“What is the smartest breed and what is the dumbest?” 

A question we hear frequently.  And what a loaded one it is!  With hundreds of breeds recognized in various kennel clubs worldwide and even more crosses, volumes could be written on this subject alone!

but let’s starts with the The Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World:

#10 Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is a very active breed.  They need to be exercised on a regular basis, both mentally and physically.  As they were originally bred to herd in cattle in Australia (hence the name), they are freethinking, resourceful, and very protective of their property, including people! read more about this dog breed … at HeyDogs.com

#9 Rottweiler
The Rottweiler, #9 on our list, has a fearsome reputation that is largely undeserved.  The Rotti is only average in intensity, and make a great family dog.  Not only is the Rottweiler intelligent, but extremely courageous (one of the best guard dogs) and reliable. read more about this dog breed … at HeyDogs.com

#8 The Papillon
Does this dog scare you at all?  Well it should, because Papillons are actually a lot tougher than they look!  Some would characterize Papillons as a little moody and aggressive, but they are simply very possessive of their masters and “home turf”.  It may surprise some that the Papillon is considered one of the most affectionate dogs.  Another very intelligent dog, and very easy to train. read more about this dog breed … at HeyDogs.com

#7 Labrador Retriever
An extremely loving, affectionate, and patient dog, the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds of dog in the world.  They love to work, and need a lot of exercise.  Without proper exercise, Labs have been known to develop weight problems.  Because of their good nature, and love of children and other dogs, they are a very popular family dog.  read more about this dog breed … at HeyDogs.com

#6 Shetland Sheepdog
Many Shetland owners swear that their dog has nearly human intelligence!  Shelties were originally bred to herd hundreds of sheep and cattle, requiring great concentration and, of course, intelligence.  They can be a little wary of strangers and children, but are very loyal and affectionate within their own family.  In fact, the Sheltie very much craves human companionship. read more about this dog breed … at HeyDogs.com

#5 Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans are an extremely loyal, assertive, and fearless breed.  They have incredible stamina, and love to work (they are one of the top 10 best guard dog breeds)  Although known as a dominant breed, Dobermans can vary greatly as far as temperament goes.  Some can be quite docile, and even work as therapy dogs in hospitals!  Dobermans can be great family dogs too, if trained properly from an early age.  Although not vicious, you can count on a Doberman to aggressively protect its master if necessary. read more about this dog breed … at HeyDogs.com

#4 Golden Retriever
Consistently ranked as the most popular breed of dog, the Golden Retriever personifies everything we love about dogs-loyal, loving, patient, great with children and eager to please.  With such great intelligence, it’s no wonder that Golden Retrievers excel in obedience competitions and at performing tricks.  It should be no surprise that the Golden ranks highly on our list of top 10 most affectionate dogs. read more about this dog breed … at HeyDogs.com

#3 German Shepherd
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent, courageous, and have a very strong protective instinct (they are one of the best guard dogs).  As long as they are trained in obedience from an early age by a loving but firm hand, they can be great family dogs, and excellent with children.  Because of their intelligence, a German Shepherd needs a purpose or job in life to be truly happy. This intelligence, coupled with their courageous nature make German Shepherds excellent police and search dogs. read more about this dog breed … at HeyDogs.com

#2 Poodle
Yes, the Poodle is at number two.  The standard Poodle is highly intelligent and one of the easiest breeds to train.  They love to be around people, and really hate to be left alone.  Some standard Poodles are good guard dogs, and some can even be trained as hunters!  Overall, Poodles are a sensitive, pleasant and happy breed. read more about this dog breed … at HeyDogs.com

#1 Border Collie
Like many intelligent breeds, the Border Collie needs a job to do.  If they don’t have a purpose in life or some kind of job, they will not be happy.  Border Collies should  definitely not be left at home alone all day, and if they are, they can become quite destructive. They need constant companionship, praise, and extensive exercise.  So if you work and live in the city, a Border Collie probably isn’t the dog for you!  Because of their legendary intelligence, Border Collies set the standard in competitions for such skills as agility, obedience, and of course, sheepdog trials.  read more about this dog breed … at HeyDogs.com

 “What is the smartest breed and what is the dumbest?” ~ Karen Peak

Getting to the original use of the breed you are considering goes a long way in understanding what to expect when training.  As illustrated earlier, some breeds will have a greater desire to work closely with and follow the lead of a human.  Others may be more independent minded and take more encouragement.  However, there are some mistakes humans make that can lead to the belief that some breeds are dumber than others.

First, people tend to get dogs without really fitting the breed or cross to the needs of the person.  For example, if the person wants a top notch Agility or Obedience dog, a Basset Hound is not the best choice.  Bassets are a great choice for the person who wants to get into tracking – but just are not the best for top Obedience competitions.  Similarly, someone who wants to do Lure Coursing would be disappointed in a Collie.   A person who wants a good first dog that is easy to manage would be insane to get a dog that requires an experienced owner – Border Collies and Jack Russells are not the best choice for a first time dog owner.  Many people see how a breed or cross is portrayed in Hollywood and do not realize that what makes some breeds excel in this work can make them tough pets!  Some breeds are more laid back and others are very active.  The wrong match can be a disaster waiting to happen.  This holds true whether or not you are looking for a potential competition dog or just a pet.

Second, most failures in a dog’s training which can lead to the opinion the breed is dumb often are not with the breed or cross but with the creature at the other end of the lead.  Failure to properly socialize and delaying training until the puppy is grown are two common mistakes.  Not being consistent with what is expected, having reasonable expectations based on age and ability and confusion when other people involved fail to have consistency can be very detrimental to the speed and extent of learning.  I have seen breeds labeled as dumb competing successfully in Obedience and Agility.  They had dedicated owners who learned what to expect from the bred and how to work with it. I have seen breeds often considered very intelligent being called idiots by owners who failed to put the time and effort into the dog.  No breed is born trained – no matter how bright it is supposed to be!

Lastly, not understanding the breed or breeds in the cross.  The expectations one would have of a herding breed are different from what one would have of a hound breed.  A terrier breed will not be the same as the toy breeds your family had growing up.  Researching into various breeds, using a variety of resources from books to knowledgeable people within the breed and NOT what you see in Hollywood, is very important.

No breed is dumb or unable to be trained.  Some have their own agenda and some will willingly follow the lead of a human.  You get out of a dog or puppy only what you put into it.  So when you hear “Dang that breed is dumb!”  Look for issues on the other end of the lead…  More often than not, the fault lies there.

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