Top 51 Smartest Dog Breeds That Outsmart The Rest

Can dogs be intelligent too? If you have ever wondered about this, let’s explore together.

We've all seen those viral videos of dogs performing incredible tricks, solving puzzles, and seemingly understanding our every word. There is no one parameter for measuring a dog’s intelligence. Some are obedient, some can solve problems, some can learn fast, and some are socially intelligent.

Breed has a lot to do with it. So, let’s explore some of the smartest dog breeds out there. We are going to list the most intelligent dogs by breed. Each is unique in its own way, so we don’t believe it appropriate to rank them. Prepare to be amazed and explore the smartest canine breeds. 

1. Border Collie

   
   Often counted as foremost among the most intelligent dog species. Renowned for exceptional problem-solving, Border Collies excel at learning complex commands and herding tasks. Their eagerness to please and quick thinking make them top canine scholars.

2. Poodle

   
   
   Poodles (all sizes) are quick learners with high trainability. They’re adept at obedience, agility, and even circus tricks, thanks to their sharp memory and attention to detail.

3. German Shepherd

   
   
   Loyal and versatile, German Shepherds grasp new commands rapidly. They’re widely used in police, military, and service roles because of their courage, adaptability, and strong work ethic.

4. Golden Retriever

   
   
   Golden Retrievers combine eagerness to learn with a gentle temperament. Their ability to understand and respond to human cues makes them superb therapy and assistance dogs.

5. Doberman Pinscher

   
   
   With keen observational skills and unwavering focus, Dobermans pick up on training cues quickly. Their protective instincts and intelligence make them excellent guard dogs.

6. Shetland Sheepdog

   
   
   Often called “mini Collies,” Shelties are agile thinkers and excel at herding and obedience competitions. They’re highly attuned to their owners’ emotions.

7. Labrador Retriever

   
   
   Labs are not just friendly—they’re problem-solvers. Their combination of social intelligence and trainability makes them outstanding service and search-and-rescue dogs.

8. Papillon

   
   
   Tiny but mighty, Papillons shine in agility and obedience. They learn new tricks quickly and thrive on mental stimulation.

9. Rottweiler

   
   
   
   Rottweilers display strong reasoning skills and excel in protection work. Consistent, positive training brings out their intelligence and loyalty.

10. Australian Cattle Dog
    These dogs are energetic strategists, known for outsmarting their handlers during herding. Their high energy demands mental challenges to stay happy.

11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

    
    
    Corgis learn commands swiftly and enjoy problem-solving games. Their herding background gives them a quick, decisive mindset.

12. Miniature Schnauzer

    
    
    Alert and inquisitive, Mini Schnauzers excel at obedience and watchdog duties. They quickly adapt to new situations and tasks.

13. English Springer Spaniel

    
    
    With a sharp nose and sharp mind, Springers are natural retrievers and search-and-rescue partners. They pick up new commands with ease.

14. Belgian Malinois

    
    
    Often used in high-intensity police work, Malinois possess remarkable focus, trainability, and stamina. They learn complex tasks quickly.

15. Collie

    
    
    The classic Lassie breed, Collies, are intuitive and learn commands rapidly. Their sensitivity to human emotions makes them excellent family companions.

16. Keeshond

    
    
    Keeshonden are social problem-solvers who thrive on interactive play and training. They’re quick to learn household routines.

17. German Shorthaired Pointer

    
    
    These pointers combine instinct with intelligence, excelling in hunting, agility, and obedience. They’re highly adaptable and responsive.

18. Flat-Coated Retriever

    
    
    Known as the “Peter Pan” of dogs for their perpetual puppy-like spirit, Flat-Coats learn quickly and excel at retrieving and obedience.

19. English Cocker Spaniel

    
    
    
    Cocker Spaniels are cheerful learners, adept at fieldwork and agility. Their sociable nature and smarts make training a joy.

20. Standard Schnauzer

    
    
    These versatile dogs are quick on the uptake, thriving in roles from watchdog to agility star. Their alertness keeps them mentally sharp.

21. Brittany Spaniel

    
    
    Energetic and bright, Brittanys excel in field trials and agility. They respond well to positive reinforcement.

22. Belgian Tervuren

    
    
    Similar to the Malinois, Tervurens combine keen intellect with strong work drive, shining in herding, protection, and sport.

23. Schipperke

    
    
    Small but fearless, Schipperkes are independent thinkers who love learning tricks and exploring new puzzles.

24. Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael)

    
    
    Intelligent and devoted, Groenendaels excel at herding, protection, and obedience, learning complex tasks quickly.

25. Irish Water Spaniel
    With a curly coat and curly mind, they excel at water retrieval and adapt quickly to new challenges.

26. Vizsla

    
    
    Vizslas bond deeply with owners and learn commands rapidly. Their combination of physical and mental energy requires ample training.

27. Weimaraner

    
    
    “Gray Ghosts” are smart and driven hunters. They grasp training cues swiftly but need consistent mental stimulation.

28. Portuguese Water Dog
    Bred for herding fish into nets, they excel at water work and learn tricks rapidly, thriving on interactive play.

29. Australian Shepherd

    
    
    True to their name, Aussies are agile, energetic, and highly trainable. They excel at herding and canine sports.

30. Belgian Laekenois
    The rarest Belgian Shepherd, Laekenois share the intelligence and versatility of their siblings in herding and protection.

31. Bouvier des Flandres

    
    
    Strong and steady, Bouviers are intelligent guardians and herders, learning complex tasks with consistency.

32. Old English Sheepdog
    With a calm demeanor, they’re smart herders who respond well to structured training and mental challenges.

33. American Staffordshire Terrier

    
    
    They’re quick learners with high problem-solving ability. Positive training brings out their intelligence and loyalty.

34. Scottish Terrier

    
    
    Independent and clever, Scotties learn commands well but appreciate training that respects their strong will.

35. Border Terrier

    
    
    These terriers are bright, curious, and excel at earth-dog trials. They love puzzle toys and interactive games.

36. Brittany
    (See #21: the same breed often simply called “Brittany.”)

37. Bearded Collie
    Energetic herders with quick minds, Bearded Collies excel in agility and obedience challenges.

38. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

    
    
    The smallest retriever, Tollers are bright and playful, learning new tasks with enthusiasm.

39. American Water Spaniel
    Versatile and eager, they excel at waterfowl hunting and obedience, picking up new commands quickly.

40. Puli

    
    
    Known for their corded coat, Pulis are sharp herders with fast reflexes and strong problem-solving skills.

41. Chinese Crested

    
    
    Surprising many, these tiny dogs learn tricks quickly and bond closely with their families.

42. Tibetan Terrier

    
    
    Despite the name, they’re not true terriers—but they’re clever, affectionate, and pick up household routines rapidly.

43. Lagotto Romagnolo

    
    
    The “truffle dog” of Italy, they use their keen noses and bright minds to locate truffles, excelling at scent work.

44. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
    Intelligent and eager, they shine in hunting, agility, and obedience trials, learning commands rapidly.

45. Finnish Lapphund

    
    
    Friendly and quick to learn, they were bred to herd reindeer and respond well to training and puzzles.

46. Swedish Vallhund
    A small herding dog with big smarts, Vallhunds excel at agility and obedience, learning complex sequences.

47. Japanese Akita
    Independent yet intelligent, Akitas learn quickly but need a firm, consistent trainer to channel their strong will.

48. Siberian Husky

    
    
    Though independent, Huskies are clever problem-solvers—sometimes to the frustration of owners! They learn routines and escape-proofing with ease.

49. Belgian Shepherd (Malinois)
    (See #14: identical breed, listed again for completeness in different contexts.)

50. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    
    
    Gentle and eager to please, Cavaliers pick up basic obedience and therapy work quickly, thanks to their people-oriented nature.

51. Border Collie x Poodle (Boroodle)
    A hybrid “designer” breed, Boroodles combine the Border Collie’s work drive with the Poodle’s problem-solving, resulting in exceptional trainability.

So, there you have it: that will surely make you wonder. From the herding heroes to the problem-solving pros, there are various smart dog types. If you value intelligence in your dogs, start with these smartest dog species. 

But let's be real, intelligence isn't everything. Their love and innocent mischiefs are sure to prove you wrong.