Dog Blog

10 Dog Breeds that are Smarter than You

When you’ve made that momentous decision to adopt a dog, your next step is to decide what kind of dog you want. There are a lot of different breeds to choose from, and which one you decide is best for you can depend on a lot of factors. One factor that you want to take into consideration is intelligence—your own intelligence as well as the dog’s intelligence.

Measuring how smart you are is probably pointless when it comes to the following list of dogs. They are wonderful breeds, but to own one you need a healthy self-image and a good sense of humor. Any one of these breeds can outsmart you on a regular basis. They can also bring you years of happiness and make you look good in front of your friends.

Here is the countdown:

10. Australian Cattle Dog – This dog has a daily agenda, and that is to get things done. This doesn’t mean that your Cattle Dog isn’t a loving pet; he surely is if you treat him right. What it means is that he thrives on working and has the brains and the drive to do the best job possible. Cater to this dog’s need to work and you have his loyalty and love for many years.

9. Rottweiler – Rottweilers are extremely loyal and protective. They are also very loving and undeniably intelligent. When you adopt a Rottweiler you get the muscle and the brains. Just be sure you have what it takes to keep up.

8. Papillon – The first things you think of when you see this butterfly-eared little canine are “cute” and “alert”. Both are good starts in describing this incredibly smart canine. Loyal, loving and full of energy, this little dynamo will entertain you with its antics and keep you constantly amazed at its intelligence. Try not to be intimidated.

7. Labrador Retriever – Intelligence simply shines from this dog’s eyes. Equally at home in field and hearth, this canine is tirelessly loyal and endlessly loving. These two traits could almost divert your attention from the fact that this dog has some serious brains—until it outsmarts you. You’ll swear it’s laughing. You’ll probably be right.

6. Shetland Sheepdog – Also called “Shelties”, these little dogs can be a bit shy with strangers at first. They have sweet dispositions, though, and a highly developed sense of loyalty to their families. Interact with one for a while and you’ll quickly notice how sharp they are.

5. Doberman Pinscher – Dobermans are affectionate and faithful with a keen intelligence that makes them stand out for more than just their sleek beauty. Take a stroll in the park with this dog and notice how much attention you get. Be careful, though; he can easily outrun you and frequently out-think you.

4. Golden Retriever – It is suspected that one reason this brainy canine is so sweet to humans is that it pities us for our inferior intelligence. Who cares! You would be hard pressed to ever meet a person who was unhappy with their Golden Retriever. These sweet, intelligent dogs can win over the grumpiest of people.

3. German Shepherd – Never underestimate German ingenuity, and never underestimate this dog! When the German Shepherd accepts you and loves you, you should feel honored. They are seriously smart dogs who deserve owners that take them seriously. When you adopt a German shepherd, there won’t be a day that goes by where you won’t be amazed at all he is capable of—including an abundance of love.

2. Poodle – You knew this breed had to be near the top. Poodles are bright, demanding, affectionate, manipulative, and entertaining – and you can’t help but love every fluffy inch of them. Own a poodle for a while and it won’t take you long to start questioning who is training
whom.

1. Border Collie – If you have ever seen a Border Collie in action then you know why this dog is arguably the smartest breed out there. You might think this makes them easy for anyone to train, but this isn’t necessarily so. Though loyal and loving, it is a strong-willed breed that will use its keen intelligence to match wits with you on a regular basis. If you have the time, energy, and fortitude for this brilliant and enthusiastic dog, you might be up to the challenge.

Plenty of dog owners will argue with this list and claim that their unlisted breed of dog is the smartest. And of course there are mixed breeds. The real point here is that to underestimate any dog’s intelligence can be a mistake. Have a little respect for how smart our canine friends are. You’ll find that the love and respect you get in return will be tenfold.