Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds, Ranked: Which Pup Reigns Supreme?

The smartest dog breeds, like Border Collies, Poodles, and German Shepherds, have exceptional learning abilities. But before we jump into the rankings, let’s talk about what makes a dog “smart.” According to Dr. Coren, there are three types of canine intelligence:

1. Instinctive Intelligence – A breed’s natural ability, such as herding, hunting, or guarding.
2. Adaptive Intelligence – How well a dog learns from experience and solves problems.
3. Working and Obedience Intelligence – How quickly a dog learns commands and obeys them.

The breeds below rank high in working and obedience intelligence, meaning they learn new commands in less than five repetitions and obey them at least 95% of the time (source).

If dogs had universities, the Border Collie would be the valedictorian. Known for their incredible problem-solving skills and agility, these dogs can learn over 1,000 words (source). They thrive on mental stimulation, so if you don’t keep them busy, they might start redecorating your house, by herding the furniture!

Don’t let their fancy looks fool you. Poodles are incredibly smart. They were originally bred as water retrievers, meaning they’re excellent at problem-solving and following complex commands. Plus, their hypoallergenic coats make them a great choice for allergy sufferers. Hypoallergenic means (a substance containing few allergy-producing substances known as allergens.)

Used by police and military forces worldwide, German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, courage, and sharp minds. They can learn new tasks after just a few repetitions, making them ideal for service work, search-and-rescue, and even acting in movies!

Golden Retrievers aren’t just lovable family pets, they’re also highly intelligent. They’re often used as therapy and service dogs due to their ability to read human emotions and respond appropriately. If you need a dog that’s both smart and affectionate, this is the breed for you.

Originally bred for personal protection, Dobermans are incredibly trainable and alert. Their intelligence, combined with their fierce loyalty, makes them one of the best guard dogs in the world. But don’t worry, when properly trained, they’re also big softies with their families.

Think of the Shetland Sheepdog as a smaller Border Collie. These dogs are known for their quick reflexes and ability to anticipate commands before you even give them. Plus, their herding instinct means they’ll keep a close eye on kids and other pets in the household.

There’s a reason Labradors are one of the most popular dog breeds, they’re friendly, loyal, and highly trainable. Labs excel in search-and-rescue missions, therapy work, and assistance roles, making them more than just a great pet, they’re lifesavers.

Small but mighty, the Papillon is one of the smartest toy breeds. Don’t let their size fool you, they love learning tricks and solving puzzles. Their name means “butterfly” in French, thanks to their wing-like ears, but their intelligence is what truly makes them stand out.

Often misunderstood, Rottweilers are actually highly intelligent and deeply loyal to their families. They are quick learners and excel in obedience training. Proper socialization is key, but when raised well, they’re both loving companions and excellent watchdogs.

This breed is famous for outsmarting its owners. The Australian Cattle Dog is incredibly independent and great at solving problems. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, or they’ll find their own way to stay entertained (like opening doors or figuring out how to escape the backyard!).

Similar to the German Shepherd but even more Intense.

Small but highly intelligent and great at herding.

Quick Learners with a love for problem-solving.