The main question that most people have when choosing a dog is how smart she is, that is, trained and obedient. These are the criteria of the mind that psychology professor Stanley Coren singled out in the book “Dog Intelligence” (1994), where, based on research from the American and Canadian dog breeding clubs, he ranked the most intelligent dog breeds. We present to you a list of the 10 most outstanding breeds that, with proper care and training, will fully demonstrate their excellent intellectual data.
1. Border Collie
The breed comes from shepherds from the British Isles and was bred on the border of England and Scotland in the 19th century. These dogs are very good shepherds, successful in sports too. They are known for their strong instincts, devotion and stamina. These are very hardworking, affectionate and responsive dogs that can perform any task. By the way, the most intelligent dog in the world is the Chaser collie, which can understand more than 1000 English words. Border collies cannot stand loneliness, otherwise they begin to bark excessively, dig earth and chew furniture. They are very sensitive to any noise, especially to sudden loud noises. The breed is not suitable for living in an apartment and is not recommended for sedentary owners.
2. Poodle
Poodles are thought to have originated in Germany and are recognized by the English club in 1874, although for many years they were known as French dogs. Their name comes from the German word pudel, which means "splash in the water." Standard poodles are considered the oldest form of this breed. Their use as hunting dogs led to the famous poodle haircut. This unique pattern was designed to protect joints from cold water. Poodles could get ducks and other birds for hunters. Miniature and toy poodles were also good swimmers and hunters, but were later noted as spoiled companions of the French aristocrats. They can be easily trained in various teams and tricks. A poodle has a fairly high level of energy and requires daily physical and psychological exercises. A bored poodle can show destructive habits and also tends to bark excessively. The poodles are sensitive, sociable and funny, get along well with children and are friendly with pets.
3. German shepherd
The German Shepherd Dog that we know today was first introduced in Germany in 1899. Captain Max von Stefanitz is considered a breeder of this breed. Nowadays, the German shepherd remains one of the most intelligent and popular dog breeds, especially as a service dog in the army and police. She is talented in tracking and has a surprisingly sensitive sense of smell, which allows her to use it in the search for mines and explosive substances. This is the perfect dog for active households. Intelligence, poise and protective behavior make it a good choice for families with children, if the dog is properly trained and socialized. The breed does not like strangers, but accepts other pets well. She is athletic, hardy and requires a lot of attention. She needs exercise and psychological stress. It is better to keep such a dog in a house with a fenced area.
4.Golden Retriever
Originally bred in Scotland in the mid-19th century, according to one version, the golden retriever was bred by crossing spaniels with existing retrievers. This created a breed that was ideal for hunting. It is no coincidence that the Golden Retriever is among the ten most intelligent, friendly and popular dogs in the world. He quickly learns commands and is very obedient. Highly intelligent and loving people, it is often used to help people with disabilities, for guard purposes, in military service and in the police. In addition, it shows itself perfectly in all kinds of sports. This is a wonderful balanced companion for a family with children, which is not recommended to be kept in the apartment due to its energy and ability to destroy in the absence of proper attention and training. It is worth mentioning the "cousin" of this breed - the Labrador Retriever, which has many similar character traits.
5. Doberman
Doberman Pincher appeared in Germany at the beginning of the 20th century. Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann bred this breed in order to get a good companion and watchman. It is believed that Doberman originates from breeds such as the Rottweiler, the Black and Brown Terrier, the German Pinscher, and possibly the Greyhound.
These dogs have always been in the top of the most intelligent, thanks to their high intelligence, fidelity and qualities of a protector. No wonder they are actively used in the army and police. The breed is quite energetic and athletic, and therefore requires daily physical activity adequate to its abilities. Its early socialization and proper preparation is very important, as these dogs can be aggressive towards other dogs. Well-trained Dobermans get along well with children and often take on the role of home guardian in the family.
6. Sheltie
Known as Sheltie Shepherds from Shetlen Islands, they were bred for livestock management. The origin of the breed is unclear: according to one version, they are believed to be descendants of the Border Collie, and according to another, the Scandinavian Spitz. These dogs are rightfully considered one of the most intelligent, hardworking and loyal in the world. In appearance, the sheltie looks like a collie in miniature, which, by the way, has a similar intelligence. This breed is easy to learn, very responsive and easily managed by its owners. But at the same time, Sheltie is extremely distrustful of strangers and does not tolerate familiarity. These dogs are extremely sensitive to the intonations of their master, and when treated roughly, they simply do not respond to commands.
7. Labrador Retriever
Labrador breed originated in the early 1800s in the UK. Previously, these dogs served as assistants to fishermen, now they are used as guide dogs, in search and rescue operations, in the police and as hunting dogs. Obedient and responsive, energetic and athletic, these dogs are ideal for families with children. Well trained, quickly remember and assimilate new information, get along well with strangers and other pets. It is necessary to give these dogs a lot of physical activity in order to avoid boredom and eating them any inedible objects due to their excessively accumulated energy.
8. Papillon
Papillon (papillon) was bred in the 16th century in Europe. The name papillon (translated from French - butterfly) was received for the ears in the form of butterfly wings. Although the miniature papillon’s appearance is misleading, it’s not just a tame dog, but one of the most intelligent and calm dogs among “toy” breeds. With a gentle and patient nature, they are very hardy, reliable and friendly to everyone. Playful papillons are easy to train in various tricks, but they are not suitable for families with small children because of their excessive fragility in puppyhood. Due to their size, they are well suited for housing.
9. Rottweiler
Rottweiler appeared as a result of crossbreeding of German shepherds and Roman dogs. Named after the German town of Rottweil, where it was known as Rottweiler Metzgerhund (Rottweil the Butcher's dog). In addition to serving as cattle shepherds, they were also used to pull carts of meat to the market and as guards of bags of revenue secured to their necks. Currently they are used in search and rescue operations, to help people with disabilities and in the police. These dogs are easily trained and bold, they are devoted defenders of their master and his territory, and therefore can be very aggressive with strangers and new animals in the family. They are excellent psychologists and "read" any person like an open book. For training and socialization from early childhood, a Rottweiler with its dominant and stubborn character needs an experienced and calm host.
10. Australian shepherd dog
This breed is also among the ten most intelligent dogs in the world. Presumably, this breed is the result of a cross between a Dingo and a blue-gray collie or Dalmatian. Being artificially bred in Australia for cattle driving, the Australian shepherd dog is distinguished by endurance, fidelity and excellent watchdog qualities. In addition, she is a wonderful companion, smart and smart, easily trained and capable of full dedication. She needs room for games and walks, she is very active and quickly begins to get bored without constant work and movement. Fans of a sedentary lifestyle are unlikely to be satisfied with such an energetic pet with a pronounced dominant character.
