Related to Australias famously devious feral dog, the dingo, the Australian cattle dog was custom bred by British settlers specifically to handle Australias intense heat, rough terrain, and wide-open spaces. Some of the finest herding dogs youre apt to find, Australian cattle dogs are a highly intelligent breed, capable of following herds for great distances and keeping their flocks in line for days at a time without supervision.
Hand signals and verbal commands can be trained simultaneously and used interchangeably, usually with no difference in response time. So if youre looking for a cunning canine who can follow your cues with precision, or just an affable family pet who rolls over for a treat, this list of the breeds will probably be easiest to train. Their devotion is simply a bonus.
Theyre one of the top five most popular dog breeds in the United States for a reason. With perhaps the greatest combination of size, athleticism, and intelligence in the entire dog kingdom, the German shepherd is prized for everything from show competitions to home protection to military and police work. Deeply loyal and eager to please, well-trained German shepherds make excellent family pets as well. The first genuine canine movie star—Rin Tin Tin—was a German shepherd, and thats not a coincidence. They learn and retain new skills with alarming speed and consistency, and they have the physical gifts to accomplish truly astonishing feats.
For a dog who can just about do it all, a border collie fits that description perfectly. These brilliant herding dogs have been keeping flocks of sheep safe throughout Scotland and Wales for centuries, and shepherds often refer to them as “the perfect shepherding dog.”
Perhaps one of the more surprising entries on this list, the Rottweiler has been a popular guardian dog for decades, but perhaps without the same reputation for intellect as the German shepherd. But make no mistake, these loyal and devoted guys are quick on the pickup—dont underestimate your Rotties ability to learn a few things from the time hes a puppy and all throughout his life.
Surprisingly, “Eskies” dont have any ties to the Eskimos — they actually gained popularity in the U.S. as circus dogs, performing tricks and walking across tightropes. As a family dog, Eskies are playful, perky and smart — not to mention quick learners.
Huskies are clever, happy and eager to please. Theyre friendly by nature but also very hard-headed. This high-energy dog prefers to spend lots of time outdoors, especially if you live in a cooler climate.
Smart and spirited, its no wonder that Schnauzers are bred in three different sizes (miniature, standard and giant) so theres one for every household style. The sturdy canines are naturally protective and intelligent.
This list includes members from almost all of the breed groups (including sporting, non-sporting, working, hounds and terriers) minus the tiny toy breeds. Weve included some of the most popular options (we see you, Golden Retrievers) but also some deep cuts you may not know, like Boykin Spaniels and Pyrenean Shepherds. Before you bring home any dog, do your homework on the cost and commitments associated with owning a pet. Always adopt animals from reputable sources, like respected animal shelters or breeders.
Aussies are uncannily smart and independent, with strong herding instincts that means theyll want to stick close to you. Loyal and devoted to their owners, these dogs are wary of strangers.
As diligent of a worker as the golden retriever is, it’s also beloved around the world as a dependable, obedient companion. A sunny disposition and aptitude for learning commands (as many as 200 of them, most learned on the first try) make the golden retriever the preferred pet for people with disabilities. Fun fact: These pups are also some of the best dogs for seniors to own.
Originally bred to act as both guard dogs and companions on commercial barges, keeshonden found themselves increasingly out of jobs as, over the years, the size of ships increased and the work required bigger dogs. But this beloved breed didn’t let that dull its bright outlook. These days, it may find work as a Seeing Eye or therapy dog. There’s just one thing to keep in mind if you’re thinking of bringing a keeshond home: These pups are so sociable and get so bonded to their humans that they’ve been called clingy. But hey, with a face like that, clinginess might be a good thing.
These days, though, the English springer spaniel has distinguished itself as a breed apart—one that is exceptionally bright, alert, and eager to please. If there’s a downside to the breed, it’s that it has a tendency to become so attached to its humans that it can seem quite “miserable,” as the AKC puts it, when not invited to join in the fun.
The German shorthaired pointer has almost everything going for it—and that’s largely by design. In 1861, German hunters set out to breed the ideal companion for all kinds of hunts, all kinds of game, and all kinds of conditions. “They succeeded beyond their wildest imaginings,” according to the AKC, which calls the breed extremely intelligent and willing to please.
Although this is true for all pooches, the smartest dog breeds have certain traits that put their intelligence a step above. Just as some of our furry friends are known for being affectionate dog breeds, small dog breeds, or dogs that don’t shed, others are known as the most intelligent dogs, at least according to Coren’s rubric. So, how smart are dogs exactly? The pups on our list may not be ready to challenge you to a game of cards, but they do their jobs, and well.
Top 10 Medium Sized Dog Breeds
Growing up, just about everyone dreams of having a dog they can teach tricks. So if thats your aim, or if you want a doggo who can compete in competitions, or just hope for a family pet who responds well to positive reinforcement training as to not tear up the furniture and jump on strangers, one prime characteristic of the smartest dog breeds is theyre quick learners. And heres another: they want to do things!
“As with any other trait, intelligence is going to vary from dog to dog, depending on family tree and other factors,” says Dennis Riordan, DVM, of the Riordan Pet Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. “But generally speaking, intelligence is measured in dogs based on how many repetitions of a command it takes for them to figure out what you want them to do, and how often they follow learned commands the first or second time you say it. So if youre teaching them a trick, or kennel training, or anything that involves their memory and recall, some breeds have been fairly consistently shown to do those things faster and more consistently than others.”
Hand signals and verbal commands can be trained simultaneously and used interchangeably, usually with no difference in response time. So if youre looking for a cunning canine who can follow your cues with precision, or just an affable family pet who rolls over for a treat, this list of the breeds will probably be easiest to train. Their devotion is simply a bonus.
For a dog who can just about do it all, a border collie fits that description perfectly. These brilliant herding dogs have been keeping flocks of sheep safe throughout Scotland and Wales for centuries, and shepherds often refer to them as “the perfect shepherding dog.”
In addition to learning cues quickly, these dogs are smart enough to learn and understand routines, and can be trained to handle daily tasks without much supervision. Nimble, athletic, and observant, border collies have continually done well in agility competitions, dominating arenas like those at the prestigious Crufts International in their native UK.
Dont let the fluffy hairdo fool you: poodles are adept hunters and some of the brightest furry pals youll come across. Poodles of all sizes carry a high degree of intelligence, but the standard is the one best equipped to utilize those smarts, thanks to his greater size and strength. Underneath all those curls, the standard poodle sports a strong, slender body that makes him a great swimmer and excellent at retrieving. He might also be as close to hypoallergenic as dogs can be.
Theyre one of the top five most popular dog breeds in the United States for a reason. With perhaps the greatest combination of size, athleticism, and intelligence in the entire dog kingdom, the German shepherd is prized for everything from show competitions to home protection to military and police work. Deeply loyal and eager to please, well-trained German shepherds make excellent family pets as well. The first genuine canine movie star—Rin Tin Tin—was a German shepherd, and thats not a coincidence. They learn and retain new skills with alarming speed and consistency, and they have the physical gifts to accomplish truly astonishing feats.
“German Shepherds, especially American-born purebreds, tend to have pretty serious issues with hip dysplasia as they age,” Riordan says. “So a lot of people who buy them as pups, theyll see them slow down dramatically around age 8.”
Coming in just behind the German shepherd in popularity in the U.S., golden retrievers are beloved for their affable, people-pleasing, joyous nature. But in addition to being some of the friendliest dogs alive, theyre also among the smartest. This has helped make them excellent choices for service and therapy dogs, as well as working as search and rescue dogs, hunting dogs, and champion field and obedience competition animals as well.
Long one of the worlds premier protection dogs, the Doberman pinscher is a physical specimen almost without equal. Though they are fast, agile, and strong, these dogs greatest feature is their intelligence, which enables them to learn a variety of cues and tasks quickly, and allows owners to trust that theyll follow them unerringly.
Bearing a close resemblance to their larger cousin, the collie, the Sheltie has been a consistent champion in obedience competitions almost since the moment of their recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1911. Much like their collie relatives, the Shetland sheepdog is a remarkably intelligent breed as a matter of necessity.
As herders, they were required to keep track of a large number of wandering animals for long periods of time, often without supervision. This has created a small, nimble dog who is keenly observant and thrives on having a job to do.
The most popular breed in the United States every year since 1991, these gregarious, hard-working hunting dogs are no slouches when it comes to brains, either. Not actually from Labrador, these dogs were originally used on fishing boats to jump into the water and retrieve harpooned fish. Famously friendly, Labs docile nature has become as much a hallmark of the breed as any of their physical characteristics.
This drive to get along with everyone and to please their human companions in particular makes them excellent hunters and helps them excel in obedience, agility, and retrieving competitions. From hiking to camping, if you want a loving pet who can keep up with you, this is your boy.
Looks and brains! These adorable little dogs have long been a favorite among royalty and aristocracy thanks to their regal appearance and charming personalities. But inside those tiny, plumed heads is a first-rate mind! Papillons delight in learning tricks and performing. In fact, being the center of attention and making people smile is practically the papillons raison dêtre.
Perhaps one of the more surprising entries on this list, the Rottweiler has been a popular guardian dog for decades, but perhaps without the same reputation for intellect as the German shepherd. But make no mistake, these loyal and devoted guys are quick on the pickup—dont underestimate your Rotties ability to learn a few things from the time hes a puppy and all throughout his life.
Related to Australias famously devious feral dog, the dingo, the Australian cattle dog was custom bred by British settlers specifically to handle Australias intense heat, rough terrain, and wide-open spaces. Some of the finest herding dogs youre apt to find, Australian cattle dogs are a highly intelligent breed, capable of following herds for great distances and keeping their flocks in line for days at a time without supervision.
On the homefront, this translates to a quick-learning, observant family pet with a wry sense of humor and a penchant for mischief. Keep in mind that, even though they adapt well to city life, this fleet-footed pooch is always going to be happiest with a job to do, so consider agility, herding, or flyball competitions to keep him happy and engaged!
The Cardigan Welsh corgi earned her place among farmers who needed a swift pup with the ability to avoid bovine kicks and sheep nips. While she wont go out of her way to please you, she positively loves your company and is up for whatever, whenever. Her quick ability to learn means shes at her best with diverse and engaging tasks that keep her mentally and physically active. Want a kayaking buddy? Shell do it! How bout a romp outdoors with new toys? Call her over! How can you tell the difference right away between a Cardigan and the Pembroke below? This corgi sports a fuzzy tail—the Pembroke doesnt.
Not to be overlooked by his cousin, the diminutive Pembroke Welsh corgi shoves a big ol brain into that little fuzzy body. Like other herding dogs on this list, the Pembroke is smart enough to learn a routine, understand which things are “his,” and to be left to his own devices for long periods of time. Its a skill that requires improvisation and critical thinking skills that are in high demand among farm dogs of all stripes, and that intelligence has been purpose-bred into the Pembrokes DNA.
At home, these friendly little dogs are happy to turn that intelligence towards learning tricks, playing fun games, and participating in agility coursework.
Another dog thats equally at home on the farm or in an apartment, the miniature schnauzer is an adaptable, friendly, fast-learning companion who is highly trainable and able to handle a variety of tasks. These dogs love to hunt and are long-time favorites on the agility course, where their keen observation skills and pattern recognition comes in especially handy!
English springer spaniels are some of the most hardworking hunters youll find. Theyve been bred specifically for working with humans in the field, so they take especially well to learning tasks required for flushing (“springing”) game birds, as well as retrieving. They can be trained to work off a boat, and become adapted to the sound of gunfire remarkably quickly as well.
An important skill for hunting dogs is the ability to train to a whistle, and English springers have long shown particular adaptability to understanding nonverbal commands.
Belgian Tervurens were bred by Belgian farmers to be both a herding dog and guard dog. The Terv is happiest when he has a taxing job to do, and if you dont have the means to keep him active and thinking every day, you might want to look elsewhere for a pet. Hunters, farmers, and people with very active lifestyles will find the Terv best to their liking.
Because of their need for a job to focus on, bored Tervs are smart enough to start looking for ways to amuse themselves, which will often mean finding ways to outsmart their human companions. But owners who can keep them engaged will be rewarded to see their genuine delight when they master a new task or job.
Schipperkes are, as the AKC says, “small dogs built for hard work.” Stealthy hunters, the little schipperke is a natural-born ratter and even in a modern, urban setting hell live for the hunt. Schipperkes are highly intelligent dogs for whom early obedience training is a must. Their prey drives are so high and their curiosity so overwhelming that theyre innate explorers and will chase anything that catches their eye. So its a good thing that, once properly trained, they learn commands quickly and will happily come when called.
While their size makes them ideally suited to apartment living, be aware that their inborn guarding tendencies will make them enthusiastic barkers. Additionally, their high intelligence will sometimes lead to them getting bored and becoming headstrong if they arent kept stimulated with games and toys.