Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds

Smartest Dog Breeds

#10 Australian Cattle Dog
The name says it all -- this breed literally lives to herd.
Pros: Protective of its owners and its owner's property. Even when it comes to his own toys, the Australian Cattle Dog likes things handled in an orderly fashion. (Many will put them in a pile when they're finished playing!)
Cons: With herding in their genes, nipping at the ankles -- of humans, including children -- is a common occurrence as they try to keep things in line.

Smartest Dog Breeds

#9 Rottweiler
Plagued by a bad rep, the Rottweiler moreoften uses its courage, intelligence and fierce loyalty for good rather than bad.
Pros: Raised right, they are great with children. (Rafferty's three-year-old great-niece and her family's Rottweiler sleep in the same bed!)
Cons: Unfortunately, Rottweilers are often mistrained. Make sure you know a Rottweiler's history before adopting one.

Smartest Dog Breeds

#8 Papillon
Named after the French term for "butterfly" -- check out those ears!
Pros: Its big, open ears catch sound with utmost efficiency, allowing this dog to process and react to its environment more quickly.
Cons: None, really. Those folks who may be turned off by typical toy dogs should note that the Papillon's got the bravura, athleticism and stamina of a dog ten times its size.

Smartest Dog Breeds

#7 Labrador Retriever
America's top dog, literally. It's a member of more U.S. households than any other breed.
Pros: Loving, obedient, patient, focused, kid-friendly. As if that's not enough, Labradors have been known to "self train" by observing the behaviors of its owners or fellow pets.
Cons: Doesn't come with a built-in guarding instinct (although that's a pro when it comes to exposing the dog to public settings).

Smartest Dog Breeds

#6 Shetland Sheepdog
Like the Australian Cattle Dog, they're herders by nature and, with the right owner, big-time lovebugs by nurture.
Pros: Small and agile enough to do duty as a garden guarder. (Squirrels and rabbits, beware!)
Cons: Sometimes wary of strangers, including children.

Smartest Dog Breeds

#5 Doberman Pinscher
Providing companionship to esteemed gentleman since 1801.
Pros: Known for their fearlessness and stamina, Dobermans are everything you can want in a guard dog -- including a gentle regard for their owners.
Cons: Much like the Rottweiler, this breed's temperament depends on its upbringing.

Smartest Dog Breeds

#4 Golden Retriever
A companion who lives to hunt, catch and fetch.
Pros: Inherent patience makes this breed easy to train -- and it's been said the Golden Retriever can learn more than 200 commands!
Cons: Besides the long coat, not much.

Smartest Dog Breeds

#3 German Shepherd
A brainiac and a workaholic like none other.
Pros: When it comes to command training, gets it right the first time; a very fast learner. Can be trained to do most anything. So much so, some German Shepherds go on parachute jumps for the military.
Cons: Needs to be kept occupied, or its unhappiness will show.

Smartest Dog Breeds

#2 Poodle
Nothing standard about the standard Poodle. It's smart as a whip and loves people.
Pros: Perfect for active, quirky types: Loves the water, loves learning out-of-the-ordinary tricks and commands. (That's what makes them such great circus performers.)
Cons: Notorious for causing destruction when bored. Hates to be left alone. Can be too sensitive for owners who like playing rough.

Smartest Dog Breeds

#1 Border Collie
Winner of the teacher's pet award for its exhaustive smarts, drive and devotion.
Pros: A shoo-in for any sort of dog-sport competition. Loves nothing more than working side by side with its owner.
Cons: Not a city dog! Can be a true terror if left unoccupied. Might get frustrated with small children who don't "fall in line."

Smartest Dog Breeds