The smartest breeds: list, characteristics, photos with names

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

More than one millennium has passed since the domestication of dogs. During this time, people managed not only to bring out more than four hundred varieties of these animals, but also to divide them according to external, working and intellectual characteristics. Today's article will present brief characteristics of the representatives of the 10 most intelligent dog breeds in the world.

What is the rating based on?

In 1994 Stanley Koren, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, wrote the book The Intelligence of Dogs. Subsequently, this edition quickly became a bestseller and was translated into 26 languages. It deals with three aspects of canine intelligence: instinctive, adaptive and obedient. The first is responsible for the performance of genetically programmed functions, the second helps to cope with the task on its own, and the third provides the ability to learn. It was he who formed the basis for compiling the ranking of the smartest breeds in the world.

The author of the book divided the dogs into several groups. in the category with the lowestShih Tzu, Bassets, Mastiffs, Beagles, Pekingeses, Bloodhounds, Russian Canines, Chow Chows, English Bulldogs, Basenjis and Afghan Hounds were the ones with the ability to learn. To learn a new command, these animals need 80-100 repetitions.

The next group included dogs whose learning abilities are rated below average. These include pugs, French Bulldogs, M altese, St. Bernards, Bull Terriers, Bobtails, Chihuahuas and some others.

In the category of easy to train dogs that learn new commands in less than five repetitions, there are Australian Cattle, Rottweilers, Papillons, Labradors, Shelties, Dobermans, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Poodles and Border Collies. It is about them that will be discussed in today's publication.

Border Collie

These animals have been confidently leading the top 10 most intelligent breeds for a long period, displacing the German Shepherd. They were bred in the UK about five hundred years ago. It is believed that they appeared as a result of crossing shepherd dogs with native dogs that came to England with the Scandinavian Vikings.

The Border Collie is a medium-sized, athletic dog that grows between 45-55 cm at the withers and weighs no more than 22.5 kg. On a proportional head with a distinct stop and an almost imperceptible occiput, dark almond-shaped eyes and wide-set ears are located. The graceful, harmoniously developed body of the dog is covered with moderately long or short hair of almost any color. But most often among them there are marble,chocolate, black and red or black and white specimens.

Border Collies are naturally open, outgoing and curious. They never show aggression towards strangers and are easily trained. Thanks to their high intelligence, endurance and active temperament, they successfully participate in freestyle, agility and frisbee competitions. They are often used as shepherds, guides, searchers and canis therapists.

German Shepherd

These versatile working dogs are in second place in the top 10 smartest dog breeds. They were bred a little over a hundred years ago thanks to the focused work of Max von Stephanitz and were indispensable assistants to soldiers who participated in the First and Second World Wars. Today, they successfully serve as guards, searchers and regular companions.

The German Shepherd is a fairly large dog, growing up to 55-65 cm at the withers and weighing between 22-40 kg. A harmoniously developed body with well-developed muscles and a smoothly falling topline is covered with short or long two-layered hair in black, zoning or black-and-black color.

The German Shepherd is a loyal, selfless, hard-working dog with high intelligence and an accommodating character. She is easy to train and needs constant communication with the owner.

Poodle

These decorative beauties are firmly entrenched in the third line of the ranking of the 10 smartest dog breeds in the world. France is officially recognized as their homeland, and among their closest relatives areBichons, Komondors, Pulis and Curly Coated Retrievers. The ancestors of modern poodles were successfully used for hunting and searching for truffles. Over time, they retrained as companions and show dogs.

Poodles are noble, aristocratic dogs whose height varies widely. The smallest representatives of this breed grow no more than 28 cm at the withers. And the growth of large, so-called royal poodles is about 45-58 cm. The main distinguishing feature of these animals is the curly or corded coat of apricot, silver, brown, white, red or black.

Poodles are unique dogs with a good-natured character and excellent memory. They are very contact, active and cheerful. These dogs learn the most difficult tricks without any problems and have been constant participants in circus show programs for a long time.

Golden Retriever

Great Britain is considered the birthplace of these animals, which are not accidentally included in the top of the smartest dog breeds in the world. They were bred thanks to the purposeful work of local breeders, among whom Lord Tweedmouth, who devoted more than twenty years to this occupation, stood out. It is believed that Labradors, Flat-Coated Retrievers, Irish Setters, Water Spaniels and Bloodhounds took part in their formation. The first club of lovers of this breed was founded in 1913. Around the same time, the official standard for golden retrievers was developed.

Golden is a strong, harmoniously built dog, growing up to 50-60 cm inwithers and weighing between 25-35 kg. Moderately stretched body with a deep chest and a level back covered with moderately long straight or wavy hair, the color of which varies from almost white to dark gold.

Golden Retriever is one of the smartest and kindest breeds. These animals are easy to train and are not prone to aggression. They easily learn new commands and get along well with other pets.

Doberman Pinscher

This breed was bred in Germany and named after its creator Louis Dobermann. German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Pinschers and Great Danes took part in its formation. Thanks to this combination of bloodlines, the German policeman managed to get a graceful animal with a strong character.

Doberman is a tall athletic dog, growing up to 61-71 cm at the withers and weighing between 30-40 kg. The well-proportioned body with well-developed muscles and noble bearing is covered with a meek smooth coat of black, dark brown or blue color with rusty red tan.

Doberman is not in vain in the top of the smartest dog breeds. He is naturally endowed with a lively mind and high intellect. With proper upbringing, he will successfully cope with the role of a fearless guard and a faithful, obedient companion.

Sheltie

These shaggy pretty shepherds come from the Shetland Islands. They were created by crossing several different breeds, including the Border Collie.

Sheltie is a small dog growing up to35-40 cm and weighing no more than 12 kg. Visually, it resembles a Rough Collie. She is easily recognizable by her narrowed head with an elongated muzzle and luxurious fluffy fur coat.

Miniature Shetland Sheepdogs are absolutely right on the list of the smartest breeds. They are distinguished by innate tact, high intelligence, excellent memory and intelligent disposition. These contact dogs are easy to train and are happy to follow the master's commands.

Labrador Retriever

This breed appeared in the 19th century from huge dogs that lived on the island of Newfoundland. According to one version, setters and curly-coated retrievers took part in its formation. The first breed standard was approved in 1887 and subsequently adjusted.

Labrador is a fairly large stocky dog, growing up to 54-57 cm at the withers and weighing between 25-40 kg. On a broad head with powerful jaws, there are expressive dark eyes and drooping, tight-fitting ears. A strong compact body with a developed chest is covered with short waterproof hair in black, fawn or chocolate.

Labrador has long been recognized as one of the smartest breeds. These dogs are easy to train and readily fulfill the requirements of the owner. With the right upbringing, they make excellent guides, search engines are just companions.

Papillon

The exact origin of these tiny dogs is still unknown. According to one version, they have Franco-Belgian roots. According to the second theory, they originated fromItalian Toy Spaniels.

Papillons are miniature animals that grow no more than 28 cm at the withers. They are easily recognizable by their huge erect ears, decorated with fringes. The tiny body is covered with an elongated, shiny, wavy coat that forms a fluffy jabot and pants.

Papillons are affectionate and very sociable creatures endowed with high intelligence. Therefore, they are considered one of the smartest breeds and, along with their big brothers, participate in agility and dog frisbee competitions.

Rottweiler

The birthplace of these strong service dogs, the first information about which dates back to the 18th century, is the German town of Rottweil. The local population used them to drive livestock and protect property.

Rottweiler is a large stocky dog that grows up to 55-68 cm at the withers and weighs between 42-50 kg. On a large head with strong jaws and a relatively short muzzle, dark eyes and triangular hanging ears are located. The massive body with a powerful neck and developed muscles is covered with shiny black hair with red-brown markings.

Rottweilers are brave, determined and quick-witted dogs that can claim the right to be called one of the smartest breeds. They are easy to train and perfectly cope with the functions of a watchman, bodyguard, rescuer, guide and just a companion. They successfully combine physical strength and a balanced, calm character. They need constant communication with the owners and consider themselves a full-fledged member of the family.

Australianshepherds

Completing the ranking of the 10 most intelligent breeds is a dog bred in the 19th century and used exclusively for livestock protection. According to reports, among her ancestors are dingoes and rough collies. Subsequently, the blood of Dalmatians and even Bull Terriers was added to them.

The Australian Shepherd is relatively small in size and has a very interesting exterior. The height of an adult is not more than 50 cm, and the weight does not exceed 18 kg. Visually, it has a certain resemblance to its distant relatives. On a wide rounded head with powerful jaws, there are small oval eyes and triangular erect ears with pointed tips. The massive body with well-developed muscles is covered with short hair of ashen or red-brown color.

Australian Cattle Dogs are fearless, hardy and trainable dogs. They are very affectionate, good-natured and energetic. Their high intelligence, boundless devotion and dedication make them excellent family dogs and long walk companions.

Instead of a conclusion

It is important to understand that the top of the smartest dogs presented above is very conditional. After all, a dog of any breed needs to be socialized in time and properly educated. Only in this way will an obedient and easily controlled companion come out of it, which does not cause inconvenience to the people around you. If you just buy a puppy of one of the described breeds and do not engage in its training, then soon an uncontrollable dog will grow out of it, capable of deliveringa lot of problems.