Smartest Dogs Ranked by Breed: How Smart Is Your Dog?

We all love our pups and like to think they’re the brightest, most brilliant doggies around – but is there such a thing as a dog intelligence scale, and are some dog breeds smarter than others? According to research carried out by the American Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club, and canine psychologist Stanley Coren, the answer is yes! Some dogs really are quicker on the uptake – they pick up new commands easily and obey them faster than other dogs. 

In this article, we take a look at the top 20 smartest dog breeds and what makes them so intelligent compared to other canines. Of course, intelligence is only one part of the picture. There are countless other traits that make dogs incredible companions, so if your pup isn’t on the list, don’t worry – they could easily top the charts for most loveable, best fetcher, or cuddliest couch buddy.

The Top 20 Smartest Dog Breeds – Ranked By Intelligence 

Rank	Breed	Size	Lifespan	Intelligence Level	Interesting Facts
1	Border Collie	Medium	12–15 yrs	Very High	Known as the “workaholic” of the dog world; can learn new commands in under 5 repetitions. Exceptional at herding and agility.
2	Poodle	Small–Large (Toy, Mini, Standard)	12–15 yrs	Very High	Highly trainable and adaptable; excels in obedience, retrieving, and even water rescue. Hypoallergenic coat.
3	German Shepherd	Large	9–13 yrs	Very High	Famous for police, military, and service work due to loyalty, trainability, and problem-solving skills.
4	Golden Retriever	Large	10–12 yrs	Very High	Friendly and eager to please; excels in obedience and therapy work; quick to learn new skills.
5	Doberman Pinscher	Large	10–12 yrs	Very High	Fearless and loyal; intelligent guard dog with strong obedience drive and quick response time.
6	Shetland Sheepdog	Small–Medium	12–14 yrs	Very High	Miniature herder with sharp instincts; learns commands rapidly and thrives in agility sports.
7	Labrador Retriever	Large	10–12 yrs	Very High	America’s most popular breed; excels as a service dog, in search-and-rescue, and as a family companion.
8	Papillon	Small	13–15 yrs	Very High	Tiny but brilliant; masters complex tricks and agility courses with ease; very people-oriented.
9	Rottweiler	Large	9–10 yrs	Very High	Strong, confident, and intelligent; excels in guarding, obedience, and tracking work.
10	Australian Cattle Dog	Medium	12–16 yrs	Very High	Highly energetic and resourceful herding dog; famous for outthinking livestock.
11	Pembroke Welsh Corgi	Small–Medium	12–13 yrs	High	Intelligent herder with a sense of humor; quick learner and excellent watchdog.
12	Miniature Schnauzer	Small–Medium	12–15 yrs	High	Spirited and quick-witted; excels in obedience and agility; great problem-solver.
13	English Springer Spaniel	Medium	12–14 yrs	High	Skilled hunting companion; intelligent, trainable, and eager to work.
14	Belgian Tervuren	Large	12–14 yrs	High	Agile and alert herding breed; excels in police, search-and-rescue, and agility trials.
15	Schipperke	Small	13–15 yrs	High	Curious and mischievous; quick learner with strong problem-solving instincts.
16	Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael)	Large	12–14 yrs	High	Protective and highly trainable; excels in obedience and herding tasks.
17	Collie (Rough & Smooth)	Large	12–14 yrs	High	Gentle, loyal, and quick to learn; excels in herding and therapy roles.
18	Keeshond	Medium	12–15 yrs	High	Affectionate and clever; historically served as a barge watchdog in Holland.
19	German Shorthaired Pointer	Medium–Large	10–14 yrs	High	Energetic hunting dog; excels at tracking, pointing, and retrieving.
20	Flat-Coated Retriever	Large	8–10 yrs	High	Cheerful, quick learner; excels in retrieving, obedience, and outdoor activities.

How Intelligence Is Measured In Dogs 

Animal psychologist Stanley Coren conducted extensive research in the 1990s on canine mental aptitude and response to training. His book The Intelligence of Dogs explores how breeds differ in working ability and obedience. 

Coren developed a doggy intelligence grading system based on American and Canadian Kennel Club trials involving 199 dog breeds. The smartest dogs were those able to:

• Learn a new command in fewer than 5 repetitions.
• Obey a first command 95% of the time or better.

While individual dogs can perform above or below breed averages (personality, age, health, and environment all play a role), the research provides a general guide to which breeds tend to learn the quickest.

Are Border Collies Ranked As The Smartest Dogs In The World?

Yes – in Stanley Coren’s research, Border Collies are ranked as the smartest dogs in the world. Bred for herding, Border Collies are adaptive, instinctive dogs. They can learn many words and commands, and are happiest when focused on working, especially if they are working with humans.

Border Collies are considered such smart dogs because:

• They are exceptionally trainable and known for their ability to learn commands quickly and to obey consistently. 
• They are good at instinctive problem-solving and can adapt to new situations, like a sheep straying from the flock while being herded, and they can come up with creative solutions to problems. 
• They recognize a fantastic number of words – some even recognizing over 200 toys and knowing many objects by name.
• They can multitask, managing several commands at once, and stay focused while working.
• They can recognize human emotions by tone, body language and facial expressions. 

So, if you’re the proud owner of a Border Collie and have been wondering just how smart are they? The answer is, very!

What Makes the Poodle Such a Smart Dog?

Second only to the Border Collie on Coren’s intelligence chart, the Poodle is widely recognized for its intelligence due to the breed having keen observation skills, strong memory, and an exceptional ability to quickly learn new commands and problems. 

Poodles can learn lots of commands and tricks – but it’s their ability to remember these commands over time that is most impressive. They also naturally excel at problem-solving and can figure out how to solve puzzles and challenges – couple this with their eagerness to please their owners, and you’ll find this super smart dog breed to be highly trainable and excited to learn new things. All great signs of high canine intelligence!

What About The Rest of The Top 5 Smartest Dogs?

German Shepherd – Ranked third in Stanley Coren’s intelligence scale, the German Shepherd is renowned for its combination of brains, brawn, and loyalty. This large, athletic breed is highly trainable and excels in complex tasks, making it a top choice for police, military, and search-and-rescue work. German Shepherds are quick problem-solvers and can be taught advanced skills, from scent detection to protection work, often mastering new commands in just a handful of repetitions. Their strong bond with their handler makes them both dependable partners and devoted family companions.

Golden Retriever – Sitting comfortably at number four, the Golden Retriever blends intelligence with an exceptionally gentle nature. Their eagerness to please and calm temperament make them a go-to breed for therapy and assistance roles, from guiding the visually impaired to offering comfort in hospitals. Golden Retrievers thrive on mental stimulation, learn quickly, and remember their training well. They’re also natural retrievers (true to their name), making them skilled in field work, competitive obedience, and even canine sports like dock diving.

Doberman Pinscher – Rounding out the top five is the Doberman Pinscher, a sleek, powerful breed celebrated for its alertness, quick reflexes, and strong protective instincts. Dobermans are deeply loyal and excel in obedience training, often responding to the first command with precision. Doberman owners often feel a strong, close connection to their pup, as Dobies are widely known to be sensitive, affectionate, and to bond deeply with their family. They can learn a wide range of advanced skills, from agility to personal protection.

Which Are The Smartest Mixed Breed Dogs?

Based on expert rankings and breed profiles, here are some of the smartest mixed dog breeds:

• Shollie (Border Collie + German Shepherd): This hybrid combines two of the most intelligent purebreds, resulting in a mix well known for quick learning and strong herding/intelligence traits.
• Aussiedoodle (Australian Shepherd + Poodle): Highly trainable, energetic, and eager to please — these dogs inherit both herding instinct and superior problem-solving skills. 
• Goldendoodle / Labradoodle (Golden Retriever or Labrador + Poodle): Along with decreased shedding, these mixes bring the intelligence of Retrievers and Poodles together, making them especially popular as therapy or assistance dogs. 
• Shepsky (German Shepherd + Siberian Husky): Intelligent, loyal, and alert, these mixes inherit strong working drive. 

Why Some Mixed Dog Breeds Are Smarter

• Genetic Diversity: Mixed breeds often benefit from a broader gene pool, which may enhance cognitive flexibility and reduce hereditary limitations. 
• Blend of Strengths: Smart mixed breeds inherit the best traits from both parents,  often combining working drive, attention, adherence to commands, and problem-solving talents.
  Adaptable Trainability: Many of these crosses are bred specifically for skills like therapy, service, or companionship, promoting keen emotional intelligence and responsiveness.

Can you Foster Intelligence in Dogs?

Absolutely. While genetics set the foundation, you can boost your dog’s brainpower through:

• Consistent, positive training.
• Puzzle toys and enrichment games.
• Social interaction with people and other dogs.
• Learning new skills throughout life.

Which Factors Impact Dog Intelligence?

Just like people, every dog has their own unique blend of strengths, quirks, and learning styles. While some pups seem born ready to ace obedience school, others take a little longer, and that’s perfectly okay. A dog’s “smarts” aren’t just about genetics; there are lots of factors that can help their brain shine.

Genetics – breed tendencies and inherited traits
Certain breeds have been developed over generations to excel at specific tasks, like herding sheep, retrieving game, or guarding homes. These instincts can influence the way a dog learns and solves problems. But remember, even within the same breed, intelligence can vary from pup to pup.

Training – Quality, consistency, and positivity of learning
How we teach our dogs makes a huge difference. Positive, reward-based training helps dogs associate learning with fun, which can boost confidence and speed up progress. Short, consistent training sessions often work better than long, repetitive drills.

Socialization – early exposure to varied environments
Meeting new people, dogs, sights, and sounds from a young age can help a dog grow into a confident learner. Socialization doesn’t just make pups friendlier; it also helps them adapt more easily to new situations, which is a sign of strong problem-solving skills.

Health – diet, exercise, and overall wellness
A healthy body supports a healthy brain. Nutritious food, daily exercise, and regular vet check-ups help keep your dog’s mind sharp. Even gentle playtime or puzzle toys can give them the mental workout they need to stay engaged.

Bond with Owner – trust and communication encourage learning
Perhaps the most important factor of all is the relationship you share. A dog that trusts you is more likely to try new things, stay focused, and enjoy the learning process. Clear, kind communication and plenty of praise help deepen that connection, and that’s when you really start to see their intelligence shine.

Conclusion: The Smartest Dogs in the World

From the quick-learning Border Collie to the eager-to-please Golden Retriever, the smartest dog breeds combine mental sharpness with a strong desire to work alongside humans. But remember, intelligence comes in many forms, and every dog has their own unique gifts. Whether your pup is a top-ranked thinker or just the world’s best cuddle buddy, they’re perfect in their own way.

References

American Kennel Club (AKC) – Dog Breed Information & Working/Obedience Intelligence Rankings https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/which-dog-breeds-are-the-smartest/

Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) – Dog Breeds and Training Insights https://www.ckc.ca/en/The-Dish/April-2019/The-Smartest-Dog-Breeds

Coren, Stanley – The Intelligence of Dogs: A Guide to the Thoughts, Emotions, and Inner Lives of Our Canine Companions (Revised Edition). Free Press, 2006. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Intelligence-of-Dogs/Stanley-Coren/9780743280877