15 Smartest Dog Breeds: Most Intelligent Dog Rankings

Written by: Bojana Radulovic
Probably all dog owners think that their dog is the smartest (and cutest!), but although dog cleverness is fairly individual and varies from dog to dog.

Probably all dog owners think that their dog is the smartest (and cutest!), but although dog cleverness is fairly individual and varies from dog to dog.

But in fact:

The are some breeds of dogs that are considered smarter than the others. Here we present you the list of 15 smartest dog breeds.

Check out list of the smartest dog breeds:

1. Hungarian Vizsla

Hungarian-Vizsla

Vizslas are well-known for their beautiful hair color, something between chocolate and golden-brown. They also appear to be some of the smartest dog breeds – they’re obedient and cheerful and always loyal to their owners. They’re also very calm, but need to be exercised on a daily basis, because it’s necessary for them to be in a good shape in order to feel well.

2. Belgian Malinois

Belgian-Malinois

You might have heard how these dogs are usually aggressive, but it’s only if they’re not trained well – Belgian Malinois are actually very cuddly and nice when they’re learnt how to behave. This dog breed is oftenly used in police actions or helping a blind person – which is not something you could easily teach any dog how to do.

3. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese-Mountain-Dog

These giant puffy creatures are popular for its size (obviously), but also for their smartness. They’ll be calm and unnoticeable when you tell them so, but they’ll also accomplish any task you ask them for. Bernese Mountain Dog is definitely one of a kind, and their obedience is indubitable, just like their beauty.

4. German Shorthaired Pointer

german-shorthaired-pointer

These dogs were earlier used as hunters, which explains their looks – they’re slightly larger than a medium-sized dog. They’re still good at tracking smells and retrieving, and they are also good as pets – you won’t have any problems with their obedience. They can have different hair color – from black and brown to completely white.

5. Collie

Collie

Popular for their beautiful and big hair, Collies are favorite family dogs – it’s almost every child’s first choice, but also parents’, because they can rely on this breed’s intelligence and obedience. They’re also very good guardian dogs, because of their sensitive senses and good sight. Unfortunately, they usually live only for about 10 years.

6. Rottweiler

Rottweiler

Rottweiler is a dog that’s intelligent, but also very big and strong, which is why they might seem to be frightening at first sight. But, if you make good friends with it, you definitely won’t be disappointed – these dogs would protect you no matter what happens and put you in the first place in every situation possible.

7. Golden Retriever

Golden-Retriever

Here’s another popular family dog that’s known for its kindness and smartness – they’ve shown great as service dogs, and also with working with old or disabled people. Golden Retrievers are usually used for therapies, especially when it comes to curing depression – no one could love you better than this adorable fluffy dog.

8. Papillon

Papillon

You might be skeptical for calling this dog one of the smartest ones, but it’s true – Papillon is the most intelligent dog breed if we’re talking about toy dogs. They’ve shown way smarter than Chihuahuas or Maltese dogs, their distant relatives, and they’re almost an ideal pet, especially if you live in a flat – they won’t make much mess around it.

9. German Shepherd

German-Shepherd

German Shepherd is a dog that’s mostly used in military or police work, which tells you a lot about its intelligence – they’re easily being taught most difficult stuff and they’re very obedient. Unfortunately, you can have them as pets only if you have enough space to keep it – they can get very nervous and unhappy if they’re closed.

10. Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland-Sheepdog

This dog is actually closely related to Collie, it’s only smaller and calmer. That’s why they’re easier to take care of and can be used as guarding dogs. On the other hand, they need lots of attention and effort put into their upkeep – starting from their long hair to regular exercises. But they’re definitely a great choice for a pet and a friend.

11. Australian Cattle Dog

Australian-Cattle-Dog

This rare dog species can’t be seen every day on the streets, but they’re definitely underestimated – you wouldn’t believe how smart they actually are. They also come as a great choice if you live in a flat; having in mind they don’t require much space. That’s why this dog breed turns out to be the most practical and loving one at the same time.

12. Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature-Schnauzer

Here’s another toy dog that’s commonly labeled with negative opinions, just like all the other dogs of its size. Schnauzers are actually very bright and appear to be good for hunting and tracking actions. That’s why people shouldn’t discard them and think of them as annoying – you’d be really surprised with their actual behavior.

13. Poodle

Poodle

Poodles are followed with bad reputation probably because of their looks and some sort of participation in popular culture, but what many people don’t know is that they are extremely intelligent. At first, they were used as hunting dogs, until people started grooming and playing with them – but they’re actually very loving and obedient.

14. Labrador Retriever

Labrador-Retriever

Although we’ve talked about Retrievers earlier, Labradors are inevitable to mention when it comes to dogs’ intelligence and obedience. They’re one of the most loyal friends people could ever have and also more practical than Golden Retrievers for their short hair. They’re commonly used for guiding blind people and helping them.

15. Doberman

Doberman

People are usually afraid of Dobermans, which is logical if we have in mind their appearance and muscularity, but what many don’t know is that this breed is not that dangerous at all. It’s exactly the opposite – if you treat them nicely, you’ll be treated like a king. Also, Dobermans are multi-talented for various activities because of their super-sensitive senses.

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