You may find yourself looking at your canine companion and wondering just how much they understand. Well, it turns out some breeds are smarter than others.
Research published in the 2006 edition of Professor Stanley Coren’s book The Intelligence of Dogs ranks the intelligence of 131 dog breeds. Professor Coren is a neuropsychological researcher with a specialism in the intelligence and cognitive ability of dogs. He writes the popular Psychology Today column Canine Corner.
We’ve listed the top ten smartest dog breeds according to Professor Coren below – as well as the three breeds bringing up the rear. Read on to see if Fido really is the bright spark you think him to be...
The smartest dog breeds
1. Border Collie
Border Collies are working dogs with lots of brain power at their disposal. They are excellent sheep dogs and make fantastic companions for those with special needs who may need a dog to complete complex tasks.
They require a lot of mental stimulation, so bear this in mind before you bring a Collie pup home with you.
2. Poodle
Poodles may look fancy, but there's a lot of brain behind those stylish mops. Traditionally bred to retrieve game from lakes and rivers, their curly coats help them to swim efficiently.
They're one of the smartest dog breeds because they can learn commands quickly and are eager to please.
3. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a breed you probably expected to find on this list. These fiercely intelligent dogs are also known for their extreme athleticism, and are used by police and military due to their trainability and adaptability.
4. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is an athletic breed with lots of intelligence and trainability. They are friendly dog with outgoing personalities, and while they don't make great guard dogs they commonly shine in obedience trials.
5. Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans are a guardian and companion breed that will want to be involved with whatever you’re doing. They are rewarding dogs to train, as they are eager to please and love a new challenge.
6. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, comes from the Shetland Isles of Scotland. This Scottish dog breed is one of the smartest dog breeds and love a challenge, excelling at agility and herding. They are smaller than most herding breeds, with a long, silky coat.
7. Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds with lovely temperaments to go with their quick-thinking brains. There's a reason these dogs are often used as assistance dogs for the blind, as they are keen to please and quick to learn new things. They are very food motivated, making them easy to train.
8. Papillion
Though small in size, the Papillion is a clever pup and you shouldn't be surprised if you see them cleaning up at an agility event. They are trainable and eager to please, with beautiful butterfly-like ears atop their heads.
9. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a dependable dog, traditionally a herding breed, they also make great guardians as they are loyal and protective. They were used in Germany as butcher's dogs, sometimes pulling carts full of meat to market as well as herding animals to be slaughtered.
10. Australian Cattle Dog
Another fantastic herding breed, and the smartest of the Australian dog breeds, the Australian Cattle Dog, or "blue heeler" is a squat, fast dog known for its tenacity and ability to herd animals much larger than itself.
Some say they have the blood of the Australian wild dog, the dingo, contributing to their heavy dose of smarts and fierceness.
The bottom three smartest dogs
Bulldog
Bulldogs have long been a symbol of strength and courage, but they have an extremely soft side that is barely concealed beneath the surface.
Bulldogs are very affectionate and love to nap, making them fabulously laid-back companions. However, they do have a stubborn streak that can make training them an uphill battle!
Basenji
With stamina to burn, this African breed is a fun-loving pooch who needs an owner willing to keep up.
Basenjis don’t bark, but they do vocalise – they make noises that sound like yodelling. High spirited and supremely curious, you’ll need to ensure your Basenji doesn’t get distracted and wander off!
Afghan Hound
This long-haired, dignified-looking dog is magnificent to look at, but can be prone to the odd bout of silliness due to their high energy levels. Powerful and agile, this tall sighthound was bred for hunting. While loyal to their owners, their recall might take a bit of work!
How were the smartest dogs ranked?
Dr Stanley Coren’s list of the smartest dog breeds is based on a survey of 208 dogs in North America. They are ranked by their ability to learn new commands and the likelihood of obeying a command first time. The dogs listed in our top ten can understand a new command within five repetitions, and will obey the first command 95% of the time or better.
Now you know the smartest dog breeds, here are the easiest dog breeds
Bethany is an experienced writer who has been writing across the pets and equestrian sector for eight years.
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
Recent updates
This feature was last updated on March 14, 2025 by Bethany Stone.
