Which is the most intelligent breed of dog? A Comprehensive Guide

Runners-Up To The Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds

Several dog breeds didn’t quite make Coren’s list of the top ten smartest dog breeds. These next 10 runners-up from his research still have a lot to offer, and some are great working dogs too.

  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi
  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • English Springer Spaniel
  • Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren)
  • Schipperke
  • Belgian Sheepdog
  • Collie
  • Keeshond
  • German Shorthaired Pointer
  • Flat-Coated Retriever
  • Can You Teach a Dumb Dog New Tricks?

    If your canine seems clueless, it may be that it has been bred to be more independent or not so eager to please its owner, Yin says.

    Training will require more patience and the right kind of motivation, whether its praise, petting, or treats.

    “For breeds, instincts make a difference, but for the basics – sit, come, down – theyll all learn at the same rate. With good technique, the difference might be a month,” she says.

    Her Australian cattle dog, for example, stays at her side when theyre out and loves a pat on the head. Her Jack Russell terrier, a high-energy breed that didnt make the smart list, has to be rewarded lickety-split with a treat or hell lose interest in learning. A pat on the head just wont do it.

    The beagle, a breed trained to work independently, probably needs more training time, Yin says. And the bulldog, which scored well below average on obedience tests, can learn quickly — as long as they dont feel pushed around or punished.

    The beagle and bulldog are among the dog breeds on the bottom of Corens list. These dogs had to hear commands 80 to 100 times or more before they obeyed them 25% or less of the time. They include:

    1. Shih Tzu 2. Bassett hound 3. Mastiff/Beagle (tied) 4. Pekingnese 5. Bloodhound 6. Borzoi 7. Chow Chow 8. Bulldog 9. Basenji 10. Afghan hound (least obedient) Redenbach doesnt like categorizing dogs as smart or dumb; she says thats too simplistic. Like Yin, she says positive and consistent training will make a good dog.

    “The number of intelligent dogs I have met has been on the increase over the years because the better trainer I become, the smarter I see they are,” Redenbach says.

    What About The Dumbest Dog Breeds?

    Are you looking for the less intelligent counterparts to these smart dog breeds? Look no further than our list of these lovable yet not quite as smart dogs in our dumbest dog breeds list.

    The Most Intelligent Dog Breeds in the World – Everything you need to know

    Most dogs are smart, but in different ways: Working breeds learn how to perform jobs quickly because of their instincts and natural abilities, while other breeds are motivated based on their strong desire to please. But intelligence alone doesnt automatically make a good pet. To bring out you…

    Most dogs are smart, but in different ways: Working breeds learn how to perform jobs quickly because of their instincts and natural abilities, while other breeds are motivated based on their strong desire to please. But intelligence alone doesnt automatically make a good pet. To bring out your dog’s natural smarts, you have to study the breed, put in the necessary time to train, and understand his natural traits, like whether he’s a quick study or slow and steady. Find By Breed Name

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