smart-breeds-golden-retriever

The 5 Most Intelligent Dog Breeds Chosen By Vets

Smartest Dog Breeds

Ever wonder what the smartest dog breed is? In this article, we provide an overview of the world’s the smartest dog breeds. These five breeds all have intelligence, loyalty, friendliness, agility, and devotion to their owners in common. If you are the proud pet owner of any of these breeds and are located in the Fox Valley, consider contacting the vets at Countryside Veterinary Services for your canine companion’s checkups, vaccinations, and more. This list of smartest dog breeds is based on numerous studies done to test the intelligence of dogs.

Number 5: Golden Retriever

The friendly
Golden Retriever is not only a trusting family companion but also one of the smartest dog breeds today. Bred to be sporting dogs, these gentle companions need plenty of exercise that engages both the mind and body. Sturdy, muscular, and ever friendly, they are known for their affectionate, out-going personality. As a sporting breed originally bred in the mid 1800’s, Goldens enjoy activities like long runs, bike rides, hunting, and fetching a tennis ball or Frisbee.

If you are the owner of a Golden Retriever, be sure to give your intelligent canine companion daily exercise, which helps to prevent undesirable behavior and keeps your canine friend happy and healthy.

Smart Breeds - Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever Traits

The Golden Retriever is known for its adaptability and affection with family. By nature, these enduring canines are exceptionally child-friendly and get along very well with cats and other dogs. If you’re considering adopting a Golden Retriever, consider the following traits to see whether this breed is right for you and your family:

Adaptability

Adaptability:

5

Affection Level

Affection Level:

5

Apartment Friendly

Apartment Friendly:

2

Barking Tendencies

Barking Tendencies:

3

Cat Friendly

Cat Friendly:

4

Child Friendly

Child Friendly:

5

Dog Friendly

Dog Friendly:

5

Exercise Needs

Exercise Needs:

5

Grooming

Grooming:

3

Health Issues

Health Issues:

4

Intelligence

Intelligence:

5

Playfulness

Playfulness:

5

Shedding Level

Shedding Level:

3

Social Needs

Social Needs:

5

Stranger Friendly

Stranger Friendly:

5

Territorial

Territorial:

3

Trainability

Trainability:

5

Watchdog Ability

Watchdog Ability:

3


Number 4: Australian Shepherd

Highly intelligent, work-oriented, and lively, the
Australian Shepherd is a breed developed from the Basque Shepherd, Collie, and Border Collie, among others, and was, in fact, developed in the American West, not Australia. Australian Shepherds are known to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, and are renown for their obedience, agility, and excellence in herding and other active sports. In addition to being kept as beloved pets, Australian Shepherds are also service dogs, therapy dogs, drug detectors, and rescue dogs. This sharp breed is devoted to its owner and displays affection by sitting on your foot or leaning against you.

Smart Breeds - Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd Traits

Highly versatile, adaptable, and energetic, the Australian Shepherd enjoys an active lifestyle most. If you plan on owning one of these highly intelligent breeds, be sure to spend time training him. Aussies, as they’re often called, are natural-born protectors, and are highly devoted to the people they know. Somewhat wary of strangers, Australian Shepherds need plenty of socialization, so be sure to only adopt a puppy from trusted breeders with a keen sense of how to breed and care for these highly intelligent herding dogs. See the traits below to determine if an Australian Shepherd is right for you:

Adaptability

Adaptability:

5

Affection Level

Affection Level:

4

Apartment Friendly

Apartment Friendly:

3

Barking Tendencies

Barking Tendencies:

5

Cat Friendly

Cat Friendly:

3

Child Friendly

Child Friendly:

5

Dog Friendly

Dog Friendly:

3

Exercise Needs

Exercise Needs:

5

Grooming

Grooming:

3

Health Issues

Health Issues:

3

Intelligence

Intelligence:

5

Playfulness

Playfulness:

5

Shedding Level

Shedding Level:

3

Social Needs

Social Needs:

4

Stranger Friendly

Stranger Friendly:

2

Territorial

Territorial:

5

Trainability

Trainability:

5

Watchdog Ability

Watchdog Ability:

5


Number 3: Poodle

Despite the fluffy coat and prissy face, the Poodle is one highly intelligent breed, sporting a smart brain and great sense of humor. Poodles are energetic dogs and excel at agility and obedience competitions. The Poodle is bred in various sizes, including
Standard,
Miniature and
Toy. Although known as the national dog of France, Poodles originated in Germany and were bred to be duck hunters over 400 years ago.

The Poodle has a muscular body and is an excellent athlete with an impusle to retrieve. Your Poodle will enjoy fetching toys, sticks, balls, or Frisbees, or a long walk or run beside you.

Smart Breeds - Poodle

Poodle Traits

No matter if you choose to adopt a Standard, Miniature, or Toy variety, Poodles make special companions who are renown for their intelligence and trainability. In addition to their smarts, they are graceful, agile, and naturally carry themselves with pride. Are you considering adopting a Poodle? Take a look at the traits below to see whether a Poodle is the right choice for you.

Adaptability

Adaptability:

5

Affection Level

Affection Level:

5

Apartment Friendly

Apartment Friendly:

5

Barking Tendencies

Barking Tendencies:

3

Cat Friendly

Cat Friendly:

4

Child Friendly

Child Friendly:

5

Dog Friendly

Dog Friendly:

4

Exercise Needs

Exercise Needs:

4

Grooming

Grooming:

5

Health Issues

Health Issues:

3

Intelligence

Intelligence:

5

Playfulness

Playfulness:

4

Shedding Level

Shedding Level:

1

Social Needs

Social Needs:

5

Stranger Friendly

Stranger Friendly:

4

Territorial

Territorial:

4

Trainability

Trainability:

5

Watchdog Ability

Watchdog Ability:

4


Number 2: German Shepherd

Originally bred in Germany in the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz developed the
German Shepherd to be the ideal herding dog to guard and protect sheep. Also known as the the Alsatian, this highly intelligent dog was bred to herd sheep and is characterized by agility, stealth, confidence, and loyalty.

German Shepherd Traits

The German Shepherd is a trusted companion who makes a gentle and devoted family pet. A a fearless dog with a natural instinct to protect, the GSD, is also well-known for its military and police work and is also an effective guard dog.

Smart Breeds - German Shepherd

In addition, the German Shepherd is a protective, adaptive family dog, who likes to use his smarts by playing, running, or working. German Shepherds make great companions and are devoted members of the family. Take a look at the traits below to see if the German Shepherd is right for you:

Adaptability

Adaptability:

5

Affection Level

Affection Level:

3

Apartment Friendly

Apartment Friendly:

3

Barking Tendencies

Barking Tendencies:

2

Cat Friendly

Cat Friendly:

3

Child Friendly

Child Friendly:

5

Dog Friendly

Dog Friendly:

2

Exercise Needs

Exercise Needs:

3

Grooming

Grooming:

3

Health Issues

Health Issues:

4

Intelligence

Intelligence:

5

Playfulness

Playfulness:

3

Shedding Level

Shedding Level:

5

Social Needs

Social Needs:

3

Stranger Friendly

Stranger Friendly:

1

Territorial

Territorial:

5

Trainability

Trainability:

5

Watchdog Ability

Watchdog Ability:

5


Number 1: Border Collie

So what is the smartest dog breed? The
Border Collie has incredible focus and is arguably considered the world’s best herding dog. This breed needs to have something to do because he can wreak havoc in your home if he’s bored. Agile, athletic, and highly intelligent, the Border Collie has an iconic intense stare. Extremely people-oriented dogs, they may just try to herd you in!

Border Collie Traits

With the level of energy characteristic of this breed, you will need to plan on giving her lots of exercise. Her owner will need to enjoy spending time outside. Border Collies need something to do every day, and not just a daily walk or brief jog around the backyard – they are canine athletes who excel in herding events and sports like flying disc and flyball.

Smart Breeds - Border Collie

In addition, early socialization is essential to the Border Collie. Obedience training from a young age mental stimulates and encourages the puppy to have positive interactions with humans, animals, and other dogs. If you’re considering a Border Collie, this highly intelligent and affectionate breed will be your energetic companion for life!

Adaptability

Adaptability:

5

Affection Level

Affection Level:

5

Apartment Friendly

Apartment Friendly:

2

Barking Tendencies

Barking Tendencies:

5

Cat Friendly

Cat Friendly:

3

Child Friendly

Child Friendly:

5

Dog Friendly

Dog Friendly:

3

Exercise Needs

Exercise Needs:

5

Grooming

Grooming:

2

Health Issues

Health Issues:

3

Intelligence

Intelligence:

5

Playfulness

Playfulness:

5

Shedding Level

Shedding Level:

3

Social Needs

Social Needs:

5

Stranger Friendly

Stranger Friendly:

3

Territorial

Territorial:

5

Trainability

Trainability:

5

Watchdog Ability

Watchdog Ability:

5