The 20 most intelligent dog breeds
These are the most intelligent domestic dog breeds, known for learning on their own.
It is by many said that dogs are man's best friend, however, this does not mean that all dogs are the same, nor do they serve the same purpose.
Over centuries of selecting the best characteristics, both physical and personality, most of the dog breeds known today have been developed for use in hunting, herding or companionship at home.
Some of these breeds are easier than others to train, and this has a lot to do with their ability to learn. Let's take a look at which are the most intelligent dog breedsand their characteristics.
The 20 most intelligent dog breeds
The following are the most intelligent dog breeds, in order from smallest to largest.
1. Belgian Shepherd Malinois
This dog is sometimes used by police forces, especially in search and rescue missions.It is a dog sometimes used in police forces, especially in search and rescue missions.
It has an outstanding athletic build, but its personality and learning ability make it especially suitable for families.
2. Weimar Braco de Weimar
With a light gray coat and blue eyes, this dog originating from the German city of Weimar is very easily trainable thanks to its great intelligence.. Its use in hunting dates back centuries.
3. Breton Spaniel
This dog is ideal for sports. It originated in Brittany, France and was not recognized as an official breed until 1907.
Breton spaniels are loyal and intelligentThey have one of the best sense of smell of all canines.
4. German Shorthaired Spaniel
They were originally bred as hunting dogs. They are animals that do what they are asked to do, or what their owners do, whichever comes first.
They are very affectionate and versatileThey are very affectionate and versatile, being able to find prey and bring it in an elegant way, besides being brave, being able to face beasts such as wild boars.
5. Keeshond
Also called Wolfspitz, until the beginning of the last century, this dog is very observant. It pays attention to almost any stimulus it detects, especially if it is something out of place.especially if it is something out of the ordinary. That is why they are ideal for the family residence and to betray thieves.
6. Schipperke
They are dogs that love to explore. They are very active and therefore is not a good idea to leave them alone at home without previous training or without something to entertain them. or without something to entertain them.
Their curiosity will lead them to look at everything they can explore around the house, which can bring their owners some displeasure.
7. Belgian Tervuren
He is agile, as well as active and a very good protector of his own. As a shepherd dog, it has has long been used to guard flocks and warn of threats from the countryside, such as wolves and other livestock predators.and other livestock predators.
8. English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is affectionate and calm, as well as being a good observer and watcher, with a great ability to adapt to new tasks and easily learn tricks.
9. Miniature Schnauzer
The traditional Schnauzer was used in Europe in the battlefield.. This variety is a little smaller, but ideal for sporting events.
They run and run and run again. They love to expend their energies doing all kinds of activity, which can be channeled through training.
10. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
What they lack in size they make up for in loyalty. Corgis are often used as sentry dogs.They are very good at protecting their families.
Of course, they need to be constantly busy, since they are very restless and awake dogs, besides having a somewhat complicated temperament, which will require training, although training them is an easy task thanks to their great ease of learning.
11. Australian Cattle Shepherd
It is also called Australian Cattle Shepherd and, as long as it has enough space, it will be happy. This breed has a fairly recent origin, being at the beginning of the last century when it began to be bred.
12. Rottweiler
It is used in the army and its origins are believed to date back to Ancient Rome.. Its intelligence makes it an easily trainable dog, which is great for teaching it to take care of its masters since it feels the duty to protect them already innately, despite its appearance.
13. Papillon
As its name suggests, it is native to French-speaking areas, especially northern France and Wallonia, Belgium. Papillon means "butterfly" in French, and refers to the characteristic shape of the ears of this dog.
It is a great companion dog, having a sensitive and observant character, as well as being easily trained.It is a great companion dog, having a sensitive and observant character, as well as being easily trainable.
14. Labrador Retriever
Of a very manageable nature, Labrador Retrievers are known to be true expert swimmers. That is why they are usually used by fishermen, although they are not bad at being on land helping hunters.
They are good guide dogs and are known as very affectionate dogs. Thanks to them they have been incorporated in multiple therapies as a stimulus to promote the emotional recovery of the patient.
15. Shetland Shepherd
This dog is originally from the Shetland Islands, off the coast of Scotland, and was bred for work in the fields. Its character is docile.
It has a very good ability to cope with intellectual challenges, as well as adapting with relative agility to new activities.and adapts with relative agility to new activities. He never tires of learning.
The Shetland Shepherd is also called shadow dog, since they are so loyal to their master that they constantly chase him and do not separate from him.
16. Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans are intelligent and loyal to their master, which makes them a good bodyguard.The Doberman Pinscher is a good bodyguard, which combines very well with their menacing appearance.
However, and although they give the impression of being potentially dangerous, they are animals that can adapt to any lifestyle, especially if they are trained from puppyhood to relate peacefully with other dogs and people.
17. Golden Retriever
Very intuitive and sensitive, it is easily trainable, besides having a very balanced character, which makes it a very recommendable animal for environments with children. for environments where children are present..
They are not only animals with great intelligence, but they are also very adorable and, in case of emergency, they are very useful when it comes to finding victims.
18. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is the emblematic dog of the police, since it has a very fine sense of smell. since it has a very fine sense of smell as well as great intuition and, of course, intelligence.
It learns many tricks and tasks with agility, and can be taught to detect drugs and explosive substances.
It is not surprising that the typical image that comes to mind when talking about police dogs is that of Rex, the canine protagonist of the German series that bore his name.
19. Poodle
Although its appearance may suggest that it is too finicky for certain tasks and that it is used to the good home life, the poodle, which is the national dog of France, has an uncommon intelligence.
It learns easily, which is why in many circuses they were used as entertainment, being taught many tricks such as, for example, making them stand up and 'walk' (an ethically questionable practice).
They tend to be an ideal breed for breeding in cities and other urban settings since, unlike sheepdogs and working dogs, poodles are well-balanced and calm in character, as well as being very sensitive.
20. Border Collie
The Border Collie is undoubtedly the most intelligent dog breed, or at least by far the most intelligent.
This breed is known for being able to improve on its own, without the need of previous training. nor examples of how something should be done to solve it. In fact, he is capable of overcoming challenges that other dogs would not be able to.
His great obedience is intuitive. He has very good reflexes and learns very easily.
(Updated at Apr 13 / 2024)