11 smartest dog breeds

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Traditionally, it is believed that a dog is not only the most loyal, but also the smartest friend of man. Unfortunately, this cannot be said about all dogs at once. Currently, there are a huge number of different breeds, and representatives of each of them are good in something of their own. Nevertheless, many of those who want to get a dog are guided precisely by the intellectual abilities of the future pet.

We have prepared for you a rating of the smartest dog breeds based on the research of Canadian scientists led by Dr. S. Coren. The criterion for assessing intelligence was the ability of dogs to understand and execute commands, solve problems that arise, as well as how well the dog performs the tasks intended for a given breed.

Rating of the smartest dogs

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
TOP of the smartest dogs	1	Border Collie	4.9
	2	Poodle	4.9
	3	Golden retriever	4.9
	4	German Shepherd	4.8
	5	Collie	4.8
	6	Labrador retriever	4.7
	7	Papillon	4.6
	8	Doberman	4.5
	9	Rottweiler	4.5
	10	Australian cattle dog	4.5
	11	Welsh corgi	4.5
	12	Miniature schnauzer	4.4

Border Collie

Rating: 4.9

The rating opens with a shepherd breed bred in the UK – the Border Collie, not only the smartest, but also a very beautiful dog with a friendly character. In intelligence, the breed is not inferior to a child of 2-3 years. Despite the intelligence, such a dog still needs education: although collies are easy to train, they can be cunning and shirk tasks that they do not like. On the other hand, this dog is very discerning and literally guesses what you want from it.

Border Collies are curious, energetic, love active games, get along well with other pets, children and even strangers. Often they follow the owner everywhere, but do not impose. At the same time, their instinct always manifests itself in everyday life, and the collie watches the household all the time, can even gently “build” them.

It is not difficult to take care of such a dog, although attention should be paid to regular walking and sufficient stress, especially if the dog lives in an apartment. The rest of the care measures are standard: regular brushing, cleaning the eyes and ears, trimming the nails. In food, border collies are unpretentious, you just need to make sure that the pet always has enough water, and the diet is high in calories to provide an active dog with energy.

Advantages

• insight and incomparable intelligence

• wool sheds little

• almost no tendency to disease

disadvantages

• needs regular physical and intellectual activity, long walks

• by instinct may try to dominate other pets

Poodle

Rating: 4.9

A poodle cannot be confused with any other dog: original appearance and proud posture are surprisingly combined in them with a sharp mind and mischievous disposition. Poodles are very fond of human society, they get along well with both children and the elderly, they are also friendly to other animals. There is a lot of energy in a poodle, but he always adjusts to the mood of the owner and will not bother at the wrong moment.

Like other intelligent dogs, the poodle can be cunning and evade class. Raising a puppy should be done from an early age, immediately showing who is in charge in the house. Then it will not be difficult to wean the poodle from leprosy and bad habits.

The poodle sheds only once in a lifetime, making it an ideal pet for allergy sufferers. But his curly or corded coat requires special care: regular and frequent combing, bathing, haircut at least once every 2 months. Eyes should be wiped daily with boiled water, teeth should be brushed every 3-4 days. Poodle nutrition also needs to be monitored.

The Poodle is the only breed represented by 4 different sizes of dogs: from a toy-poodle with a height of 25 cm to a majestic royal, reaching 70 cm. Size does not affect the intelligence and character of the dog, so you can choose the one that will be more comfortable to keep.

Advantages

• exceptional friendliness

• lack of shedding and specific odor

• variety of sizes and colors

• suitable for seniors and families with children

disadvantages

• requires painstaking care

• predisposition to many diseases

Golden retriever

Rating: 4.9

Some breeders say that “golden” retrievers are not only in coat color, but also in character. These dogs are really not only smart, but also extremely kind, affectionate and sociable. By its purpose, the retriever is a hunting dog, but the guard will not leave him, he is too friendly. In addition, the dog is very obedient, even a beginner can educate and train him, and the retriever begins to play dirty tricks only as a last resort, if he is given very little attention.

Like most large breeds, Golden Retrievers enjoy active pursuits, including swimming. At the same time, the dog's temperament is calm, so that it will not get out of control and will remain obedient even during the funniest game.

The beautiful coat of a retriever needs daily grooming. Particular attention should be paid to the nutrition of the dog: if the diet is disturbed, a pungent odor may come from the pet. Other weak points of the Golden Retriever are the eyes and ears.

Advantages

• not prone to bark

• flexible, optimistic and benevolent character

• suitable for a novice dog breeder

• loves children

disadvantages

• allergy tendency

• long walking with physical activity is necessary

German Shepherd

Rating: 4.8

We all know the German Shepherd as a police dog, but this breed is truly universal: they make guards, guides, and faithful companions. The distinctive qualities of the German Shepherd are intelligence and equanimity: neither a crowd of strangers, nor children tugging at his ears, will make this dog lose his temper. Shepherd dogs are hardworking, enjoy learning, love communication and active games. Idleness and loneliness oppress the “German”.

The German Shepherd, as a rule, chooses one owner, but, if necessary, will obey another family member. One of its duties, the dog considers the protection of the owners, therefore, it will turn out to be an excellent watchman or personal bodyguard – an intelligent pet will understand itself in which cases it is necessary to rush to protection without hesitation, and in which cases it is necessary to remain calm. In the absence of danger, shepherd dogs are peaceful in relation to both people and animals.

Caring for a shepherd dog is simple: combing 3-4 times a week, timely clipping of nails, daily brushing of teeth. You should also monitor your dog's diet and provide space for activity.

Advantages

• calm, balanced character

• painlessly perceives a change in owner and environment

• gets along with children

disadvantages

• long and active walks are necessary

• when kept in an apartment, molt stretches for the whole year

• tendency to diseases of the eyes and musculoskeletal system

Collie

Rating: 4.8

Collie, or Scottish Shepherd, is one of the most peaceful and intelligent breeds. She has a lot in common with other herding dogs: she learns easily, does not like to sit still, willingly communicates with children, is attached to the owner. The collie's instinct manifests itself in a peculiar way: during a walk the dog will try to gather children or owners into a “flock” if they move too far from each other.

Collie is an emotional breed. In the process of training and education, timely generous praise is especially important for them. If the pet doesn't like something (for example, noisy or unfamiliar environment), he will notify about it with loud barking. If you do not pay attention to the collie or treat him rudely, the dog may be offended and begin to play pranks.

Collies come in two varieties: short-haired and long-haired. Rough collies are much more popular and have a recognizable elegant look. At the same time, they are quite clean, and their wool does not require additional care, except for regular combing. Collies with long hair are usually calmer than their short-haired counterparts.

Advantages

• complete absence of aggression

• suitable for families with children

disadvantages

• need long walks and physical activity

• there is a risk of hereditary diseases

Labrador retriever

Rating: 4.7

The Labrador was bred as a hunting dog, but nowadays it is much more likely to be adopted as a friend and companion. As hunters, Labradors have a subtle instinct and a restrained temperament. The dog is exceptionally understanding, intelligent, perceptive and obedient, easily adapts to a new environment, finds a common language with other pets. Labradors are always happy with human society, but they never impose. They cannot be left without communication for a long time: this makes the dog mope and begins to attract attention to itself. Aggression and fearfulness are not characteristic of this breed. The Labrador guard is mediocre: the dog will bark at a new person, but no more.

Labradors shed little, which allows them to be kept in an apartment without unnecessary inconvenience. However, these dogs need regular exercise, they love to run, swim and show their optimistic character in every possible way. The Labrador remains a funny puppy for a long time, even when it looks like an adult dog.

Caring for a Labrador is very simple: scratch a couple of times a week, brush your teeth every day, keep your ears clean. Labradors love to eat and are prone to weight gain, so their diet must be strictly controlled.

Advantages

• kind and affectionate character

• weak molt

• gets along well with children and pets

disadvantages

• needs many hours of walking

• tend to be overweight

Papillon

Rating: 4.6

The Continental Toy Spaniel is better known as “Papillon”, which means “butterfly” in French – this is the name given to the graceful little dog for its characteristic shape of the ears. Papillon is a rare case when a decorative dog is also very capable of training. Each butterfly is a bundle of energy and curiosity. More than playing, they only love to communicate with their owners, whom they love and respect. For an adult papillon to behave well, he must be raised from puppyhood, otherwise he risks growing into a capricious, wayward and even biting aristocrat.

Papillons get along well with children, but they can be jealous of other pets, guests or family members. The dog does not tolerate a rude attitude towards himself and knows how to be offended, and if he is left without attention for a long time, he will be very bored and sad. The butterfly will respond to love and good attitude with inexhaustible optimism, ability to cheer up and almost human sensitivity.

The size of the papillon allows you to keep it even in a small apartment. Only the luxurious coat of the Toy Spaniel requires special care – it needs to be combed every 2-3 days and cut in time. The rest of the care is no different from the standard and does not cause trouble.

Advantages

• friendly and cheerful character

• won't bark for no reason

• compact size

disadvantages

• yearning alone

• may be jealous

• wool needs care

Doberman

Rating: 4.5

The Doberman Pinscher is considered a ferocious and evil guard dog, but behind a dangerous appearance hides intelligence and endless love for the owners. Dobermans are excellent guards and, if necessary, will rush to protect their family, but they will never show aggression without a reason. The Doberman's temperament is usually restrained, intelligent. The dog loves communication, but not intrusive, gets along with children.

The owner of the Doberman must be ready to educate his pet from the first days. This dog is always on the alert and closely monitors others. Strangers and animals are perceived by the Doberman as a potential threat, which is why it is important that the dog respects its owner and clearly observes his commands – this will avoid unnecessary manifestations of the Doberman's harsh disposition. Fortunately, the Doberman's intelligence makes training it easy.

You can keep a Doberman both in a private house and in an apartment, the main thing is to provide him with space for physical activity and regular walks. Caring for a short-haired pet is not burdensome, molting is almost invisible.

Advantages

• easy care

• gets along well with children

• may be a personal bodyguard

disadvantages

• some individuals may be overly excitable and aggressive

Rottweiler

Rating: 4.5

The Rottweiler is one of the ancestors of the Doberman and has a lot in common with this breed. Like the Doberman, the Rottweiler is an excellent defender, balanced, intelligent, very affectionate with owners and children, but distrustful and vigilant with strangers. You need to start raising a Rottweiler as a puppy, otherwise you risk getting an uncontrollable and aggressive dog. Despite the fact that Rottweilers learn quite easily, this process will still require time and effort from the owner, so you need to get such a dog only when you are fully prepared to work with it.

An adult Rottweiler always reciprocates a good attitude. Often dogs of this breed become attached to one person and miss him very much, so it is advisable that each member of the family pays enough attention to the pet. Rottweilers love a calm environment, constant quarrels and screams in the family will unnerve the dog. It is not recommended to leave the dog with small children unattended.

It is not difficult to keep a Rottweiler, it is picky about food, it tolerates cold well. Like any dog, it must be regularly combed, to monitor the condition of the ears, eyes and claws. A Rottweiler living in an apartment needs to be provided with opportunities for physical activity, to walk with him for a long time.

Advantages

• balanced, peaceful character

• good defender

• easy to clean

disadvantages

• suitable only for an experienced dog breeder

• badly going through a change of owner

• needs long walks and physical activity

Australian cattle dog

Rating: 4.5

The Australian Shepherd Dog, also known as the Healer, is a relatively young breed that has its ancestors including collies and wild dingo dogs. Heeler is primarily a working dog, hardworking, intelligent, energetic and hardy. “Australians” need space and constant activity, so they should not be started in a city apartment. If the dog lives in the open air and runs freely around the site, make sure that the fences are secure enough, because a quick-witted and curious healer can easily climb over them, arrange tunnels and even open doors in search of adventure.

With the owners “Australians” are affectionate and friendly, but not intrusive. Usually the healer chooses one “main” owner, but also maintains friendship with the rest of the household. He treats strangers with a pronounced distrust, he needs time to accept someone new into the family. Noise and screams annoy the dog, so this pet is not suitable for a family with small children. The healer is an excellent watchman, but sometimes overly aggressive.

Healers do not require frequent combing or special grooming, they only need space to run. However, it is not so easy to educate and socialize a wayward dog, so it is better to choose another breed as the first dog.

Advantages

• loyal, kind and accommodating with the owners

• easy care

• good health and generally a long life span

disadvantages

• get along poorly with other animals and young children

• may be aggressive towards strangers

• not suitable for inexperienced breeders

Welsh corgi

Rating: 4.5

In the Welsh Corgi breed, there are two varieties that differ in appearance and character. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is more popular – for its cheerful disposition, very short legs and a cute “smiling” face. His fellow welsh corgi cardigan is slightly larger in size and has a calm, judicious nature. But both corgi species are equally smart, friendly and charming. In the breed standard, such qualities as tact and sense of humor are noted, but aggression and nervousness are not at all peculiar to them.

It is very convenient to keep the corgi in the apartment: a small dog does not take up much space, does not require specific care. Like all shepherd dogs (and the corgi refers specifically to them), he loves to run and frolic, so you need to walk with the corgi for a long time. These dogs are prone to overeating, moreover, they are perfectly aware of how cute they are, and can manipulate their owners to get a treat. You need to be able to resist the charm of the corgi and monitor its diet.

Advantages

• cheerful and peaceful nature

• easy care

• gets along with children and animals

disadvantages

• requires long walks

• it is necessary to wash paws and stomach after going outside

Miniature schnauzer

Rating: 4.4

Miniature Schnauzers are exact copies of their larger breeds, and their character is by no means a small indoor dog. Despite its size, the Zwerg is a self-confident and strict service dog that will not obey a person if he does not consider him an authority. You cannot be deceived by a cute appearance – a miniature schnauzer requires the same upbringing as any large watchdog, because this breed is accustomed to guarding the owner and his property and, if necessary, fearlessly rushes at the offender if the owner's team does not stop him.

The character of a miniature schnauzer combines two opposites. On the one hand, it is a very playful, active dog that needs to walk and move a lot. He is sociable, loves children, finds a common language with other dogs. On the other hand, the miniature is always on the alert and distrusts strangers, considering them a potential threat.

The Miniature Schnauzer belongs to the breeds with hard hair, which requires special care: it does not fall out on its own, therefore the miniature schnauzer needs to be combed out quite often, as well as a specific and difficult hair plucking procedure – trimming. The dog's beard will have to be washed after each meal, and the food should be carefully monitored to protect the pet from diseases.

Advantages

• compact size

• no shedding

• gets along with children

• possesses protective qualities

disadvantages

• daily grooming

• the owner must be experienced

• susceptibility to disease

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.