The Top 20 Smartest Dog Breeds, Ranked
These intelligent pups take the cake when it comes to training.
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Introducing a new member to your family never goes without some serious thought. And when it comes down to selecting a pup that will be a great fit for your family, there’s so much to consider. First, you have to decide if you want to adopt a young pup or senior sweetie. Then, of course, comes size. Are you looking for a small dog to fit your apartment lifestyle, a cuddly medium-sized dog to cuddle with or a large pooch who is really a gentle giant? There are other factors you'll want to consider as well: the dog's overall health, maintenance and shedding. And, if it is extremely important to you to have a puppy companion that will quickly pick up on your commands, you're going to want to look into some of the more intelligent breeds.
So we've compiled a list of the top 20 smartest dog breeds to help you find your new family member. How do we know? Well, psychologist Stanley Coren cataloged several of these breeds as the most intelligent in his book The Intelligence of Dogs, which has stood the test of time as a landmark piece of literature on the subject. According to Coren, a dog’s smarts can be identified by its ability to carry out specialized tasks, its level of obedience as well as its general working intelligence. With his data, along with other information from popular pet sites, we've put together this list.
Scroll on to discover which Einstein of dog breeds is the right fit for you.
Border Collie
The valedictorians of the dog world, these herders took the top spot in Stanley Coren's intelligence rankings, meaning most can learn a new command in under five repetitions and follow it at least 95% of the time.
- Height: 18-22 inches
- Weight: 30-55 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Poodle
Nowadays, you can adopt cockapoos, whoodles and goldendoodles, to name a few, but breeders love regular ol' poodles for more than just their hypoallergenic qualities. The curly-coated cuties also took the silver medal for working intelligence in Coren's survey.
- Height: 10-22 inches
- Weight: 6-7o pounds (depending on variety)
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
German Shepherd
German Shepherds happily serve as police dogs, seeing eye dogs, medical assistance dogs and therapy dogs, so it's no surprise that consistent obedience comes standard with this breed.
- Height: 22-26 inches
- Weight: 50-90 pounds
- Life expectancy: 7-10 years
Golden Retriever
That's right – one of the nation's most beloved family pets also took home straight A's in this intelligence survey. While the breed was originally intended for hunting, goldens also enjoy acting like straight-up goofballs once in a while (which you already know if you have one of your own).
- Height: 23-24 inches
- Weight: 65-75 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10-12 years
Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans got their start in the late 19th century, when a German tax collector named Louis Dobermann wanted a medium-sized pet to act as both a guard dog and companion. Translation: These fearless protectors can hold their own, and hang with kids.
- Height: 24-28 inches
- Weight: 60-100 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10-12 years
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Shetland Sheepdog
Smaller than collies, these adorable fluff balls hold their own in herding, agility and obedience trials. Consequently, Shelties do tend to bark, chase and herd, but their affectionate nature and love for cuddles will erase any hard feelings.
- Height: 12-15 inches
- Weight: 14-20 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Labrador Retriever
Labs love to please, whether they're serving as guide dogs, narcotic detection dogs or just everyday family pets. Americans have accordingly made them the most popular breed in the country for a whopping 27 years in a row.
- Height: 21-25 inches
- Weight: 55-80 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10-12 years
Papillon
The first toy breed to crack the top 10, papillons aren't your average lap dogs. The 5-pound wonders often take home top prizes at competitive agility trials, according to the American Kennel Club. Their name — French for "butterfly" — alludes to their tall, pointed ears.
- Height: 8-11 inches
- Weight: 4-9 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12-16 years
Rottweiler
Rottweilers likely descended from drover dogs in Ancient Rome, with the rugged, dependable temperament to boot. An engaged Rottweiler owner will take care to train and exercise their pooch thoroughly – with the reward of a loving and loyal friend.
- Height: 22-27 inches
- Weight: 85-130 pounds
- Life expectancy: 8-10 years
Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog sits outside the top 50 in AKC's popularity rankings, but don't miss out on this smart breed. Alert, curious and pleasant, the high-energy herders do best with a job.
- Height: 17-20 inches
- Weight: 30-50 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12-16 years
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is extremely energetic and highly trainable. For most commands, all they need is a treat as an incentive to obey. Getting them not to bark, however, can be more difficult as their high intelligence also makes them a bit stubborn.
- Height: 10-12 inches
- Weight: 20 – 30 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10-12 years
Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are known for their working intelligence and obedience. It only takes them about 5 to 15 repetitions to learn a new command, and they're more likely to obey on the first attempt, according to the Smart Canine. That's what we call one smart doggie!
- Height: 11 to 14 inches
- Weight: 10 – 15 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is very friendly and outgoing, making it the perfect candidate for socialization and training. Their intelligence also makes training a breeze. They do have a retrieving urge that could cause issues with chewing on furniture.
- Height: 19–22 inches
- Weight: 45–55 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years
Belgian Tervuren
The Belgian Tervuren Shepherd's intelligence is put on full display with its sheep herding skills. The Tervuren's need to be active and work can be daunting for an unassuming owner.
- Height: 24-26 inches
- Weight: 55–75 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years
Schipperke
Schipperkes come in at #15 on Coren's list. They are high energy and also very willing to be trained. They may be small, but training them to obey as early as possible is the best way to make sure it sticks.
- Height: 11-13 inches
- Weight: 10–16 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years
Belgian Sheepdog
Known to be great herders, Belgian Sheepdogs are also highly intelligent. According to AKC, they do need a lot of mental stimulation and have a lot of energy.
- Height: 24-26 inches
- Weight: 55–75 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years
Collie
Not to be confused with a Border Collie, these pups are so smart, they made their way into mainstream television. That's right, the most famous dog ever, Lassie, was a Collie.
- Height: 24-26 inches
- Weight: 60–75 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years
Keeshond
The Keeshond is known to be a very obedient dog breed. If you so choose to adopt one, you'll be sure to get the best of both worlds as they are also very energetic and playful.
- Height: 17-18 inches
- Weight: 35–45 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
German Shorthaired Pointer
Not only are German Shorthaired Pointers super smart, but they are highly adaptable and friendly, according to the American Kennel Club.
- Height: 23-25 inches
- Weight: 55–70 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years
Flat-Coated Retriever
Flat-Coated Retrievers are extremely good with children and other dogs, and have a trainability level that's categorized as "eager to please," a.k.a. highly trainable, according to AKC. But FYI: That means they need a lot of mental stimulation.
- Height: 23-24.5 inches
- Weight: 60–70 pounds
- Life expectancy: 8 – 10 years
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