Smart Dogs: 10 Brainy (and Not So Brainy) Breeds

Animal intelligence is largely subjective, since we can’t very well administer IQ tests for our pets. That said, there is a general consensus as to which dog breeds may be smarter or quicker on their toes than others. If your dog has been bred over the years to be a hunting, herding, or retrieving breed, he is more likely to be quick with his senses, ready to work and eager to please you.

In scientific assessments performed by professional obedience judges, so-called smart dogs earned the title by absorbing commands in less than five repetitions and obeying them at least 95% of the time. Further, the smartest breeds are found to be similar to a 2-year-old child in their ability to understand our speech. They understand up to 250 words, while the average pup can understand roughly 150 words or commands.

Are dogs with lower obedience scores less intelligent? Not really. These guys will typically take longer to learn tasks, but can be trained just the same. How does your pup measure up?

Smartest Breeds:

1. Border Collie

2. Poodle

3. German Shepherd

4. Golden Retriever

5. Doberman Pinscher

6. Shetland Sheepdog

7. Labrador Retriever

8. Papillon

9. Rottweiler

10. Australian Cattle Dog

Slower Breeds:

1. Shih Tzu

2. Bassett Hound

3. Mastiff / Beagle (tie)

4. Pekingnese

5. Bloodhound

6. Borzoi

7. Chow Chow

8. Bulldog

9. Basenji

10. Afghan hound