Top 10 smartest dog breeds

Dogs are quite smart animals, but breeders managed to develop breeds with strong intelligence for animals, of course. As a rule, these dogs are excellent companions and watchmen. This article presents smartest dog breeds.

10 Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog opens the top ten smartest dog breeds. This breed was artificially created in Australia to make it easier to drive cattle over long distances. They are the result of crossing wild dingoes with short-haired collies, but as they developed, they were instilled with the blood of Dalmatians, kelpies and bull terriers. These dogs have an excellent, very docile nature, they are very loyal to their owner and have serious stamina. Now Australian Cattle Dogs are increasingly used as companions and watchdogs, which has ensured a steady increase in the popularity of the breed.

9. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is one of the smartest dog breeds. The first individuals were bred in the city of Rottweil. The breed is aggressive, the dogs are distinguished by their love of work, they are hardy, energetic and full of strength. The Rottweiler is very difficult to tolerate the absence of the owner, which makes this breed somewhat specific, due to the tendency to maintain relationships with only one person. However, with proper training and socialization, the Rottweiler can do a lot to protect its owner, which is what has made these dogs so popular.

8. Papillon

Due to the fact that the spread ears of the Papillon strongly resemble the wings of a butterfly, this breed received its alternative name. Also, these decorative dogs are distinguished by excellent intelligence. Papillons are insanely loyal to their owner, very active, playful and love to spend time with children. Another favorite pastime of the papillon is hunting for various small animals, such as mice. Representatives of this breed need to be socialized on time, otherwise the dog can become very aggressive. But if everything is done correctly, then the owner gets a faithful dog, able to catch any mood changes and adapt to the owner's behavior model.

7 Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are a very intelligent dog breed, whose representatives are distinguished by reliability and a huge reserve of patience. They get along well with children and love to play with them, however, due to their size, they can inadvertently hurt a small child, for example, by pushing. Compatible with other animals. The ideal place for dogs of this breed is a country house, where they will have enough space for walking and playing. Despite their intelligence, these dogs do not become mature until they are three years old, which makes their over-friendliness a problem that can be easily solved with training. In general, this breed is an excellent family option.

6. Sheltie

Shelties are smart dogs, great companions, gentle and loving with children. In addition, they are wary of strangers. Shelties are always ready to warn of approaching someone to the owner's property. For this reason, it is recommended to socialize as early as possible so that the dog understands when to guard and when to let familiar owners pass. Representatives of this breed are very demanding of attention, they also hate noise or just loud sounds. They always need to be part of a family where they are loved and understood.

5. Doberman

Dobermans are excellent guards, and with proper training, they are excellent family pets. It is believed that this breed is aggressive, but the chance of attacking a person is much higher in the same German Shepherd or Rottweiler. Dobermans are very different from each other in temperament, this is a feature of the breed. Some of them are family oriented, others become attached to a certain person, others hate other animals, and others, on the contrary, get along well with everyone. It is possible to “lubricate” character traits only with the help of diligent training, however, in this case, the owner gets a faithful dog, which is also an excellent guard.

4 Golden Retriever

This breed of dog also has a high level of intelligence. Sociable and non-aggressive, Golden Retrievers get along well with other pets and children. For them, manifestations of malice are uncharacteristic, as a rule, this is a consequence of improper breeding. They are not guard dogs, dogs of this breed are very calm and prefer to be friends with strangers. Often, due to their training abilities, golden retrievers become good guides and therapists. Water games give them great pleasure.

3 German Shepherd

According to many, the German Shepherd is the smartest dog breed. German Shepherds have a strong and determined character, as well as a huge mind, which makes them excellent working dogs. They do police work, serve as rescuers and guides for the blind and the disabled. If the German Shepherd recognizes its owner in a person, then it will fight for him to the last drop of blood. They are very reliable guards and are sensitive to strangers, which is why they need some time to get used to the owner's social circle. The calm nature and stable temperament make them versatile pets that will suit any owner and for any task. The breed of German shepherds appeared in 1882, and in the blood of the breed there is a certain part from the Indian wolf. Subsequently, thanks to the breadth of views of captain Max von Stephanitz, all shepherd dogs that have reached a high level of discipline, as well as a bodily and psychological ideal, began to be called German Shepherds. Subsequently, the breeding of the breed took on a large scale, and already in 1899 the breed was demonstrated at the all-German exhibition.

2. Poodle

The Poodle is a very observant, alert and active breed with a great deal of self-esteem. Representatives of this breed are easy to train, learn new commands with interest. Due to their excitement in interacting with humans, as well as the general stability in demonstrating the tricks shown, poodles gained fame as circus dogs, although they were often used to hunt game birds. Because of their good senses, poodles can be used as search dogs. Regardless of its activity, the poodle will perform its tasks with great willingness and passion. The origin of the breed is not exactly known, some sources indicate Germany as the birthplace of poodles, but France is considered the official place of their origin, since poodles were bred from French water dogs of a hunting breed.

1. Border Collie

The Border Collie is one of the smartest dog breeds, with great intelligence and energy. The first official representatives of this breed were registered in 1915. However, Border Collies appeared much earlier, around 1570, before that they were called working collie, farm collie, English collie. Dogs of this breed are tireless, they need to work all the time, otherwise the border collie will begin to show destructive behavior. They are very people-oriented, which is why they need early socialization, but even in this case, aggression towards other dogs is possible. Border collies mature quite late - at 3-4 years old, but even after this period the dog can behave like a puppy. In general, this is an excellent companion for active people living in rural areas, and their intelligence can be a good help in some activities.