Dog Intelligence Breed – Top 18 Smartest Dogs in the World

Which breeds are the smartest dog breeds in the world?

Dogs are considered the most loyal friend of man; this particular animal has a connection with man than any other animal. Many have testified to the intelligence of their dogs, while some are considered to have surprising intellect, some are reported to have astonishing brain power.

Man has always bred dogs based on the physical and mental traits best suited for the work expected of them, for example, the giant mastiff types used as watchdogs and warriors and the sleek Greyhound types bred to chase fleet-footed prepare two primordial examples of dogs bred for specific jobs.

Each breed’s model physical traits, movement, and temperament are recorded in a written document called a “breed standard.” For example, the breed standard sets forth the traits that make a Purebred Irish Setter a Purebred Irish Setter and not a Cocker Spaniel.

While there are over 340 dog breeds known throughout the world, The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes only 192 breeds. Some of these breeds among the top 27 breeds according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) will be considered according to their level of intelligence.

#1: Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a huge, impressive canine. At an average adult weight of up to 100 pounds, one might be tempted to think it is clumsy and dim-witted, but that isn’t the case at all. Like other large breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog needs a lot of exercises. Their intelligence makes them ideal for outdoor training.

#2: Affenpinscher

This breed is considered one of the great comedians in the dog family, belonging to the Affen people and fondly called their little monkey dogs, the dense, harsh coat dog is loyal, affectionate, can be willful and domineering but they are always entertaining. They are not considered breeds that should be trained but befriended as a man.

#3: Alaskan Malamute

Mals is characterized by heavy bone, deep chest, dense coats made to withstand all weathers and powerful shoulders, it stands 23-25 inches at the shoulder and weighs 75-78 pounds. It is a heavy-duty worker but also loves snuggling with humans, it’s considered kid-friendly, playful and affectionate. It is advisable to start its training in early puppyhood.

#4: Old English Sheepdog

This breed is characterized by a body and face full of fur and looks very cuddly, but apart from being cuddly, it is bred to keep flocks of herding animals at bay and this makes this breed fit right into the rural area like a farm and also due to its love of open spaces, although, if well trained, it can settle into the city life also. It doesn’t only follow commands well, it also executes them independently.

#5: American Eskimo Dog

This breed is fondly referred to as the ‘beauty-and-brains’ package. It comes in three different sizes- standard, miniature and toy- standing as tall as 19 inches at the shoulder or as short as 9 inches. Distinct traits consist of a thick, sparkling white coat with a lion-like ruff around the chest and shoulders; a smiling face, with black nose, lips, and eye-rims that express a keen, intelligent expression; and a plumed tail carried over the back. It combines striking good looks with a quick and clever mind. It is not overly shy although it can be reserved when making new friends neither is it aggressive. It’s considered alert and kid-friendly and does not like to be ignored.

#6: Jack Russell Terrier

This Terrier is notoriously known as an actor because of its receptiveness to repetitive commands, they are small and snappy dogs and surprisingly agile for its stature. It is characterized as extremely athletic, fearless, intelligent and vocal dogs.

#7: American Foxhounds

This hound is considered a rangy hunter known for its speed, work ethic and tolerating nature, its legs are longer and finely-boned than its cousin; the English Foxhound and it boasts of large, soft eyes with an expression of pleading and gentle, yet, they have a downside, they can become easily depressed and destructive if not given lots of exercises, therefore, it can be a handful for novice owners.

#8: Weimaraner

A type of German bred dog hunting, the Weims are considered smart but occasionally stubborn, they are fast learners and excel at retrieving and other hunting tasks. Also known for its physical endurance and stamina with a strong instinctive prey-drive, it is advisable not to leave your cat at home with it because it tends to follow its hunting instincts rather than tolerate the cat.

#9: Irish Setter

This big, sleek red-haired dog also makes for a good hunting companion. Beyond instincts which comes in handy during bird-hunting, it also has a strong mental capacity and is considered therapy dogs in schools and hospital settings as children enjoy reading with the dogs in a relaxed setting.

#10: Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Corgis are fondly referred to as the ‘Queen’s own dog’ and the reason is not far-fetched; the Queen of England is known to have a herd of these dogs following her around in the palace and for good reason too. It is stress-free to train because of its inborn and responsive intellect. It is characterized by its short legs and functions also as a watchdog due to its alertness and tendency to bark only when necessary.  They are well-behaved and mostly friendly with people especially kids.

#11: Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is much like its relative across the Bering Strait in Alaska. Like other Huskies, the Siberian’s smarts are obvious in its relationship to other dogs. They don’t make great guard dogs due to their less-dependency nature on humans, and therefore they are less protective. These dogs often have a preference of being outside in the cold rather than laying at your feet and can be human-independent.

#12: American Leopard HoundDog

This breed is a medium to the large-sized dog and comes in three patterns: Solid, Leopard and Brindle but a greater percentage are of solid-colors.  The breed is very flexible in hunting a variety of game species comprising, but not restricted to; squirrel, cougar, raccoon, bear, bobcat, and any other tree-oriented game. As an expressly tough breed, they also fare enormously well in extreme weather, both hot and cold. Intelligence is projected as one of the American Leopard Hound’s very finest attributes. The breed is loving and affectionate toward their family and they are particularly protective of children. American Leopards are one of the oldest tree dog breeds in the U.S. and have extremely strong tracking abilities, often able to track prey for miles.

#13: Collie

Once characterized in a movie called Lassie as an extremely high intellectual dog, communicating danger to the residents and helping people out of ominous situations, the Collie’s characteristics are not far-fetched from its depictions in the movie. They are highly intelligent, adept at obedience training and deeply loyal to their family. With great health record, they are able to play all day without tiring easily and they display an acute sense for any given task and are instinctively highly motivated as well.

#14: Great Dane

The name befits the dog as it is indeed ‘great’ in size and its size equals its brain matter. It is a family dog that can be very protective, it loves couches and sitting on laps, that’s why it’s considered as the ‘world’s biggest lapdog’. It is very accommodating and adaptable although it loves spacious places. It is also kid-friendly.

#15: The Beagle

Either 13 inches at the shoulder or 13-15 inches, they are projected as sturdy and solid. They come in exciting colors of red and white, lemon and sometimes tricolor. It is widely known for its adorable, cute face and it’s big brown or sometimes hazel pleading eyes set off by long, houndy ears set low on a broad head. It is commonly described as lovable, happy, merry and make great companions especially outdoors which is why it is rated as the most popular hound dog among American pet owners. They are full of energy, clever and curious and demand lots of playtimes.

#16: Rottweiler

Rottweilers can be scary dudes, but they are amazingly intelligent. Their smartness presents a chance to tame their strength into positive activities. They are used as service dogs and sensitive to their owner’s moods. They are gentle but can be fiercely protective of their families.

#17: Doberman Pinscher

This breed is popularly known as the “Police Dog”, it is characterized by aggressiveness which if well channeled or if they are well trained, can become a tool especially in protection. It is muscular, powerful and fast, with a height of 24-28 at the shoulders. It has a substantial sleek body covered with a glistening coat of black, blue, red or fawn. They are considered royalty in the canine kingdom.

#18: Golden Retriever

A hairy, Scottish gundog of great beauty, famously known for its lustrous coat of gold, the Golden is considered a breed hallmark, moving with a powerful gait. They are smart, lovable, loyal and they depend greatly on their owners for guidance. They excel in hunting and fieldwork, in search-and-rescue and they prefer to stick with a family rather than go hang out by themselves. They always crave a purpose and function which makes them great both indoors and outdoors. They are also remarkably trustworthy, relatively easy to train, outgoing and eager to please.