16 of the Smartest Dog Breeds
They may not be ready to beat you in a game of chess, but these brainy dogs are easy to train and generally eager to please you. 
By Chad Taylor Updated April 12, 2022 Advertisement Pin FB More Tweet Email Send Text Message Print
Growing up, just about everyone dreams of having a dog they can teach tricks. So if that's 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 they're quick learners. And here's another: they want to do things!
labrador retriever with young girl who is carrying a stick Credit: BraunS / Getty
How Do Smart Dogs Learn?
"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 you're 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 you're 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.
Border Collie
black-and-white border collie smiling at camera Big brain alert! Border collies are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds, and they love learning new tricks and working hard. | Credit: R A Kearton / Getty
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.
Poodle
light brown standard poodle standing on path in woods Credit: Teemu Tretjakov / EyeEm / Getty
Don't let the fluffy hairdo fool you: poodles are adept hunters and some of the brightest furry pals you'll 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.
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German Shepherd
German Shepherd lying in the leaves holding a stick German shepherds love being outdoors and are best suited for owners who lead active, healthy lifestyles. | Credit: Getty
They're 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 that's 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, they'll see them slow down dramatically around age 8."
Golden Retriever
light-color golden retriever headshot Credit: Andrea Donetti / EyeEm / Getty
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, they're 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.
Doberman Pinscher
Medium shot portrait of a Doberman Pinscher wearing a red collar Bred to be obedient, loyal companions, Dobermans are often vigilant. They form deep bonds with their owners and are commonly called “Velcro dogs.” | Credit: everydoghasastory / Shutterstock
Long one of the world's 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 they'll follow them unerringly.
Shetland Sheepdog
shetland sheepdog or sheltie running in park Credit: yanjf / Getty
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.
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Labrador Retriever
labrador retriever with young girl who is carrying a stick Credit: BraunS / Getty
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.
Papillon
tan-and-white papillon lying on floor Credit: Mongkolsak Longlalerng / EyeEm / Getty
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 papillon's raison d'être.
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Rottweiler
headshot of black-and-tan rottweiler Rottweilers have been working dogs since the days of ancient Rome. But today they can have a more snuggle-bug personality and make doting family pets. | Credit: Julian Popov / EyeEm / Getty
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—don't underestimate your Rottie's ability to learn a few things from the time he's a puppy and all throughout his life.
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Australian Cattle Dog
Austtralian cattle dog peering over fence Credit: WiindWolfPhotography / Getty
Related to Australia's famously devious feral dog, the dingo, the Australian cattle dog was custom bred by British settlers specifically to handle Australia's intense heat, rough terrain, and wide-open spaces. Some of the finest herding dogs you're 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!
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
black and tan cardigan welsh corgi lying in his owner's arm If a Cardigan Welsh corgi loves anything, it’s snuggles with his favorite human. | Credit: Vitalii Matokha / Shutterstock
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 won't 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 she's at her best with diverse and engaging tasks that keep her mentally and physically active. Want a kayaking buddy? She'll 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 doesn't.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Credit: Purple Collar Pet Photography / Getty
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. It's 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 Pembroke's DNA.
At home, these friendly little dogs are happy to turn that intelligence towards learning tricks, playing fun games, and participating in agility coursework.
Miniature Schnauzer
miniature schnauzer lying on dirt floor of forest Credit: MGovantes / Getty
Another dog that's 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 Spaniel
english springer spaniel lying on couch facing camera Credit: gradyreese / Getty
English springer spaniels are some of the most hardworking hunters you'll find. They've 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.
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Belgian Tervuren
belgian tervuren lying down looking at camera Credit: Eric Metz / Getty
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 don't 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.
Schipperke
black schipperke standing in tall grass The schipperke’s coat gives these little dogs a full and fluffy, sloped silhouette. | Credit: shells1 / getty
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 he'll 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 they're innate explorers and will chase anything that catches their eye. So it's 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 aren't kept stimulated with games and toys.
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