The 15 Smartest Dog Breeds: Is Yours on the List?

Written by Henrik Rothen

Jan.29 - 2025 8:03 AM CET

Animals
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Photo: Shutterstock.com
These 15 breeds stand out as the most intelligent dogs in the world. Whether you're looking for a highly trainable working dog or a smart family companion, these breeds are guaranteed to impress with their learning capabilities and problem-solving skills.

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When it comes to intelligence, some dog breeds stand out from the rest. These breeds quickly learn new commands, follow instructions consistently, and have a strong work ethic.

Here are the 15 most intelligent dog breeds, ranked from least to most intelligent, based on information from multiple dog trainers, veterinarians, and canine behavior specialists.

Schipperke

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The Schipperke is a small, agile dog with high energy levels and an independent nature. While intelligent, its strong-willed personality can make training challenging.

  • Known for its excellent problem-solving abilities.

  • Highly active and requires an attentive owner.

  • Often stubborn but incredibly loyal.

Belgian Tervuren

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This energetic breed is famous for its work ethic and ability to master complex tasks. However, it requires an experienced trainer.

  • Ideal for obedience training and guard work.

  • Needs both mental and physical stimulation.

  • Forms strong bonds with its family.

English Springer Spaniel

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A cheerful and social breed, the Springer Spaniel is known for its hunting instincts and ability to work alongside humans. It thrives when given tasks to complete.

  • Excellent hunting dog with natural retrieving skills.

  • Friendly and affectionate, making it a great family pet.

  • Slightly less focused in complex mental challenges.

Miniature Schnauzer

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This small but sharp breed is both alert and energetic. However, its stubbornness requires patience during training.

  • Highly observant and aware of its surroundings.

  • Excels in agility and loves mental challenges.

  • Can be reserved around strangers.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

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A versatile and intelligent herding breed, the Corgi often surprises people with its strong work drive. It thrives when given a job to do.

  • Quick to learn and adapt to new commands.

  • Well-known for its ability to herd larger animals.

  • Friendly and deeply attached to its owner.

Australian Cattle Dog

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This breed is famous for its endurance and independent thinking. It excels at demanding tasks like herding.

  • Extremely energetic and resilient.

  • Uses intelligence to solve problems independently.

  • Requires both mental and physical challenges to thrive.

Rottweiler

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Rottweilers are strong and loyal dogs known for their work ethic. When properly trained, they excel as both guard dogs and loving family pets.

  • Natural protectors with high intelligence.

  • Quick to learn and execute complex tasks.

  • Calm and confident when well-socialized.

Papillon

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This small breed is incredibly quick and observant. Papillons love mental challenges and excel at tricks and agility training.

  • Learns new tricks and commands rapidly.

  • Highly social and closely bonded to owners.

  • Great at reading and responding to human emotions.

Labrador Retriever

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The Labrador Retriever is the world’s most popular family dog, and for good reason. It is friendly, highly trainable, and loves working with people.

  • Natural team player with a strong ability to understand tasks.

  • Frequently used as a guide dog and in search-and-rescue.

  • Enjoys learning and participating in various activities.

Shetland Sheepdog

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This energetic herding dog is known for its intelligence and attentiveness. It loves working and thrives on mental stimulation.

  • Quick to learn complex herding commands.

  • Highly responsive to human body language and cues.

  • Ideal for obedience training and agility sports.

Doberman Pinscher

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Dobermans are both fast and intelligent. Their protective instincts make them excellent guard dogs, but they also thrive as family pets.

  • Extremely focused and quick to master new commands.

  • Highly loyal and deeply bonded to their owner.

  • Performs well under pressure and challenging situations.

Golden Retriever

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Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly nature and eagerness to learn. They are commonly used as therapy dogs and service dogs due to their intelligence.

  • Natural problem solvers with a cooperative attitude.

  • Can learn up to 200 commands.

  • Ideal for families and as working or therapy dogs.

German Shepherd

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The German Shepherd is famous for its sharp intelligence and strong work ethic. It is often used in police work and search-and-rescue missions.

  • Quickly masters complex commands.

  • Easily adapts to new situations.

  • Known for an exceptional memory and deep loyalty.

Poodle

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Poodles are among the most versatile dog breeds. Not only are they elegant, but they are also incredibly intelligent and eager to learn.

  • Outstanding ability to master complex tricks.

  • Highly adaptable and commonly used in dog sports and therapy work.

  • Comes in three sizes, all equally intelligent.

Border Collie

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Topping the list as the world’s most intelligent dog breed, the Border Collie is renowned for its ability to learn tasks at record speed.

  • Masters new commands in under five repetitions.

  • Excels in agility, herding, and problem-solving.

  • Has an exceptional ability to read and respond to human cues.