What is the Smartest Dog Breed? There isn’t just one way to judge the intelligence of a dog, but this list will focus mainly on dogs that have the greatest ability to understand and follow commands in the shortest time.
When choosing which breed of dog you want, you should always research a dog’s breed information, this will help you to find out important information such as, how long you can leave your chosen pooch home alone for, feeding requirements, life expectancy, exercise requirements and more.
But that being said, here is the list of the top 20 Smartest Dog Breed in reverse order.
20. (TIED) English Cocker Spaniel
More commonly known as Cocker Spaniel, these are active dogs with a lovely affectionate nature. They are inquisitive, curious, and friendly dogs with lots of energy and stamina. It is best to keep cockers mentally stimulated and be gentle in the approach to training.
English Cocker Spaniel Stats.
Origin: England
Weight: Male: 28 – 35lbs – Female: 26 – 33lbs
Average Age: 12 – 15 years
20. (TIED) Flat-Coated Retriever
Developed in England as a gun dog to retrieve game from land and in water. They have high exercise needs, love to run, and love to please their owner, but they do get bored quickly with repetition, so training is best kept in short intervals.
Flat-Coated Retriever Stats.
Origin: England
Weight: Male: 60 – 79lbs – Female: 55 – 71lbs
Average Age: 8 – 10 years
19. German Short-Haired Pointer
These dogs need lots of exercise and training, as when they get bored or have unused energy, it normally results in them amusing themselves, which will end up being destructive. But, if you can meet the needs of this dog you will be rewarded with a great family dog.
German Short-Haired Pointer Stats.
Origin: Germany
Weight: Male: 55 – 70lbs – Female: 44 – 59lbs
Average Age: 12 – 14 years
17. (TIED) Keeshond
Originally known as the Dutch Barge Dog as it was a watchdog on boats and barges on the rivers and canals of Holland during the 17th and 18th centuries. Keeshond’s make amazing family dogs, love kids, and participate in all activities with his family.
Keeshond Stats.
Origin: Netherlands/Germany
Weight: Male: 33 – 44lbs – Female: 33 – 44lbs
Average Age: 10 – 14 years
17. (TIED) Collie
A native Scottish dog originally used for herding for which they have a strong instinct. They are known to be sensitive and seem to be aware of the emotions of their family. Working collies have a never-ending source of energy and because of this, have no problem running all day.
Collie Stats.
Origin: Scotland & Northern England
Weight: Male: 50 – 70lbs – Female: 50 – 70lbs
Average Age: 10 – 14 years
15. (TIED) Belgian Sheepdog
As the name suggests, these dogs started out herding sheep in Belgium. Being similar to German Shepherds, they were then later used as police dogs as they are highly alert and protective. These make great family pets as well as being very good working dogs.
Belgian Shepherd Dog Stats.
Origin: Belgium
Weight: Male: 56 – 66lbs – Female: 45 – 55lbs
Average Age: 10 – 14 years
15. (TIED) Schipperke
Sometimes known as Little Black Devil, Tasmanian Black Devil, and Little Black Fox, these dogs are known to be mischievous and stubborn. They require a lot of exercise as these dogs are high-energy. But, these dogs are always on guard and fearlessly protect their family.
Schipperke Stats.
Origin: Belgium
Weight: Male: 6.6 – 19.8lbs – Female: 6.6 – 19.8lbs
Average Age: 13 – 15 years
14. Belgian Tervuren
An intelligent dog that is very athletic, originally used for herding and named after a town in Belgium. These dogs can become hyperactive and destructive if not kept occupied, for example, herding, tracking, agility, protection work or even working as search and rescue dogs.
Belgian Tervuren Stats.
Origin: Belgium
Weight: Male: 61 – 66lbs – Female: 44 – 55lbs
Average Age: 10 – 12 years
13. English Springer Spaniel
These are a breed of gun dog which are used traditionally to flush out and retrieve game. They are an excitable and affectionate breed that is always eager to please, quick to learn, and obey. They are affectionate family dogs but normally have a favorite and be with that person as much as possible.
English Springer Spaniel Stats.
Origin: England
Weight: Male: 39 – 50lbs – Female: 44 – 55lbs
Average Age: 9 – 15 years
12. Miniature Schnauzer
The most popular of all the Schnauzer breeds, mainly due to its fairly small size and great temperament. They always rank in the top 20 of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, they have loads of energy and want to be with you all of the time.
Miniature Schnauzer Stats.
Origin: Germany
Weight: Male: 11 – 20lbs – Female: 11 – 20lbs
Average Age: 12 – 14 years
11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Originally, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was a cattle herding dog from Pembroke in Wales. Queen Elizabeth II has owned more than 30 during her reign and is very popular in the United States. There are cities in America that hold annual meet-ups, where hundreds of corgi owners congregate for the day.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Stats.
Origin: WalesWeight: Male: 24 – 31lbs – Female: 24 – 28lbs
Average Age: 12 – 15 years
Now for the top 10 smartest dog breed.
10. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog was developed by early settlers for driving cattle over the large rough terrain of their ranches, which they still do today. They are highly energetic and love to work, they herd cattle by nipping at their heels and have been known to nip running children. They form a strong bond with one person and are protective of their family and home.
Australian Cattle Dog Stats.
Origin: Australian
Weight: Male: 33 – 35lbs – Female: 30 – 35lbs
Average Age: 12 – 15 years
9. Rottweiler
Rottweilers were originally bred to drive cattle and to pull carts loaded with meat to markets for butchers. They make excellent police/guard dogs as well as being used in search and rescue. Rottweilers are strong, powerful dogs with loving hearts and can be fierce in protecting their family. If not properly trained, Rottweilers can become overly protective, which can lead them to be a danger to all they encounter.
Rottweiler Stats.
Origin: Germany
Weight: Male: 110 – 132lbs – Female: 77 – 106lbs
Average Age: 8 – 10 years
8. Papillon
The name Papillon is French for butterfly, it gets this name due to the similarity of their long, fringed hair on their ears. Papillons are also known as the Continental Toy Spaniel and learn new tricks and commands easily. They are a great companion dog and act as a great watchdog, but they do have a lot of energy, so require a good amount of exercise.
Papillon Stats.
Origin: Belgium/France
Weight: Male: 8 – 10lbs – Female: 7 – 9lbs
Average Age: 12 – 15 years
7. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever or Labrador is probably best known for their loyal, obedient and playful nature, which is what makes them an excellent choice as a family pet. It is the dog of choice for disability assistance, including those needing a guide dog or people with autism. Labradors are also the most popular dog in America and many other nations.
Labrador Retriever Stats.
Origin: Newfoundland
Weight: Male: 66 – 80lbs – Female: 56 – 70lbs
Average Age: 12 – 14 years
6. Shetland Sheepdog
Originating from the Shetland Islands of Scotland, these dogs were a farmer’s best friend, herding and guarding their gardens from birds and hungry sheep. These dogs were developed to thrive in the harsh conditions of the highlands of Scotland and although they excel at herding, they are now raised more like a farm dog or family pet.
Shetland Sheepdog Stats.
Origin: Scotland
Weight: Male: 11 – 24lbs – Female: 11 – 24lbs
Average Age: 12 – 18 years
5. Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans are highly energetic, muscular, fearless, and intelligent dogs, and because of this, used by many police and military forces. Developed by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann around 1890 as a companion and to aid his work as a tax collector. Dobermanns are ideal guard dogs and extremely loyal. If trained correctly, Dobermanns are said to be loving and devoted companions.
Doberman Pinscher Stats.
Origin: Germany
Weight: Male: 88 – 99lbs – Female: 71 – 77lbs
Average Age: 9 – 12 years
4. Golden Retriever
This very friendly family dog is one of America’s most popular dogs. A very loving dog which is great with kids relatively easy to train and protective of their owners. They are a very popular choice as a guide dog for the blind and also used as hearing dogs for the deaf. They are lovely dogs and come 4th on the list of smartest dog breeds.
Golden Retriever Stats.
Weight: Male: 66 – 75lbs – Female: 56 – 65lbs
Average Age: 10 – 12 years
3. German Shepherd
This highly intelligent dog is another of America’s most popular dog breeds. Often used by law enforcement and the military, they are great working dogs with unmatched courage and devotion to their owner or handler. After the first world war, they were called Alsatian in the UK, and then in 1977, their name was changed back to German Shepherd.
German Shepherd Stats.
Origin: Germany
Weight: Male: 66 – 88lbs – Female: 49 – 73lbs
Average Age: 9 – 13 years
2. Poodle
There are three varieties of poodles, these are Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle, and Toy Poodle. Being the 7th most popular dog in the United States, poodles are great at many dog sports including, agility, tracking, flying disc, flyball, and obedience. But it is best to keep poodles mentally and physically stimulated as they can become destructive.
Standard Poodle Stats.
Origin: France/Germany (Disputed)
Weight: Male: 46 – 70lbs – Female: 46 – 60lbs
Average Age: 12 – 15 years
1. Border Collie
Taking the top spot for the Smartest Dog Breed is the Border Collie, they are a working dog that was developed for herding sheep in the Scottish borders. These dogs are very athletic and seem to have limitless amounts of energy. Border Collies are highly intelligent and very trainable and because of this, work on farms and ranches around the world. Like Poodles, they also do very well in canine sports and competitions.
Border Collie Stats.
Origin: UK
Weight: Males – 31 – 44lbs – Females – 26 – 42lbs
Average Age: 12 years
Conclusion
This list of smartest dog breed is based on the findings of the highly acclaimed Professor Stanley Coren, the Psychology and Neuropsychological Researcher, for his research and work on the mental abilities, intelligence, and understanding the canine behavior and human-canine bond.
There are many ways to test the intelligence of dogs, but this is a list of those dogs which learned a new command in the least amount of exposure and obeyed that command the highest percentage of times.
But as with children, no two are ever the same and some may be more willing to please than others.
Here is a link to Professor Stanley Coren’s book, “The Intelligence of Dogs“ if you would like to check it out!
