Which Are the Smartest Dogs in the World?

Smart dogs can be loads of fun. They quickly learn tricks and lifestyle routines, making them excellent roommates. Plus, intelligent dogs are often sensitive to their humans’ needs, making them great companions. If you’re thinking of welcoming a new dog into your life and want it to be on the smarter side of the scale, consider one of the breeds below.

Alaskan Klee Kai

Alaskan Klee Kais look like miniature huskies and are known for their striking appearance. While they’re not the most sociable dogs on the scene, Alaskan Klee Kais are very bright and often excel at disciplines such as agility. They’re also very curious, which is why owners should not let them off-leash outside. Secure, high fences in the backyard are also a must if you don’t want your Alaskan Klee Kai to go wandering off on an expedition.

Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinschers are fearless, muscular, alert, and highly intelligent. To live their best lives, Doberman Pinschers need lots of activity. Plus, it’s essential to get them trained early to help channel that exuberance in a positive manner. These dogs are also unshakably loyal to their humans and go above and beyond to please family members.

Golden Retriever

In a way, golden retrievers are the quintessential dog breed. They’re adorable, friendly, and fulfill the role of “man’s best friend” perfectly. Golden retrievers are also one of the smartest dog breeds and are very easy to train. Whether you’re a family or an individual, the highly adaptable golden retriever will complement your life and add lots of joy. However, they do require quite a lot of exercise, so plenty of play time is a great way to keep their brains and bodies happy.

Briard

Briards originated in France and were initially used as both herding and livestock guardian dogs. However, they also earned the tagline “hearts wrapped in fur” on account of their loyalty and affection toward owners. With their long, silky fur, the breed is also gorgeous. However, kindness and good looks aren’t Briards’ only calling cards, as they also rank among the smartest breeds. Briards aren’t particularly outgoing with strangers. However, they keenly watch over their family’s children, whom they see as sheep that need their protection.

Papillon

Papillons may look fancy, but they’re far from stuck up. These adorable dogs are friendly, athletic, and super easy to train. Although they love their owners the most, Papillons make friends easily due to their outgoing and affectionate nature. Originally bred as companion dogs for royal and aristocratic women, they were even a favorite breed of Marie Antoinette.

Rottweiler

Rottweilers have a fierce reputation, but the stocky, muscular dogs behave superbly with their loved ones. Confident and hard-working, Rotties got their big break in ancient Rome. Rottweilers are believed to have descended from Roman drover dogs used for herding livestock, which contributed to their development as a breed. Since they are both intelligent and diligent, today’s Rottweilers frequently serve as guard dogs. However, it’s important to note that Rottweilers must be trained early, as a rebellious Rottie can cause big problems.

Shetland Sheepdog

Commonly called “Shelties,” Shetland sheepdogs are obedient herding dogs that originated in Scotland. Related to border collies, Shelties are quick, energetic, and very smart. Plus, so long as you don’t mind giving them a good brush two or three times a week, Shetland sheepdogs make great family pets because they’re very intuitive when it comes to human moods and needs.

German Shepherd

The superstar workhorse of the canine world, German shepherds, are confident, easily trainable, and eager to please their people. Typically, it only takes German shepherds five tries to learn a new command. The breed is famous for its law enforcement work, but it also makes excellent family pets.

Poodle

Some animals have it all — both looks and brains — and such is the luck of the poodle. These gorgeous canines are not only attractive, but they’re one of the smartest dog breeds around. Some of the ways that their intelligence is utilized are in roles as assistance dogs to people with physical disabilities, acting as service dogs, guide dogs, and therapy dogs. Plus, another unique job they’ve been known to do is hunt for truffles.

Border Collie

Border collies are widely considered the smartest dog breed. Firstly, they have a special intelligence specific to sheep herding that sets them apart from most other breeds. They also have the ability to learn from past experiences, which is suggestive that border collies have a high adaptive IQ. Not only that, but they are extremely trainable, quickly picking up new commands. However, border collies are also incredibly energetic and need lots of exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. They also need brushing once a week, and they do shed seasonally, although not as heavy as some other breeds.