All dog breeds have unique strengths. Some are highly intelligent, which can make them easy to train, adaptable, and great problem solvers. These qualities make these breeds great as working dogs (such as service dogs or support dogs) and as active companions (you can compete in dog sporting events together!). However, smart dogs also need a lot of mental stimulation and can be more independent and stubborn than other dogs.
At PuppySpot, we work with the top breeders and have placed puppies in over 220,000 homes. We are experts at helping connect families with the perfect dog for them. Read on for the top 10 smartest dogs and then learn more about the pros and cons of owning a dog with high intelligence.
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Smartest allergy-friendly dog – Poodle
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Smartest small dog – Toy Poodle
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Smartest medium size dog – Border Collie
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Smartest large dog – German Shepherd Dog
Top 10 smartest dog breeds
Border Collie
Developed on the border of Scotland and England, this dog was bred to be the ultimate working and herding dog. In the right hands, the Border Collie can be trained to do just about any task you want to teach them. While they’re considered the smartest and easiest to train, this is not your average dog. The Border Collie is a driven breed with lots of stamina and requires a family willing to provide mental and physical stimulation. In the wrong home, they can become easily bored. A bored dog can become a destructive dog. In the right home, the Border Collie will be a joy to keep you company while training and teaching them fun tricks along the way.
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Obedient and quick learner; easily trained
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Developed on the border of Scotland and England to be a working and herding dog
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Lots of stamina and require a lot of mental and physical stimulation
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Can be easily bored and destructive if not engaged and active
Poodle
Having a Poodle in the family is like having a furry human in the house. They know how smart they are and aren’t afraid to let you know it which is why they are ranked second in intelligence. While most people know that the Poodle was often used as a trick dog because they’re both agile and easily trained, their original purpose was working as a water-type retriever. In fact, their name comes from the German word “pudelin” meaning to splash in the water. Yes, this breed loves to swim and is the reason behind the frou-frou haircut is to protect vital organs while still allowing them to navigate through chilly water. The Poodle is also a great fit for many types of families because they're available in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. They’re also one of the best breeds for allergy sufferers because they are considered low-shedding and allergy-friendly. With all their wonderful attributes, is it truly any surprise why so many designer breeds are crossed with a Poodle?
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Agile and water-loving
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Bred as a hunting dog
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Practically non-shedding and hypoallergenic, so can be good for those with allergies
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All poodles are highly intelligent (standard, toy, and miniature), so poodles can be a great fit for families, no matter what size dog is best for you
Browse our Poodle puppies for sale
German Shepherd Dog
You truly won’t find a more loyal breed than the GSD. They wholeheartedly love all their family members but often bond to a specific person in the house they look to for leadership. To the German Shepherd, you become their entire world and there is nothing that they will let come between that. They will glue themselves to your hip so wherever you go they are sure to follow even if it means never going to the bathroom by yourself ever again. While they are intelligent companions to have around, they aren’t for every home. This breed was originally bred as a herding dog but has held many other job titles including police, military, personal protection, and service dogs. There really isn’t anything this breed can’t do. They require an active family that will keep them on the move, challenge their wits, and then give them a good snuggle during their downtime. The German Shepherd also sheds a lot! Just one look at the backseat of my car or the canister of the vacuum cleaner and you will understand why they are sometimes referred to as “German Shedders”. So, while they might sprinkle your home with magical dog glitter, know that every strand you must clean up is worth it. Give a German Shepherd your heart and they will always protect it.
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Loyal and often bond to a specific person
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You can become their entire world and they will always want to be by your side (so they are not a great fit if you are looking for an independent dog but are a perfect fit if you want a constant companion)
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Bred as a herding dog; are often working dogs with police, military, service, and personal protection
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Requires a lot of activity, challenges, and attention
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Shed a lot
Browse our German Shepherd Dog puppies for sale
Golden Retriever
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Intelligent and friendly
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Bred for retrieving fowl for hunters
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Strong and thrive with lots of play and exercise
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Great family dogs
Browse our Golden Retriever puppies for sale
Labrador Retriever
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One of the most popular dogs in the United States
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Friendly and loves water
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Easy to train
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Have a lot of energy and love to run and swim
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Great for high-energy, high activity families
Browse our Labrador Retriever puppies for sale
Doberman Pinscher
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Intelligent and loyal
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Often used as a guard dog, police dog, and excels in obedience competitions
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Sweet, affectionate, and thrive on human companionship.
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Great family dogs as they are kid-friendly and do well with other pets
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Large dogs that average between 70 and 100 pounds when fully grown
Browse our Doberman Pinscher puppies for sale
Rottweiler
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Bred to be hardworking and protective
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Happy, goofy dogs that are affectionate and great with kids
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Large and strong dogs that can weigh 100 pounds fully grown
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Active dogs that like exercise
Browse our Rottweiler puppies for sale
Australian Shepherd
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Popular herding dogs
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High energy levels
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Like having a task to do and are often used in search and rescue and in agility competitions
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Loyal dogs that are great with kids
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A wonderful dog for an active family
Browse our Australian Shepherd puppies for sale
Miniature Schnauzer
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Their intelligence and obedience make them easy to train
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Thrive on human companionship
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Independent, but loving towards their owners
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Bred to catch rats and other pests outdoors
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Highly energetic
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Allergy-friendly
Papillon
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Their name means "Butterfly" in French due to their unique facial markings and ears that resemble butterfly wings
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They come in two different ear shapes: erect and a drop-eared variety (referred to as a phalène, which means "moth" in French)
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They are a very active for a small breed and can excel in agility
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They are vocal so they can bark a lot
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They do shed
Pros and Cons of Owning a Smart Dog
A smart dog is a joy to be around, but make sure they are a good fit for you.
Pros:
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Easily trainable and adaptable
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Are great if you have specific tasks to train them to do (such as barking at the sign of an intruder or keeping ducks from wandering too far away)
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Are perfect if you are very active and want your dog to join you (playing frisbee! Competing in agility competitions!)
Cons:
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Require a lot of activity and stimulation
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Can be destructive if bored
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Are not a great fit if you are looking for a chill dog who doesn’t require much activity
Smart dogs can be a wonderful addition to your active family. We can help you find the perfect puppy. Browse the puppies we have available and when you find your perfect match, we’ll bring them right to you!
