Top 50 Smartest Dog Breeds Ranked

Dogs possess varying degrees of intelligence, measured by their ability to learn commands, solve problems, and understand human cues. In this guide, we’ll rank the top 50 smartest dog breeds based on research, obedience trials, and the real-life tasks these breeds excel at.

The bond between humans and dogs is deeply rooted in history, with intelligence playing a significant role in this relationship. Dog intelligence can manifest in different forms: some breeds excel in problem-solving, while others can read human emotions or easily follow commands.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 50 smartest dog breeds. These rankings are based on research, including Dr. Stanley Coren’s famous study on canine intelligence. We’ve compiled this list with fresh, detailed insights to help you understand what makes these breeds stand out regarding their intellectual capabilities.

What Defines a Smart Dog?

Intelligence in dogs isn’t just about following commands—it involves problem-solving skills, adaptability, and responsiveness to human emotions. Researchers like Dr. Stanley Coren have focused on the following criteria to measure intelligence:

Key Factors in Measuring Dog Intelligence:

• Instinctive Intelligence: How well a dog performs tasks it was bred for, such as herding, guarding, or hunting.
• Adaptive Intelligence: How quickly a dog can learn from its environment and solve problems.
• Working and Obedience Intelligence: How easily a dog learns commands and follows directions.

Dogs with a high degree of intelligence typically respond to new commands in fewer than five repetitions and are adept at understanding human cues and emotions.

Top 50 Smartest Dog Breeds Ranked

Let’s dive into the list of the top 50 smartest dog breeds, starting with the highest breeds in working intelligence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.

50. Basset Hound

While not known for obedience, their sharp scent-tracking abilities make them superb hunters.

49. Chow Chow

Loyal but often independent, Chow Chows are quick learners with a stubborn streak.

48. Saint Bernard

Famous for rescue work, they are intelligent but can be slow to follow commands.

47. Bullmastiff

These protectors are intelligent but require patient training.

46. Shih Tzu

Affectionate companions, Shih Tzus are intelligent but can be selective about responding to commands.

45. Lhasa Apso

Quick-witted yet stubborn, Lhasa Apsos excel in tasks when motivated.

44. Maltese

Adaptable and playful, Maltese dogs are quick learners in social and training environments.

43. Jack Russell Terrier

These small dogs are clever, energetic, and need consistent mental stimulation.

42. Greyhound

Known for their speed and agility, Greyhounds excel in sports and are quick problem solvers.

41. Great Dane

Great Danes are known for their affectionate and trainable nature despite their size.

40. Pekingese

Regal yet stubborn, they show loyalty but often prefer independence.

39. Whippet

Quick, agile, and surprisingly trainable, Whippets excel in sports and companionship.

38. Beagle

Their sense of smell ranks among the best, making them excellent trackers, but they require patience in training.

37. Scottish Terrier

Independent and intelligent, Scotties are quick learners but may be headstrong.

36. Rhodesian Ridgeback

Originally bred for hunting, these dogs are independent thinkers and loyal protectors.

35. Weimaraner

Their intelligence shines in hunting and obedience, as they are quick to learn and eager to please.

34. Irish Setter

Known for their beauty and brain, these dogs excel in agility and tracking.

33. Border Terrier

An energetic and intelligent breed, Border Terriers are quick learners, especially in hunting tasks.

32. Alaskan Malamute

Intelligent and independent, these dogs excel in tasks that require teamwork and stamina.

31. American Pit Bull Terrier

Despite misconceptions, they are smart, trainable, and loyal companions when given proper guidance.

30. Cocker Spaniel

Known for their emotional intelligence, Cocker Spaniels excel in therapy and companionship roles.

29. English Bulldog

While not the most obedient, Bulldogs are clever problem solvers and show surprising adaptability.

28. Samoyed

Known for their friendly nature, Samoyeds are also intelligent problem solvers, excelling in herding and sledding.

27. Dachshund

Stubborn but clever, these dogs have a sharp sense of smell and are adept hunters.

26. Shiba Inu

Independent and quick to learn, Shibas require a patient trainer.

25. Belgian Malinois

These working dogs excel in tasks requiring precision, such as military or police work.

24. Siberian Husky

Independent but clever, Huskies are known for their problem-solving skills in challenging environments.

23. Vizsla

Energetic and intelligent, Vizslas are quick learners in hunting and obedience training.

22. Akita

Akitas are intelligent and loyal, though they often display independent thinking.

21. Great Pyrenees

Known for their intelligence in guarding flocks, they are independent problem solvers.

20. Bernese Mountain Dog

Intelligent and gentle, these dogs excel in tasks requiring teamwork, such as drafting and herding.

19. Australian Cattle Dog

Highly intelligent and energetic, they are bred for herding and thrive with a job to do.

18. Miniature Schnauzer

Known for their obedience and working intelligence, they are quick to learn new commands.

17. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These small dogs have a high level of emotional intelligence, making them great therapy dogs.

16. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Corgis are smart and energetic herders, excelling in tasks that require quick thinking and stamina.

15. Rottweiler

Rottweilers are highly trainable and loyal, often excelling in protection and obedience tasks.

14. Papillon

Papillons are known for their agility and quick learning ability, making them competitive in obedience trials.

13. Doberman Pinscher

Intelligent and loyal, Dobermans are quick learners and excel in protection work.

12. Belgian Tervuren

These dogs are excellent at herding and are quick to learn new tasks, thanks to their intelligence and drive.

11. English Springer Spaniel

Known for their versatility in hunting, they are intelligent, friendly, and easy to train.

10. Australian Shepherd

Highly energetic and smart, these dogs are bred for herding and are quick learners.

9. Labrador Retriever

Labradors are not only friendly but also incredibly trainable, often excelling in service work.

8. Shetland Sheepdog

Known for their quick learning and agility, Shelties are excellent herders and companions.

7. Golden Retriever

These dogs are incredibly loyal, obedient, and intelligent, excelling in tasks such as therapy and search-and-rescue.

6. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are famous for their working intelligence, excelling in police, military, and service work.

5. Doberman Pinscher

Dobermans are known for their quick learning abilities, loyalty, and protection instincts.

4. Rottweiler

Rottweilers are known for their obedience, making them one of the top breeds in working intelligence.

3. Poodle

Poodles are extremely intelligent, excelling in obedience, agility, and problem-solving tasks.

2. Border Collie

Border Collies are often regarded as the most intelligent working dogs, excelling in herding and complex tasks.

1. Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois are known for their quick adaptability, high intelligence, and excellent performance in demanding tasks such as police and military work.

How Dog Intelligence is Measured

The intelligence of dogs has been extensively studied, with Dr. Stanley Coren’s research providing one of the most famous assessments. The criteria for measuring a dog’s intelligence include:

• Instinctive Intelligence: How well the dog performs the task it was bred for.
• Adaptive Intelligence: How well the dog can solve problems on its own.
• Working and Obedience Intelligence: How quickly the dog learns new commands and responds to training.

FAQs

What dog breed has the highest IQ?

The Border Collie is often considered the dog breed with the highest IQ due to its ability to learn new tasks and excel in complex herding jobs quickly.

What are the top 10 smartest dogs?

The top 10 smartest dogs include the Belgian Malinois, Border Collie, Poodle, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, Shetland Sheepdog, Labrador Retriever, Australian Shepherd, and Rottweiler.

What is the most loyal dog?

Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers are often considered some of the most loyal dog breeds due to their strong attachment to their owners and ability to excel in tasks that require trust and cooperation, such as service and protection work.