20 Smartest Dog Breeds Ranked Based On Intelligence

When it comes to choosing a dog, intelligence is a key factor for many pet owners. Not only do smarter dogs learn faster, but they also excel in training, problem-solving, and even companionship. 

Whether you’re training your dog for a particular task or simply want an engaging pet, understanding which breeds are the most intelligent dogs can help you make a well-informed decision. This article will explore the most intelligent dogs, their key qualities, how trainable they are, and more—so you can find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

Top 20 Smartest Dog Breeds

Here’s a table highlighting the top 20 smartest dog breeds, their lifespan, and key qualities:

Dog Breed	Lifespan	Key Qualities
Border Collie	12-15 years	Energetic, intelligent, agile
Poodle	12-15 years	Hypoallergenic, friendly, smart
German Shepherd	9-13 years	Loyal, courageous, intelligent
Golden Retriever	10-12 years	Friendly, outgoing, loyal
Doberman Pinscher	10-12 years	Confident, fearless, trainable
Shetland Sheepdog	12-14 years	Agile, intelligent, loyal
Labrador Retriever	10-12 years	Friendly, active, trainable
Papillon	12-16 years	Agile, affectionate, intelligent
Rottweiler	8-10 years	Loyal, courageous, protective
Australian Cattle Dog	12-16 years	Intelligent, energetic, loyal
Belgian Malinois	12-14 years	Energetic, obedient, intelligent
Australian Shepherd	12-15 years	Agile, active, loyal
Border Terrier	12-15 years	Affectionate, intelligent, alert
Miniature Schnauzer	12-14 years	Affectionate, intelligent, alert
Cocker Spaniel	12-15 years	Friendly, loyal, trainable
Shiba Inu	12-15 years	Independent, intelligent, alert
Boxer	10-12 years	Energetic, loyal, intelligent
Dachshund	12-16 years	Curious, intelligent, lively
Beagle	12-15 years	Friendly, loyal, energetic
English Springer Spaniel	12-14 years	Friendly, intelligent, energetic

Now, let’s dive deeper into the smartest dog breeds. 

1. Border Collie

Border Collies are highly intelligent, versatile, and eager to learn. These dogs thrive when given tasks that require problem-solving and agility.

Lifespan	12-15 years
Key qualities	Highly intelligent, energetic, agile
Can they be trained easily	Yes, they excel in obedience and agility tasks

The Border Collie is considered the most intelligent dog breed. Their ability to learn new commands and perform complex tasks is unmatched. They thrive in environments that keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Training them is a breeze, as they are quick learners and highly motivated to please their owners.

2. Poodle (Standard, Miniature, Toy)

Poodles are not only incredibly smart but also excel in a variety of activities, from obedience competitions to being wonderful companions.

Lifespan	12-15 years
Key qualities	Intelligent, active, friendly
Can they be trained easily?	Yes, highly trainable with a quick learning curve

The Poodle is an extremely intelligent and smartest dog breeds known for its versatility. Whether you choose the Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle, all are incredibly trainable. They thrive in environments where they can showcase their smarts through activities like obedience or agility training. Poodles are eager to please, making training easy for dedicated owners.

3. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and working ability, often serving as police or service dogs.

Lifespan	9-13 years
Key qualities	Loyal, courageous, intelligent
Can they be trained easily	Yes, they excel in obedience training and complex tasks

The German Shepherd is one of the most trainable dog breeds, excelling in various roles like protection, herding, and service work. Their sharp intellect and loyalty make them a great fit for families and individuals who want a reliable, well-behaved companion. They respond well to consistent training and commands.

4. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and friendly nature, making them an excellent family dog.

Lifespan	10-12 years
Key qualities	Loyal, friendly, intelligent
Can they be trained easily	Yes, they are very trainable and eager to please

The Golden Retriever is not just a family favorite but also one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They are known for their ability to learn commands quickly and their affectionate nature. Training them is easy, as they are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement.

5. Doberman Pinscher

Dobermans are intelligent, alert, and known for their loyalty, often making them excellent guard dogs.

Lifespan	10-12 years
Key qualities	Intelligent, loyal, alert
Can they be trained easily	Yes, highly trainable and quick learners

The Doberman Pinscher is a highly intelligent and protective dog breed. Known for their sharp instincts, they are often used in roles such as security and police work. Their intelligence and loyalty make them easy to train, and they excel with owners who provide consistent leadership.

6. Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs are energetic, intelligent, and great at performing tasks like herding and agility.

Lifespan	12-14 years
Key qualities	Intelligent, energetic, loyal
Can they be trained easily	Yes, they excel in obedience training and agility

The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, is an intelligent, energetic, and smartest dog breeds known for excelling in obedience and agility competitions. Their natural herding instinct and eagerness to please make them highly trainable. With proper training and socialization, they become well-behaved companions.

7. Labrador Retriever

Labradors are friendly, loyal, and incredibly smart, making them excellent family dogs and working dogs.

Lifespan	10-12 years
Key qualities	Friendly, intelligent, active
Can they be trained easily	Yes, Labs are easy to train and eager to please

The Labrador Retriever is known for being one of the most intelligent dog breeds, with a natural affinity for learning. Their friendly disposition and eagerness to please make them ideal for training. Labs excel in various tasks, including retrieving, search and rescue, and service work.

8. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are agile, highly intelligent, and great at problem-solving.

Lifespan	12-15 years
Key qualities	Intelligent, energetic, quick learners
Can they be trained easily	Yes, they excel in obedience and agility training

The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent and energetic breed well-suited for active families. These dogs are quick learners and thrive when given mental stimulation through tasks like agility or herding. With consistent training, they can become loyal, obedient companions.

9. Rottweiler

Rottweilers are intelligent, protective, and strong, often excelling in police or guard dog roles.

Lifespan	8-10 years
Key qualities	Protective, intelligent, loyal
Can they be trained easily	Yes, they are quick learners and respond well to structured training

The Rottweiler is known for its intelligence and protective nature. They are highly trainable and excel in obedience when given consistent leadership. Rottweilers are often used as guard dogs or in search and rescue due to their natural instincts and ability to learn commands quickly.

10. Papillon

Papillons are small in size but big in intelligence and agility. Their lively nature makes them a joy to train.

Lifespan	12-16 years
Key qualities	Intelligent, lively, friendly
Can they be trained easily	Yes, they are quick learners and enjoy training sessions

The Papillon is a small, intelligent breed that shines in obedience and agility training. Despite their size, these dogs excel in various dog sports and activities. With consistent training, they respond well and learn quickly, making them ideal for active owners who enjoy teaching tricks and commands.

11. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are friendly, affectionate, and quick learners, making them great pets for families.

Lifespan	12-15 years
Key qualities	Affectionate, intelligent, loyal
Can they be trained easily	Yes, they are eager to please and easy to train

The Cocker Spaniel is an intelligent and affectionate dog that excels in both companionship and training. Their natural curiosity and eagerness to please make them excellent learners. With positive reinforcement and consistency, they adapt quickly to new tasks and commands.

12. Border Terrier

Border Terriers may be small, but their intelligence and problem-solving skills are impressive.

Lifespan	12-15 years
Key qualities	Intelligent, affectionate, energetic
Can they be trained easily	Yes, but they require consistent training

The Border Terrier is a small breed with an impressive intellect. Their playful and affectionate nature makes them great companions, while their ability to learn commands quickly ensures they are easily trainable. They respond best to positive reinforcement and consistent training.

13. Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers are known for their intelligence, alertness, and distinctive appearance.

Lifespan	12-14 years
Key qualities	Intelligent, alert, energetic
Can they be trained easily	Yes, they are intelligent but may be independent at times

The Miniature Schnauzer is an intelligent and alert breed. They are quick to pick up commands and respond well to training, though their independent streak can make them slightly challenging at times. With patience and consistency, they are eager learners.

14. Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois are highly intelligent and are often used in police and military work due to their problem-solving abilities.

Lifespan	12-14 years
Key qualities	Intelligent, alert, energetic
Can they be trained easily	Yes, they are eager to please and excel in training

The Belgian Malinois is an intelligent and hardworking breed, often chosen for military and police work due to its problem-solving abilities. They thrive in environments where they are given mental and physical stimulation. Their trainability is excellent, making them perfect for owners willing to provide consistent leadership.

15. Schnauzer

The Schnauzer is a highly intelligent breed that makes an excellent family companion and watchdog.

Lifespan	12-14 years
Key qualities	Loyal, intelligent, alert
Can they be trained easily	Yes, they are easy to train with consistency

The Schnauzer is a smart and energetic breed, making them ideal for families or owners who enjoy an active lifestyle. Their alertness and quick learning abilities make them excellent watchdogs. With consistent training and positive reinforcement, they can excel in obedience tasks.

16. Weimaraner

Weimaraners are intelligent and energetic dogs that make excellent companions for active owners.

Lifespan	10-13 years
Key qualities	Intelligent, energetic, independent
Can they be trained easily	Yes, they are eager to please, but they require patient training

The Weimaraner is an intelligent breed that excels in tracking and retrieving. Their energetic nature means they need regular mental and physical stimulation. They are trainable, but patience is key due to their independent spirit. With consistent effort, they make wonderful companions.

17. Boxer

Boxers are fun-loving, intelligent, and excellent with children, making them great family dogs.

Lifespan	10-12 years
Key qualities	Energetic, intelligent, loyal
Can they be trained easily	Yes, Boxers respond well to training and are eager to please

The Boxer is an intelligent and energetic breed, excelling in various dog sports and obedience training. They are known for their loyalty and lovable nature, making them great family pets. Boxers are quick learners and excel when given tasks that challenge their mental agility.

18. Dachshund

Despite their small size, Dachshunds are intelligent and have a stubborn streak, which can make training a challenge.

Lifespan	12-16 years
Key qualities	Curious, energetic, independent
Can they be trained easily	Yes, but they can be a bit stubborn

The Dachshund is a small but intelligent breed with a curious and independent nature. While they can be stubborn, their cleverness allows them to learn commands with proper training techniques. They respond best to positive reinforcement and patience.

19. Beagle

Beagles are known for their intelligence, curiosity, and ability to follow scents, making them great for tracking.

Lifespan	12-15 years
Key qualities	Friendly, loyal, energetic
Can they be trained easily	Yes, Beagles are smart but may be distracted by scents

The Beagle is an intelligent and curious breed, perfect for tracking and scent-related activities. While they are trainable, they can become easily distracted by scents, so consistent training is necessary. They are friendly and loyal, making them a great family pet.

20. English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniels are highly intelligent and excel in hunting and retrieving tasks.

Lifespan	12-14 years
Key qualities	Friendly, energetic, intelligent
Can they be trained easily	Yes, they are highly trainable and eager to please

The English Springer Spaniel is an intelligent and energetic breed that excels in retrieving and hunting. Their trainability is excellent, as they are highly motivated to please their owners. With consistent training, they thrive in environments that allow them to show off their smarts.

Train Your Smartest Dog Breeds: Tips & Techniques

Training an intelligent dog can be a rewarding experience. Here are some effective strategies:

• Start Early: Begin training as soon as you bring your dog home, whether a puppy or an adult. Establishing good habits early makes training more straightforward in the long run.
• Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward desired behaviors with treats, toys, or praise. This encourages your dog to repeat those behaviors.
• Be Consistent: Use the same commands and reward system consistently to avoid confusion.
• Keep Training Sessions Short and Engaging: Short, frequent sessions are more effective than long, infrequent ones.
• Socialize Your Dog: Expose your dog to various environments, people, and other animals to build confidence and reduce fear-based behaviors.
• Provide Mental Stimulation: Engage your dog’s mind with puzzle toys, training exercises, and interactive games to prevent boredom.
• Establish a Routine: Dogs thrive on routine. Regular feeding, exercise, and training schedules help them understand expectations.
• Seek Professional Help When Needed: If you’re facing challenges, consider enrolling in a training class or consulting a professional dog trainer.

Most Loyal & Smartest Dog Breeds

Loyalty is a cherished trait in dogs. Here are the top 10 most loyal breeds:

Dog Breed	Lifespan	Key Qualities
Labrador Retriever	10-12 years	Friendly, intelligent, active
German Shepherd	9-13 years	Intelligent, courageous, loyal
Golden Retriever	10-12 years	Friendly, loyal, intelligent
Beagle	12-15 years	Friendly, loyal, energetic
Cocker Spaniel	12-15 years	Affectionate, intelligent, loyal
Dachshund	12-16 years	Curious, energetic, loyal
Doberman Pinscher	10-12 years	Intelligent, loyal, alert
Boxer	10-12 years	Energetic, intelligent, loyal
Shetland Sheepdog	12-14 years	Intelligent, energetic, loyal
Collie	12-14 years	Affectionate, intelligent, loyal

These breeds are known for their unwavering devotion and strong bonds with their families. 

Dumbest Dog Breeds

While intelligence varies among individual dogs, some breeds are often considered less responsive to training. Here are the top 5:

1. Afghan Hound
2. Basenji
3. Bulldog
4. Chow Chow
5. Borzoi

It’s important to note that these breeds may excel in other areas, such as scent detection or agility, and can be wonderful companions with the right training approach. 

Related Topics:

• Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
• Most Dangerous Dog Breeds

Conclusion – The Smartest Dog Breeds Is Border Collie

When it comes to choosing a dog based on intelligence, several breeds stand out for their trainability, problem-solving abilities, and eager-to-please nature. The Border Collie is widely considered the smartest breed, excelling in tasks that require quick learning and agility. Other top contenders include the Poodle, known for its versatility and keen mind, and the German Shepherd, a breed with exceptional problem-solving skills and trainability.

Ultimately, understanding a dog’s intelligence can greatly impact your training experience. While breeds like the Border Collie, Poodle, and German Shepherd shine in their cognitive abilities, all dogs can be trained with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. The key to building a strong bond with your dog is recognizing their individual traits and working with them to reach their full potential. 

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