Many dog owners think their own breed is the smartest, but which breed is actually the most intelligent? Psychology professor Stanley Coren asked obedience trial judges in the USA and Canada to assess how well different kennel club breeds performed in obedience competitions, where the key factor was how quickly each breed could learn new commands.
10. Australian Cattle Dog
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The Australian Cattle Dog is a cross between smooth-coated Highland Collies and the wild dingo. The result is a highly capable herding dog that’s hardy, enduring, and tolerant of heat. The Australian Cattle Dog is easy to train, has strong guarding instincts, and enjoys plenty of activity, though it can be a little reserved.
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9. Rottweiler
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The Rottweiler is, by nature, a kind and good-natured breed. With proper training, it is both obedient and good with children. Confident and alert with a strong guarding instinct, it is well suited for military work. Rottweilers need an active, committed owner, as the breed requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
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8. Papillon
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The Papillon is a toy breed that is very lively, agile, and enduring. It is well suited to agility and obedience training. This breed needs a fair amount of exercise and stimulation, and despite its small size it also functions well as a watchdog. Thanks to its very gentle nature, the Papillon makes an excellent family dog.
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7. Labrador Retriever
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The Labrador is a kind, cheerful, and sociable breed, which is one reason it’s so popular. Originally bred as a hunting dog, it loves to retrieve, track, and carry objects. It needs meaningful tasks to perform and is therefore also well suited to work as a guide dog or detection dog.
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6. Shetland Sheepdog
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The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, originates from the Shetland Islands. It’s a versatile breed that suits many types of owners. Intelligent, alert, affectionate, and responsive, it was originally used as a herding and farm dog, but today is kept mostly as a companion and is popular in dog shows and dog sports.
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5. Dobermann
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The Dobermann is a German breed. It has a very high activity level and needs a firm handler who works actively with the dog. Willing to work and highly driven, it is well suited as a service dog for police, security, and rescue work. Despite its imposing exterior, the Dobermann can be a very good family dog.
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4. Golden Retriever
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Like the Labrador, the Golden Retriever is extremely popular, likely because it is so intelligent and easy to handle. The breed originates from the United Kingdom and has an instinctive love of water. It is also known for its patience with children.
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3. German Shepherd
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This breed comes from Germany and belongs to the herding group. German Shepherds enjoy working and are attentive and obedient. They are courageous, driven, and somewhat tough. They should have a stable temperament that makes them suitable as guard dogs, protection dogs, and herding dogs.
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2. Poodle
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The Poodle originates from France and is a very popular breed. It is known for its intelligence and cheerful temperament. Poodles make excellent family dogs, as they generally do well with children. Curious, playful, and social, they can learn a great deal but need appreciation and positive interaction. The Poodle comes in four different sizes.
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1. Border Collie
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The Border Collie is a herding and droving dog, and one of the most popular herding breeds in the world. It needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Highly trainable and energetic, it will be a well-balanced dog with the right upbringing—one that channels its strong work ethic and energy. A properly raised Border Collie is attentive and responsive to its owner.
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