By Jen Flatt Osborn
You probably know Australian shepherds and those of the German variety are highly intelligent, but did you know the Poodle also ranks among the smartest dogs?
Most of us think our dog might as well walk around with a diploma around his neck while singing “Pomp and Circumstance.” I, myself, have a dog who responds to sign language.
There are certain dog breeds that may have you scratching your head and asking, “Really?” regarding their intelligence. It’s time to investigate five surprising dog breeds that could give Albert Einstein a run for his money.
Dog Intelligence
A dog’s intelligence is broken down into three types:
- Instinctive intelligence (what the dog is bred to do and their instinctual abilities)
- Adaptive intelligence (how they learn/adapt in their environment on their own)
- Working/Obedience intelligence (how quickly they learn commands)
“…Coren provides an IQ test that readers can use to test their pet’s intelligence. Coren also explains how, by changing certain factors such as training conditions and diet, one can actually raise a dog’s IQ.”
Partial quote from Amazon’s description of the book, The Intelligence of Dogs by Stanley Coren, that ranks over 100 dog breeds for intelligence
So please note that a dog’s “smarts” can depend on how they’re trained and their individual makeup among other aspects. Maybe your perky Chihuahua is a little smarty-pants.
Now let’s take a look at five of the dog breeds you may be surprised to know are regularly included in the top 10 of highly intelligent dogs.
Doberman Pinscher
Naturally responsive with a formidable presence, these big guys and gals aren’t all guard dogs. Sure, they’re perfect for the job, but they sometimes get a bad rap for just being scary since their appearance is a bit intimidating.
That’s partly due to the fact that so many people crop their ears. If left to Mother Nature, they’re naturally majestic.
The “Dobie” is also instinctively able to sense threats and is highly energetic. Speaking of which, if this highly smart dog isn’t properly exercised or trained, his behavior can turn destructive. He needs guidance to display what he’s capable of properly.
Poodle
Most people have a visual that pops up quickly in their minds when they hear the word “poodle.” However, they’re not all poufs and coifs.
This gorgeous breed is almost always listed in the top 10 breeds of the smartest dogs and is most often in the top 5.
With (p)oodles of energy and a high-maintenance coat, you’d think the poodle wouldn’t be the first choice someone would have for a pet. However, they’re also easily trained, sociable, and phenomenal swimmers that were originally bred as duck retrievers.
They’re also famous for doing tricks in circuses which speaks highly of their intelligence. My uncle once had a beloved poodle. Out of the many dozens of dogs I have rescued, I’ve never seen a smarter dog.
Shetland Sheepdog
Although this usually isn’t the first dog in a person’s mind when they’re looking to adopt or buy, this herding breed is a popular choice of families. They’re active, get along famously with kids, and have an affectionate disposition.
The “Sheltie” resembles a Rough collie, with his flowing hair and alert gaze, but is smaller in size and is its own breed.
Also, they’re known to be quite vocal if they get bored or aren’t exercised enough. Regularly included in the list of smartest dogs, they love to learn so interactive toys, “chores,” and lots of physical activity are perfect for them.
Papillon
Their name is French meaning “butterfly” and you can see why when you spot their incredibly large, gorgeous ears. These little beauties are eager to please and excel at agility drills, competing in shows at the highest level.
Although they’re small (8-11 inches high from the shoulder), the Papillon is no lap dog. They’re active, athletic, and revel in obedience training like a champ. The friendly canine needs lots of stimulation and will thrive with the proper care and attention.
This tiny ball of energy was largely favored by European royalty and even Marie Antoinette was a staunch fan of the breed.
Rottweiler
If ever there were a gentle giant, the “Rottie” fits the bill. They’re instinctive guard dogs that are often used for protection.
Besides their innate intelligence, these behemoths (up to 135 lbs.) are keen on learning new things. Due to their massive size, they must be trained early so they know their boundaries.
The best scenario for a Rottweiler’s lifestyle is to have an experienced dog guardian with an active lifestyle. They can, however, make fantastic connections with kids if both humans and dogs are well socialized and know how to handle each other.
Each of the brainy dogs listed above can learn a new command/instruction in 5 repetitions or less. (Tell that to my mixed breed who thinks “stay” means “eat.”)
That doesn’t mean dogs that are included a lot lower on the list of smartest dogs aren’t intelligent. It just means these breeds top the chart. So if:
- Quick learner
- High activity level
- Smart
- Loving
…are on your list for the type of dog you’re looking for, check out one of these breeds. So what if they might exercise you more than you exercise them. Don’t we all need to lose a few pounds?
References:
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/papillon/ – “Papillon”
- https://thesmartcanine.com/are-rottweilers-smart/ – “Are Rottweilers Smart Dogs? – Here’s How They Compare in Dog Intelligence” by Richard (no last name provided) – March, 2022
- https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/shetland-sheepdog – “Dog Breed Information and Personality Traits”
5. https://be.chewy.com/dog-breed/rottweiler/ – “Rottweiler” by Ernie Ward, DVM, CVFT, and Mark Forrest Patrick – Updated July, 2022