Dogs have been man’s best friends for thousands of years and have become an integral part of civilizations around the world. Many of them are involved in activities such as hunting, animal care and herding. Since many of these jobs require the ability to learn, dog breeding is often oriented towards the creation of very intelligent dog breeds. In fact, some breeds of dogs are very intelligent. They are able to learn an impressive range of roles and tasks. With the advent of mechanization, fewer dogs are working today, but many people are still looking for intelligence in choosing a dog for their home.
If you are looking for a furry friend with great mental abilities, there are specific breeds that you might want to consider. Whether you prefer small, big, long hair, short hair, active, calmer… There is a dog for everyone. Here is an overview of some of the world’s most intelligent dog breeds. You won’t invest time in them for nothing!
20. Australian Cattle Dog
As its name suggests, the Australian herdsman comes from Australia. Originally, these dogs were bred as working dogs to help drive livestock over long distances. Their protective nature and loyalty make them popular companions. They can also be trained to perform impressive feats.
Although the Australian Cattle Dog is a wonderful companion for the right person, it needs a lot of exercises. He can get bored easily, leading him to misbehave and become destructive, but he remains an ideal companion for people who have the time and energy to give him.
19. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a large, powerful dog with a formidable reputation. These dogs were originally bred as working dogs in Germany, and their power and willingness to work made them popular as guard dogs and police dogs.
Despite their reputation, Rottweilers are not actually dogs that make wonderful family companions. Rottweilers are loyal and dedicated to their families, while their strength and courage are excellent qualities to ensure that you are well protected. Another reason that contributes to their popularity is their intelligence. They can be trained to be co-workers or pets. However, these large dogs can be demanding and therefore not suitable for people who cannot devote sufficient time and resources to their care.
18. Papillon
The papillon is a small dog whose origins date back to the 16th century. Despite its small size, this dog is known for its immense bravery and is often described as a large dog in the body of a small dog. He is also athletic and has a surprising endurance. They don’t lack energy, that’s for sure!
Papillons are good companions and watchdogs. They have an outgoing personality that makes them very endearing. They can also be trained to live comfortably with other people.
17. Labrador
Labrador is one of the most popular dog breeds. They are gentle with children and other small animals, making them ideal companions for families. Originally a utility dog, he likes to exercise a lot and loves to have fun.
In addition to being a good companion, the Labrador is also a popular working dog. Their gentle nature and intelligence make them suitable either for working as service dogs for people with disabilities or for training as search and rescue dogs. Why not consider it for your retirement?
16. Shetland Sheepdog
Originally, in the remote Shetland Islands of Scotland, the Shetland sheepdogs once guarded the gardens of their owners, keeping unwanted visitors away. They also made good sheepdogs and excellent companions. Today, they are excellent pets for the family and protect everyone from danger.
The Shetland sheepdogs is an intelligent breed that is very skilled at learning new training techniques. Their intelligence combined with their athleticism and willingness to please make them excellent competitors in show events.
15. Dobermann Pinscher
Dobermann Pinschers (or simply Dobermanns) have a formidable reputation and an intimidating appearance. They also have excellent endurance and are incredibly brave. These characteristics make Dobermann Pinschers useful working dogs in police forces and armed forces around the world.
Although they may have a reputation – sometimes, what people claim is not the reality – as formidable killers, the Dobermanns are in fact gentle and affectionate companions. The Dobermann Pinscher is fiercely loyal to his family and will not let anything bad happen to him. This canine breed can also be trained easily and is capable of performing relatively complex tasks.
14. Golden Retriever
The golden retriever was originally bred as a hunting companion and was excellent at finding their master’s career and bringing it back to them. In addition to being a good working dog, he was also a good companion.
Golden retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds in the world. They require a lot of exercises, but for those who can give golden retrievers the exercise they need, they are loving and dedicated companions and enjoy being with their families. They can also learn more than two hundred commands. Top of the class, really.
13. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is another breed of dog for strength and power. It is also another breed of dog that has an extremely gentle nature despite its fierce reputation.
German shepherds are popular all over the world. In addition to their power and athleticism, German Shepherds are excellent working dogs because they are able to learn complex tasks.
12. Poodle
Poodles are often considered to be fancy dogs that are ideal for exhibitions, but they actually have a much more practical heritage. They were originally bred as working dogs and make excellent search and hunting dogs. Their dedication to their families also makes them good companions. Spending time with them is always fun!
Poodles make popular show dogs because of their fanciful appearance and high intelligence. They train easily and excellently in obedience, which makes them natural artists in front of the crowd. They need to be stimulated, but they make wonderful companions for people who can give them the attention they need.
11. Border collie
Border collie has been bred for a very specific set of skills. They are excellent shepherds who have been used in Britain to keep sheep herds under control. They are also affectionate and dedicated companions, making them popular with families around the world.
Because of their herding instincts, the border collars will be happy to gather the children without being ordered to do so. They work hard and need a lot of exercise. One of their most important characteristics, however, is their intelligence. The Border Collie is considered to be the most intelligent dog breed in the world. They would pass their dog college exams with flying colors!
10. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
This happy and smaller breed is more fulfilled when there is work to be done. And lovingly, they tend to bring together family members, especially younger children. They may be small and seem harmless, but you have to give them credit for their good qualities!
9. Miniature Schnauzer
These fast learners love challenges and often excel in sports where they have to use their intelligence, such as agility and obedience to competition. Unlike many other breeds in the burrow group, Miniature Schnauzers have the desire and intelligence to please.
8. English Springer spaniel
The Springer is the place where beauty and utility meet. The Springer Spaniel’s energy, endurance, intelligence and gentle movement have earned them a place of choice in the world of bird dogs. But a Springer – with its elegantly marked coat, fiery spaniel expression and long, lush ears – would be appreciated for its beauty, even if it could not distinguish a grouse from a mouse – what it can!
7. Belgian Tervuren, sheepdog, and malinois
Beglian Tervuren, Sheepdog and Malinois are all descendants of the Belgian sheepdog and all deserve to be on the list because of their intelligent nature and affinity for sports such as agility, tracking, breeding and sledging. The Tervuren is loyal and intelligent, and excellent in tricks. The Belgian Shepherd shares a common heritage with the Schipperke, discussed below. On the Malinois side, they are classified as working dogs, the Belgian Malinois being the most recognizable for their role as police and military dogs. Smart, loyal and confident, they have an admirable work ethic. You wouldn’t want to trade this breed for any other one.
6. Shipperke
Another intelligent Belgian dog, the Shipperke is descended from the same family as the Belgian Shepherd. Curious, confident and intelligent, the Shipperke is a big and brave dog in a small package and makes an excellent watchdog, especially for boats. In fact, that’s how it took its name: the Flemish word for “boat” is “schip”, and Schipperkes was raised to be a raider on canal barges.
5. Collie
Made famous by the 1943 film, Lassie, this breed has developed an incredible level of intelligence over the years and is ideal for breeding, protection, water rescue and as a guide for the blind. Very charitable creatures!
4. Keeshond
These medium sized dogs with thick hair were once known to the Dutch Barge Dog. They are used as guide dogs and learn incredibly fast. However, their independence requires a committed and disciplined trainer.
3. German shorthaired pointer
Pointing dogs are traditionally used as sports dogs for hunting birds. They are loyal and intelligent dogs that thrive in very active homes. These hunting dogs were bred to locate the prey and hold a point to identify where the prey is, which requires a lot of self-confidence and self-control.
2. Flat-coated retriever
According to the AKC, the flat-coated retriever, which comes from the same family as the Labrador, is confident and intelligent, making it a very energetic hunting dog. Like the Lab, the flat-coat is not only one of the most intelligent dogs, but also a wonderful therapy dog.
1. Bloodhound
Given that bloodhounds have a sense of smell that is three million times better than a human’s, which in addition to their intelligent nature, makes them perfect for tracking or finding people, it just seems wrong not to give them at least an honorable mention here. Fun fact: The Bloodhound’s ability to trail a scent is so accurate that it will hold up in a court of law.