Clever Canines: Dog Breeds Known for Their Intelligence

Intelligence, or lack thereof, is not a trait unique to humans. The animal kingdom has demonstrated time and again how all species have some level of intellect. Even animals that are often portrayed as simple-minded, like the ostrich, still have complex instincts that help them survive and thrive. Dogs are no different, and while all dogs may be smart in their own way, and express it differently, there are some dogs whose intelligence is far superior to others.

Dogs can be fun, friendly, and faithful companions, giving their owners years of love and adoration. Never underestimate your clever canine. They may refuse to listen to you at times, but this doesn't mean they're any less intelligent. It simply means your stubborn pup needs a bit more training, like the Australian Cattle Dog (who made our honorable mention list).

To compile a list of dog breeds known for their intelligence, 24/7 Tempo consulted various dog experts and veterinary sources, including the American Kennel Club, Purina, and Science Alert, among others, and researched various types of dogs to learn which are the smartest and why. If you don't see your dog here, don't worry, he's still a good boy. (Click here to learn about the most popular dog breeds in America.)

• Country of Origin: Border of Scotland and England
• Weight: 30-55 pounds
• Life expectancy: 12-15 years

This breed can learn and understand new commands at an incredibly fast rate. Many dogs need multiple repetitions to remember a command, but border collies can retain new information remarkably well. They are also one of the quickest breeds to start acting upon commands, doing exactly what they're asked.

Most experts judge a dog's IQ based on the number of repetitions it takes for them to gain an understanding of what they're being taught. Border collies have been found to learn a new command in under five repetitions. It's pretty remarkable, especially when you consider that most other dog breeds require at least 25-50 repetitions before they begin to understand the command.

Many border collies even hold world records for the ability to perform several tricks in under a minute. Some of them can even roll down car windows. Border collies also separate themselves from many other breeds due to their adaptive intelligence. That means they can learn from previous experiences and mistakes.

• Country of Origin: Germany
• Weight: Female 40-50 pounds, male 60-70 pounds
• Life expectancy: 10-18 years

While there are many size variations and combinations – from miniature and toy to bernadoodle and labradoodle – many breeders consider the standard poodle to be one of the most intelligent dogs. Experts often compare the intelligence of most dogs to that of a 2-year-old child. When they talk about poodles, they often compare their intelligence to a 2-2.5-year-old child, which is significant in the pet world.

Known to be quick learners and problem solvers, some poodles are known to solve very basic math problems and learn up to 250 different and unique-sounding words. Poodles have often also been known to learn a new command with five or fewer repetitions and will also obey a known command with a success rate of 95% or higher, which is not true of all dogs.

• Country of Origin: Germany
• Weight: Female 50-70 pounds, male 60-70 pounds
• Life expectancy: 7-10 years

There's a reason why this breed often holds positions as a seeing eye, police aid, and medical assistance dog. German shepherds also have intelligence comparable to a 2.5-year-old human and have intelligence that has been passed down through generations. They were originally bred in Germany to herd sheep, and that takes smarts and structure, which are traits the breed continues to possess today.

German shepherds can also often learn a command in fewer than five repetitions. They are also dependable which is why they've been trained to perform many important functions, including transporting messages and bandages during wartime, helping people with disabilities get through their day, and even working as actors on shows and movies like "I Am Legend" and "K-9," among others.

• Country of Origin: Scotland
• Weight: Female 55-65 pounds, male 65-75 pounds
• Life expectancy: 10-12 years

This quick-learning breed has obtained some of its smarts because its brains make up a higher percentage of its mass than many other breeds. Their brain-to-body ratio is even comparable to that of humans. While the size of a brain doesn't necessarily mean that the person or animal carrying it is smarter than others, golden retrievers prove their intelligence with their actions.

This breed is exceptional, especially while outdoors, and they make great hunting dogs. They can navigate through thick brush and track down a variety of birds and animals. Like German shepherds, goldens are also great at helping people with disabilities, including working as seeing-eye dogs. While guiding someone with a vision impairment, the breed can instinctively navigate crowded sidewalks, know when to stop at intersections, and avoid oncoming traffic while keeping their human companion safe.

Golden retrievers are also often employed by the police force since they can follow scents and find missing people, including lost hikers, and they also do remarkably well when it comes to performing tricks. It's not uncommon to see this breed performing high fives, salutes, the army crawl, and even bouncing a ball.

• Country of Origin: Germany
• Weight: Female 60-90 pounds, male 75-100 pounds
• Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Originally bred in 1870 by tax collector Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann to be a perfect guard dog, this breed is a smart, capable, and faithful companion. Over the years, the Doberman Pinscher has been instrumental in many facets of history, like during World War II, where they helped U.S. Marines get through the dense South Pacific and worked as guard dogs during the night. Today, they continue to work as rescue, therapy, and service dogs.

Dobermans are also very perceptive and curious and always investigate their environment while trying to learn everything they can, often learning new commands with five or fewer repetitions. Doberman pinschers continue to possess that skill they were bred for – guarding – and part of that is due to their great instincts and awareness.

• Country of Origin: Canada
• Weight: Female 50-70 pounds, male 65-80 pounds
• Life expectancy: 11-13 years

The intelligence of labrador retrievers goes back to their origin in the 19th century when fishermen in Newfoundland wanted to create dogs that could hunt and retrieve game. They started breeding Newfoundland dogs with St. John's water dogs which resulted in a smart dog that was also a wonderful and faithful companion.

Labrador retrievers are great at learning from their environment to solve problems. They're also highly skilled at learning to fetch, guard, herd animals, and learn from humans. This breed can also learn tricks five times faster than many other breeds and also possesses the intelligence of a 2-2.5-year-old.

• Country of Origin: Germany
• Weight: Female 55-70 pounds, male 65-80 pounds
• Life expectancy: 11-13 years

Rottweilers have been around since the Roman Empire and are a breed that is known for its sharp perception, environmental awareness, and ability to fill many roles, ranging from being search-and-rescue dogs to police companions. Though you may not immediately think of them this way, rottweilers also make great therapy dogs, and they can be very comforting. They also can learn commands very easily.

• Country of Origin: Spain
• Weight: 5-10 pounds
• Life expectancy: 14-16 years

The smallest dog on this list is the mighty papillon, which has a large brain and a great memory. They are great guard dogs that are remarkably adept at getting rid of pests. You'll often see this toy breed doing quite well in obedience competitions as they are especially easy to train because they're energetic and eager to please. Papillons make great companions because they'll stick with their owners through thick and thin. Plus, they make great lap dogs.

While the dogs we've listed so far are considered to be some of the smartest dog breeds, there are some others that experts see as very intelligent. Additional breeds that deserve a spot on this smart dog list include:

• Shetland Sheepdog
• Australian Cattle Dog
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi
• Miniature Schnauzer
• English Springer Spaniel

It is important to remember that just because your dog might not have made the list, it doesn't mean they aren't smart. Most dogs are pretty bright, especially with the right training and plenty of patience from their owners. If you have a pup, take your time with them, and you're likely to see great potential. (For more dog content, click to read about 10 of the most expensive dog breeds.)