Dog helped other dog and gives the example of his intelligency

While any dog can be a man's best friend, some just so happen to be a smarter friend. These canines rank at the top of their class in IQ including the papillon, golden retriever, and Rottweiler.Show more

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Three dogs in backyard at attention

CREDIT: FRANCISCA HFTMANN / EYEEM / GETTY IMAGES
What makes a smart dog? Are we asking our furry friend to follow commands, be obedient, learn tricks, and perhaps adapt in an intuitive way? This is called working intelligence, used by experts to determine a dog's intelligence level.

To make the question even harder to answer, there is the fact that dog intelligence, like cat intelligence, can be subjective and present itself in many forms. Even though a dog owner can nurture their dog's intelligence, there are some inherent qualities that a dog is born with. In general, working and herding breeds are often the smartest based on their busy minds, strong work ethic, and interest in connecting with humans. "These breeds aren't necessarily the easiest dogs to live with and they don't always make the best family companions," Dawn Kovell, director of behavior and training at the Marin Humane Society explains. "Sometimes, a calmer dog is the easier dog to train and live with."

Staysea Colteaux, owner of the dog boutique Dogville in San Anselmo, California, and dog trainer for 35 years agrees. "A dog's intelligence and ability to work and learn is also dependent on his temperament and personality," she says. "It is not always about how quickly a dog can learn something but how much they can bond and connect with their pet parents, and their willingness to please and desire to work."

If your canine friend didn't make this list, don't despair—research shows that most dogs are much smarter than we give them credit for. Colteaux comments, "Some of the most well behaved and well trained dogs I have ever worked with rank low on some standard dog intelligence lists." Colteaux's smart list includes Pit bull and Boston terrier. And Kovell has found that the smartest dogs she works with are mixes such as the border collie/whippet mix. So, join us as we learn more about some of the brightest breeds.

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Border Collie
Border Collie laying on grass

CREDIT: PURPLE COLLAR PET PHOTOGRAPHY / GETTY IMAGES
Coming in at the top of the canine class is the border collie. This high-energy herder can learn a new command in under five seconds and follow it at least 95 percent of the time. This breed, however, desperately needs rigorous exercise.

3 of 11
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German Shepherd

CREDIT: PURPLE COLLAR PET PHOTOGRAPHY / GETTY IMAGES
One factor to determine whether a dog's intelligence is to see if the breed is used as a service animal. German shepherds are the perfect example. This breed is used as therapy dogs, medical assistance dogs, and, of course, police dogs. The German shepherd is known for learning commands for multiple tasks.

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Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdog

CREDIT: AUSCAPE / GETTY IMAGES
This smart, hard-working breed routinely takes top prizes in agility, herding, and obedience trials. Also, Shetland sheepdogs are easily trainable and make good small guard dogs—if you can stand all the barking.

5 of 11
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Poodle
Poodle sitting outdoors in grass

CREDIT: CAROL HOWELL / EYEEM / GETTY IMAGES
Beyond being desirably hypoallergenic, the poodle is known for its working intelligence, which could be another reason it is cross-bred to create golden doodles, cockapoos, and woodles. Bred in Germany for bird hunting, the poodle is very trainable (with consistent guidance), can be loving, and some say have a sense of humor.

6 of 11
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Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinscher

CREDIT: TARA GREGG / EYEEM / GETTY IMAGES
Bred to do double duty, this breed can be a serious protector and affectionate companion. Doberman pinschers have historically been powerful police and military dogs, rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. Plus, they're known for their loyalty and fearlessness.

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Rottweiler
Rottweiler Dogs outdoors in grass field

CREDIT: TARA GREGG / EYEEM / GETTY IMAGES
Loyal, brave, and strong, the Rottweiler originated in Germany where these dogs drove farmer's cattle and pulled butcher's carts. A natural guardian, this breed excels working for the military, police, and customs, but also makes for a very loyal family member.

8 of 11
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Golden Retriever

CREDIT: SANJAGRUJIC / GETTY IMAGES
Originally bred for hunting, this popular family dog breed can be both playfully silly and loyal at the same time. Golden retrievers require obedience training to help them become well mannered, though. Most families love this dog breed because they're highly trainable and have an irresistibly goofy personality.

9 of 11
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Labrador Retriever

CREDIT: PURPLE COLLAR PET PHOTOGRAPHY / GETTY IMAGES
This breed certainly knows how to wear many hats, including being a family dog, hunting dog, guide dog, and even a narcotics detection champ. According the American Kennel Club, the Labrador retriever takes home the popularity contest by winning "most popular breed" since 1991. These pups are undoubtedly eager to please and easy to train (especially with food rewards).

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Papillon

CREDIT: PURPLE COLLAR PET PHOTOGRAPHY / GETTY IMAGES
Named for their unusual feathery ears, this toy breed is sometimes called the "Butterfly Dog." Tiny but also a smarty, the papillon frequently wins competitive agility trials, according to the American Kennel Club. This breed needs sufficient mental stimulation and, because they learn from experience, be sure to provide positive training.

11 of 11
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Australian Cattle Dog

CREDIT: TARA GREGG / EYEEM / GETTY IMAGES
The Australian Cattle Dog's notable smarty-pants traits are its awareness, curious George nature, and agile herding skills. Be aware, though, that this breed has boundless mental and physical energy, so owners should exercise them sufficiently and even train them in herding or tracking.

By Kier Holmes
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While any dog can be a man's best friend, some just so happen to be a smarter friend. These canines rank at the top of their class in IQ including the papillon, golden retriever, and Rottweiler.

1 of 11
Pin

More
Three dogs in backyard at attention

CREDIT: FRANCISCA HFTMANN / EYEEM / GETTY IMAGES
What makes a smart dog? Are we asking our furry friend to follow commands, be obedient, learn tricks, and perhaps adapt in an intuitive way? This is called working intelligence, used by experts to determine a dog's intelligence level.

To make the question even harder to answer, there is the fact that dog intelligence, like cat intelligence, can be subjective and present itself in many forms. Even though a dog owner can nurture their dog's intelligence, there are some inherent qualities that a dog is born with. In general, working and herding breeds are often the smartest based on their busy minds, strong work ethic, and interest in connecting with humans. "These breeds aren't necessarily the easiest dogs to live with and they don't always make the best family companions," Dawn Kovell, director of behavior and training at the Marin Humane Society explains. "Sometimes, a calmer dog is the easier dog to train and live with."

Staysea Colteaux, owner of the dog boutique Dogville in San Anselmo, California, and dog trainer for 35 years agrees. "A dog's intelligence and ability to work and learn is also dependent on his temperament and personality," she says. "It is not always about how quickly a dog can learn something but how much they can bond and connect with their pet parents, and their willingness to please and desire to work."

If your canine friend didn't make this list, don't despair—research shows that most dogs are much smarter than we give them credit for. Colteaux comments, "Some of the most well behaved and well trained dogs I have ever worked with rank low on some standard dog intelligence lists." Colteaux's smart list includes Pit bull and Boston terrier. And Kovell has found that the smartest dogs she works with are mixes such as the border collie/whippet mix. So, join us as we learn more about some of the brightest breeds.

ADVERTISEMENT
2 of 11
Pin

More
Border Collie
Border Collie laying on grass

CREDIT: PURPLE COLLAR PET PHOTOGRAPHY / GETTY IMAGES
Coming in at the top of the canine class is the border collie. This high-energy herder can learn a new command in under five seconds and follow it at least 95 percent of the time. This breed, however, desperately needs rigorous exercise.

3 of 11
Pin

More
German Shepherd

CREDIT: PURPLE COLLAR PET PHOTOGRAPHY / GETTY IMAGES
One factor to determine whether a dog's intelligence is to see if the breed is used as a service animal. German shepherds are the perfect example. This breed is used as therapy dogs, medical assistance dogs, and, of course, police dogs. The German shepherd is known for learning commands for multiple tasks.

ADVERTISEMENT
4 of 11
Pin

More
Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdog

CREDIT: AUSCAPE / GETTY IMAGES
This smart, hard-working breed routinely takes top prizes in agility, herding, and obedience trials. Also, Shetland sheepdogs are easily trainable and make good small guard dogs—if you can stand all the barking.

5 of 11
Pin

More
Poodle
Poodle sitting outdoors in grass

CREDIT: CAROL HOWELL / EYEEM / GETTY IMAGES
Beyond being desirably hypoallergenic, the poodle is known for its working intelligence, which could be another reason it is cross-bred to create golden doodles, cockapoos, and woodles. Bred in Germany for bird hunting, the poodle is very trainable (with consistent guidance), can be loving, and some say have a sense of humor.

6 of 11
Pin

More
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinscher

CREDIT: TARA GREGG / EYEEM / GETTY IMAGES
Bred to do double duty, this breed can be a serious protector and affectionate companion. Doberman pinschers have historically been powerful police and military dogs, rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. Plus, they're known for their loyalty and fearlessness.

ADVERTISEMENT
7 of 11
Pin

More
Rottweiler
Rottweiler Dogs outdoors in grass field

CREDIT: TARA GREGG / EYEEM / GETTY IMAGES
Loyal, brave, and strong, the Rottweiler originated in Germany where these dogs drove farmer's cattle and pulled butcher's carts. A natural guardian, this breed excels working for the military, police, and customs, but also makes for a very loyal family member.

8 of 11
Pin

More
Golden Retriever

CREDIT: SANJAGRUJIC / GETTY IMAGES
Originally bred for hunting, this popular family dog breed can be both playfully silly and loyal at the same time. Golden retrievers require obedience training to help them become well mannered, though. Most families love this dog breed because they're highly trainable and have an irresistibly goofy personality.

9 of 11
Pin

More
Labrador Retriever

CREDIT: PURPLE COLLAR PET PHOTOGRAPHY / GETTY IMAGES
This breed certainly knows how to wear many hats, including being a family dog, hunting dog, guide dog, and even a narcotics detection champ. According the American Kennel Club, the Labrador retriever takes home the popularity contest by winning "most popular breed" since 1991. These pups are undoubtedly eager to please and easy to train (especially with food rewards).

ADVERTISEMENT
10 of 11
Pin

More
Papillon

CREDIT: PURPLE COLLAR PET PHOTOGRAPHY / GETTY IMAGES
Named for their unusual feathery ears, this toy breed is sometimes called the "Butterfly Dog." Tiny but also a smarty, the papillon frequently wins competitive agility trials, according to the American Kennel Club. This breed needs sufficient mental stimulation and, because they learn from experience, be sure to provide positive training.

11 of 11
Pin

More
Australian Cattle Dog

CREDIT: TARA GREGG / EYEEM / GETTY IMAGES
The Australian Cattle Dog's notable smarty-pants traits are its awareness, curious George nature, and agile herding skills. Be aware, though, that this breed has boundless mental and physical energy, so owners should exercise them sufficiently and even train them in herding or tracking.

By Kier Holmes
Share the Gallery
PINTEREST
FACEBOOK
Popular in Dogs
woman on couch with old english sheep dog
Pin
15 Fluffy Dog Breeds You'll Want to Pet and Cuddle All Day Long
portrait of shetland sheepdog in mountains
Pin
10 of the Easiest Dog Breeds to Train
dachshund dog with red collar
Pin
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Chesapeake bay retriever jumping into lake
Pin
The Official Dog Breeds of 13 U.S. States
bulldog tilting its head
Pin
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three nova scotia duck tolling retrievers in water
Pin
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woman hugging toy poodle dog
Pin
The 15 Dog Breeds That Live the Longest
three dogs at a grassy park outside
Pin
The Most Popular Dog Breed in Every State of the U.S.
girl hugging dog during fall
Pin
The Most Popular Large Dog Breeds in the United States
a woman walking her shepherd dog outside
Pin
The Best Dog Breeds for Those Who Live in Wide, Open Spaces
goldendoodle puppy
Pin
A Visual Guide to All the Different Types of Poodle Mixes, Also Called Doodle Dogs
Beautiful akita inu Japanese dog laying down on wooden floor
Pin
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Smiling woman petting dog in bed
Pin
The Most Low-Energy, Non-Shedding Dog Breeds
gray wood dog house
Pin
The 10 Smartest Dog House Ideas We've Ever Seen
german shepherd dog with orange ball in their mouth outside
Pin
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Wild One Toy Kit
Pin
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person with brush grooming small terrier dog
Pin
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Puli Standing On Grassy Field
Pin
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people walking dogs in harnesses
Pin
How to Fit Your Dog for a Harness—Plus, Our Pick of the Best Ones
poodle resting in lap
Pin
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All Topics in Dogs
PET CARE PET FOOD DOGS CATS