What are the smartest dog breeds?

We know our four-legged friends make the best of companions, but it is their intelligence that really makes them top of the class! Some of the smartest dog breeds do their jobs even better than we do - from therapy dogs to search and rescue, many brainy breeds are well-versed in the service field.

But not all of our four-legged friends have the same IQ. Deciding which are the smartest dog breeds isn’t quite as simple as you telling us your Fido’s a clever boy! According to Dr Stanley Coren, author of the book The Intelligence of Dogs, there are three types of canine intelligence: instinctive (is herding in your pup’s blood?), adaptive (able to problem solve), and working and obedience intelligence (how easily a dog can be trained). So, what dog is the smartest breed? Under Coren’s guidance and our own investigative skills, we take a look at fifteen of the smartest dogs to find out who the brainiest buddy is.

1. Border Collie

Basically the Isaac Newton of the doggy world, the Border Collie is named the smartest dog in the world by Dr Stanley Coren. These pups are well known for their sheepherding skills, but their ability to pick up commands and learn tricks quickly and efficiently means they do well in any working setting.

The breed rules the roost in competitions from agility to best in show, and the American Kennel Club praises them for their “intelligence, athleticism and trainability”. We could carry on but we don’t want the Border Collie’s head to explode! However, it’s important to note that with big brains comes great responsibility, and Border Collie pet parents need to make sure these brilliant herding dogs get enough mental and physical stimulation.

2. Poodle

Also one of the longest living dog breeds, the Poodle has it all - beauty, longevity and brains. We know these pampered pooches look like they belong on the streets of Chelsea, but these strong swimmers were originally bred as waterfowl retrievers.

They are obedient, quick learners, making them the ideal student (and teacher’s pet). But what makes the Poodle so special is its emotional intelligence and ability to tune in with its human pals, from snuggling up next to you if you’re having a bad day to matching the same euphoria when its loved ones are celebrating.

3. German Shepherd

As the third most intelligent dog and the fourth most popular dog breed in the US (not to mention the “finest all-purpose worker” according to the AKC), the German Shepherd is just as good at a bit of hard graft as it is snuggling up with its family. This breed is eager to please, an excellent problem solver and a loyal companion, and manages to stay humble despite two famous German Shepherds landing stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for their acting skills.

4. Golden Retriever 

Golden Retrievers are dependable, obedient people-pleasers with high IQs, making them perfect service dogs. This ray of sunshine is able to learn up to two hundred commands, many of them first-time, making it an excellent dog for search and rescue, hunting, and therapy, as well as field and obedience competitions of course. The Golden Retriever: at your service! 

5. Doberman Pinscher

It all makes sense when you learn that the Doberman Pinscher was bred by a German tax collector - you wouldn’t want one of these knocking on your door asking for money! But in all seriousness, despite looking intimidating (and therefore making excellent guard dogs), this breed is known for its gentle disposition and, of course, high intelligence. These clever pups are easy to train and will follow instructions quickly and obediently while remaining alert and fiercely loyal, ready to take on anyone (or anything) that poses a threat to their beloved family.

6. Shetland Sheepdog

It is no surprise that the “Collie’s little cousin” appears on our list of the smartest dog breeds. Known as the Sheltie, the Shetland Sheepdog is described by the AKC as the “extremely intelligent, quick, and obedient herder from Scotland's remote and rugged Shetland Islands”. They are easy to train and quick on their feet, making them regular gold medallists in agility championships. 

7. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are known for their trainability but will prefer to copy their pet parents’ actions rather than being told what to do. This clever sausage has an excellent sense of smell and a hard-working ethic, and according to the AKC, it has been the most popular family dog in the US every year since 1991! What a show-off, ey!

8. Papillon

Not just a pretty face, the Papillon (French for “butterfly”) is actually one of the oldest (and wisest) dog breeds. Don’t be fooled by their size - there’s a big brain hidden in that tiny head, making them easy to train and consistent winners in agility competitions.

9. Rottweiler

Another doggy who’s stood the test of time, the Rottweiler dates back as far as the Roman Empire. Known for their fierce loyalty and excellent obedience, there’s a reason Rottweilers are chosen as police dogs and guard dogs all around the world. Oh, and they come ninth in Coren’s dog intelligence ranking!

10. Australian Cattle Dog

Related to the Australian Dingo, this highly intelligent breed was bred to herd cattle (as the name suggests). Now, you wouldn’t find just any old dog running around the hooves of a cow - Australian Cattle Dogs are blessed with the intelligence and agility necessary to keep their flocks in line for days on end.

Coren claims these dogs are “so smart and organised” they know how to “put their stuff back after using it”. Now, if only teenagers would take a leaf out of their book…

11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Being a royal favourite definitely counts for something, but it’s the Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s intelligence that puts it in 11th place in Coren’s ranking of smartest dog breeds.

Highly athletic little legs scurry along while the snout is fixated on the ground, these doggies love nothing more than being on the scent of something interesting. Their tracking skills, obedient nature, and keen ability to learn routines make them excellent little working dogs.

12. Miniature Schnauzer

Bred for sniffing out unwanted visitors on farms, the Miniature Schnauzer makes an excellent watchdog and snuggle buddy. These quick learners are always up for a challenge, whether that’s solving that age-old mystery of ‘what’s that smell?’ or training for an agility competition.

13. English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel has to be the epitome of ‘man’s best friend’. Bred to work alongside gamekeepers and hunters, Springers are known for their ability to ‘spring’ on unsuspecting prey. They are intelligent little creatures and especially receptive to the whistle, which is particularly important when hunting in dark, wet weather.

14. Belgian Tervuren

Sometimes mistaken for a German Shepherd, the Belgian Tervuren also ranks highly on Coren’s hierarchy of canine intelligence. Once a Belgian herder, this breed is a loyal, protective companion with the brains to match. The Belgian Tervuren is happiest when busy, so suits pet parents who are active and have the time and energy to keep up with this pooch!

15. Schipperke

The smarty-pants rounding off our list of the most intelligent dog breeds is the Schipperke. Bred to scare off unwanted pests from Belgian boats, this little doggy has got big brains, sturdy sea legs, and a dash of mischief, earning it the appropriate title ‘little captain’. While you won’t find a Schipperke barking orders at you from a ship anymore, the AKC says they were built for hard work, and they are always on the lookout for uninvited visitors!

Are you the proud pet parent of one of these smartest dog breeds? Or maybe your Fido is extra-special in many other ways. If you’re jetting off on an adventure that your pup can’t join you on, why not consider welcoming one of our pet-loving dog sitters to your home? They will make sure your dog’s routine is exactly the same as normal, so you can take full advantage of your opportunity to switch off.