The smartest dog breeds are generally considered to be herding dogs or dogs that had to hunt on their own with only some vocal communication from their owners to guide them. These were dogs that were bred to problem solve and to enjoy human company so much that they will do just about anything to please people.
Scientists base the level of “smartness” in dogs by how trainable they are or how many tricks they can learn. This does not measure a dog’s actual intelligence. There is a very good argument to be made that a dog that manages to get his or her owner to do everything for them is far more intelligent than a dog that does a lot of tricks in order to make a person happy. But, alas, there has yet to be a true dog intelligence test devised. The current standards were set by a professor of psychology, Stanley Coren, after he tested about 100 breeds. So, for now, these are the smartest purebred dogs.
The absolute smartest dog breed in the world is generally considered to be the border collie. They can learn hundreds of commands and can learn large chunks of human vocabulary. Border collies were originally bred to herd and protect sheep. Sheep dog trials show off their astonishing capabilities not only of command recollection but of putting up with people in all weathers. When foot and mouth disease decimated England’s sheep population in 2001, border collies were tested by herding geese instead of the usual sheep. Border collies also excel at dog sports such as flyball and agility.
Poodles
Poodles were originally bred to be retrievers. Their fast growing curly coats kept their bodies well insulated from the cold and the wet. Although originally large dogs, over the years poodles have been bred smaller and smaller in size in order to keep up with the demand for small companion animals. Poodles enjoy human company and like to please people which is why they learn tricks so quickly. They are popular in circuses and in the entertainment industry. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! gave smartest dog in the world honors to a toy poodle named Chanda-Leah (1994 – 2006.)
Also known as GSDs, this is arguably one of the most versatile dog breeds in the world. They have adapted to their original herding work into becoming human guardians, police dogs, army dogs, Hollywood film stars, seeing eye dogs, loyal companions and search and rescue dogs. Sadly, the demand for GDS has caused many inbreeding practices and the breed is still found in many puppy mills. As a result, this gentle giant is prone to many health problems.
Depending on what “smartest dog breed” list one looks at, golden retrievers flip-flop with poodles for second most intelligent. Originally bred to locate and bring back shot or wounded game birds in all kinds of weathers and terrain, goldens have become just as versatile and ubiquitous as GSDs. Unfortunately, they are also prone to health problems for the same reasons GSDs are.
Doberman Pinschers, also known as Dobies, have a reputation for viciousness that they do not deserve. Originally bred to protect a German tax collector, they have since served in war beside human soldiers, been trained as therapy dogs, feature in movies and television. Dobies are far more delicate than they appear and are also prone to health issues. They are very sensitive to a person’s voice and facial expression. Many also claim this breed has an unusual sense of humor. Donnie the Doberman, for example, is a rescue dog that gained notoriety by arranging his toys in special piles similar to a person arranging flowers.
References:
Stanley Coren. “The Intelligence of Dogs.” Bantam Books; 1994.
Web MD. “How Smart is Your Dog?” http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/features/how-smart-is-your-dog
MSNBC. “Dogs are as Smart as Toddlers, Study Finds.” http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32349079/39321535
“National Geographic: Genius Dogs.” (2007)
