but stupid, cowardly, but nothing needs to be done with him.

And those who understand dogs, they have other Germans. It is ridiculous, of course, to read amateurs who claim that they will make the smartest dog out of a dachshund. But this is forgivable, because people have never seen the most intelligent dogs.

Well, try Elena, make your dachshund listen like a dog from the following video (you can find it on youtube): Jozef Adamuscin 97 FCI IPO 2013. You will never teach your dachshund like that, you can only say this to grandmothers on a garden bench ( and this working German shepherd is also superbly protective of the owner, and amazingly follows the trail, and the dog is tough, a real German, what Stephanitz wanted to get when he started breeding dogs).

And your dachshund will never remember 1 thousand words, like a border, or even a couple of hundred.

You just say such things because you have never seen smart dogs, and what you saw on the benches is not dogs at all, but a parody of dogs. I'm not talking about lapdogs because they aren't supposed to be smart, but about Germans and other serious working dogs.

It is a pity for dogs that so many of them end up with dilettantes and lazybones. The fate of the German is unenviable, who is forced to walk for 5 minutes a day in the morning and evening, and sleep the rest of the time. But this happens all the time. That is why we have such Germans.

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Dogs are able to understand 250 words and gestures, count to five, and perform simple mathematical operations. Canadian scientists have compiled a rating in which they compared the ten most intelligent dog breeds. For many dog ​​breeders, this rating may raise doubts, because we all love our dogs so much. But it is worth considering that the people who compiled it were guided by many tests and assessments, and besides, they were devoid of subjectivity. If you still disagree with something, or want to talk about your pet, please write in the comments and participate in the discussion.

Canadian scientists from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver conducted a study of the mental abilities of dogs and ranked Top 10 smartest breeds. According to the results of the study, the IQ of the average dog corresponds to that of a two-year-old child. Both those and others know about 165 words (especially smart dogs - 250), and also know how to distinguish between signals and gestures. The research also shows that in the field of arithmetic and social skills, dogs are much more successful than in linguistics - here their intelligence is comparable to that of 4-year-old children.

Among other dog skills, scientists call the ability to add and subtract numbers from 1 to 5, navigate the terrain, control simple mechanisms, and experience joy, anger and disgust. At the same time, more complex emotions, such as guilt, are not available to dogs. Canadian researchers ranked smart dog breeds based on their intellectual abilities:

No. 1 Border Collie, a breed of herding dog.


The ancestors of the Border Collie worked in the pastures of southern Scotland and the border counties of England. The breed was bred in the late 19th and early 20th century as a new line of Scottish Collies. When creating the breed, a wide variety of shepherd dogs were used. As a result of directional selection, an excellent hardy working dog was obtained, distinguished by swift movements and sharpness of mind. Distributed in countries with developed sheep breeding. The standard was adopted by the English Kennel Club in 1976. Border collies are receptive to training, after special training they can work as guides to the blind.


The Border Collie is a harmoniously built, medium-sized dog (height at the withers of a male is 53 cm, females are slightly smaller, weight 14–20 kg) with strong bones and strong muscles.

The border collie is a smart, loyal, unpretentious dog, not only a first-class shepherd and watchman, but also a faithful companion, it rightfully takes its place in the top ten most intelligent dog breeds.

#2 Poodles.


Surprised? In fact, poodles are very smart dogs, and are capable of more than just jumping around in the circus, showing tricks. Previously, poodles served as both rescuers and observers. They swim well and are able to save a drowning person. Of course, there are a lot of poodles - there are big poodles, there are small ones. There are even hunting poodles that hunt birds together with their owners. So the poodle in the top ten most intelligent dog breeds is not an accidental guest.


The larger members of this breed can be good protectors, so don't take them lightly.


No. 3. German Shepherd (GERMAN SHEPHERD)


There are several different theories about the origin of the German Shepherd: that the breed was created by crossing different German breeds, or that the breed evolved spontaneously from a cross between shepherds and wolves. The truth was lost in the darkness of centuries. However, it is known that already in the 7th century AD. e. in Germany there was a shepherd of this type. The first German Shepherds (long-haired) were presented at an exhibition in Hannover in 1882, and short-haired were first presented in Berlin in 1889. Note that the honor of the formation of this breed belongs to the dog lover von Stephanitz.



Representatives of this breed starred in many films, and in some of them even were the central figure, and therefore take their rightful place in the list of the 10 most intelligent dog breeds.

These dogs are very capable, they can be used as a guard, and as a house dog, and as a policeman. For some reason, the popularity of this breed has been declining lately - and it is being replaced by many exotic breeds that are nowhere near as smart as the German Shepherd.


Shepherd can equally well serve as a companion dog, guard, protective, detective, service and guard dog. Successfully used in animal husbandry as a shepherd dog. More often than other breeds it is used in the service in the army, in the police, for the protection of state borders. A well-trained German Shepherd is indispensable when detaining a criminal. Used to accompany the blind. Great with children.


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№4 Golden Retriever


Belongs to the group of retrievers. The ancestors of five of the six retriever breeds were St. John, from whom the so-called wavy retrievers originated. The breed standard was developed by Lord Tweedmouth. He crossed a Yellow Flat-Coated Retriever with a Tweed Spaniel (now extinct). The result is the modern breed of golden retrievers. The purpose of breeding was to use these dogs to retrieve game from the water.

When choosing a breed, the future owner evaluates the working qualities of the breed and, last but not least, its intelligence.

The question of intellectual qualities has been raised for more than one hundred years, but one of the first professional rating scales was proposed at the end of the 20th century by psychology professor Stanley Coren, who wrote the manual book “Intelligence of Dogs”.

In his work, he considered the general theory of differences in behavior, training and intelligence between breeds, based on many years of observation by judges of the American and Canadian Kennel Clubs.

Although the grading system was warmly received by professional dog breeders, one cannot but note its imperfections - the emphasis is on the unconditional obedience of the animal, which does not help to accurately assess the intelligence, for example, of hunting dogs, where obedience standards are "blurred" for the sake of a quick assessment of the situation and independent choice lines of conduct.


Coren's theory is based on three aspects of the animal mind:

  • instincts;
  • adaptation;
  • obedience.

Instinctive intelligence (instincts) - compliance with the tasks for which the breed was bred.

Most breeds are bred to perform a specific task (protection, hunting, shepherding).

The skills were laid down at the genetic level (the dog must react instinctively, automatically) and largely determine the behavior and socialization of the animal. This, for example, distrust of strangers in guard breeds or aggression in hunting dogs.

Adaptive intelligence (adaptation) - the ability to creatively approach problem solving, independently choosing behavior options.

A smart dog is not only one that depends on everything.

The pet must show an adequate response to a normal and stressful situation, which is not always possible, for example, companion dogs.

Working intelligence (obedience) - the ability to learn new things - commands or principles of work.

Dogs with high intelligence immediately understand what the owner wants from them and most often give in easily and with pleasure. But some animals (due to the peculiarities of the breed) are not eager to obey a person, nevertheless demonstrating cunning, ingenuity and the ability to make independent decisions.

Dog rating by intelligence: top 10

To date, there is a list of the 10 most intelligent and intelligent dog breeds. It includes only those animals that most fully show understanding, obedience and creativity in communication with humans and independent work.

1. Border Collie

Border Collie

The ranking of dogs by intelligence leads. Her ancestors are Scottish sheep herding dogs, bred on the basis of sheepdogs. The result was a hardy fast dog with excellent reactions and quick assessment of the situation (a collie can control up to a hundred moving objects).

The Border Collie's excellent trainability and independent decision-making ability has led to their being used as guides for the blind.

2 German Shepherd


According to legend, it turned out as a result of crossing shepherd dogs and wolves, acquiring both endurance and a sharp mind. Given the worldwide popularity and authority of this breed, how can it not be included in the ranking of dog breeds for intelligence?

She has a wide field of activity: security, escort, companionship, police and customs service, and even an acting career. After a training course, a shepherd dog with equal success detains criminals and accompanies children to school.

However, during training, the dog must be stimulated and kept interested, otherwise he will find a more interesting pastime, pretending to be busy to avoid punishment.

3. Poodle

10. Pomeranian


extremely lively and intelligent, making them excellent companion dogs for the elderly. They will please the owner, improve old and invent new tricks and constantly seek adventure and exploits.

Dogs are rightly called man's best friend. , protecting, helping in work and brightening up leisure. Although in recent times, breeding has focused on the decorativeness of the breeds, the professional qualities of dogs are more relevant than ever.

"Smart" is not synonymous with "obedient" or comfortable dog.

When choosing the breed of a future pet, you should honestly assess your own strengths and decide who is best suited for your character and lifestyle.

Additionally, check out the video about the smartest dogs: