Intelligent dogs. The smartest dogs. The Golden Retriever is a very kind and intelligent breed.

Everyone wants to have a savvy and cute pet at home, so canine experts from the world association American Kennel Club began studying animal behavior and compiled a rating of “The Smartest Dog Breeds.” To determine these criteria, we took into account the accuracy of command execution and understanding them the first time.

Let us note that some representatives of small and small breeds took places on the list below the real ones, but only because of stubbornness and independent decision-making. Therefore, in different sources The top 10 smartest dog breeds in the world may vary.

So, the smartest dog breeds – let’s highlight 15 representatives.

It is important that all pets have high intelligence, but the type of thinking is different, on the basis of which conclusions are drawn. So experts identified three main categories:

  • instinctive thinking, when the dog carries out only the commands assigned to it by nature;
  • adaptive thinking, when the dog makes decisions independently;
  • working mindset with the ability to learn and carry out new commands.


The top of the smartest dogs in the world is opened by the Australian Shepherd, which appeared in America to herd cattle. These pets love their owner and try to please him; they are distinguished by their hard work and devotion. The dog is also characterized by activity and sociability. Pets learn quickly, remember commands the first time, love outdoor games and long walks.


First appeared in England, it is believed the smartest and most loyal dog in the world. The pet is characterized by activity, sociability, loyalty, intelligence, attentiveness and responsibility. They are easy to train, but this must be done constantly, as well as training and physical games.


Also appeared in Great Britain; according to legend, puppies were given to humanity by fairies, who previously used them as sled dogs. Therefore, there is still a saddle-shaped spot on the back. Outwardly, this is a small dog that is distinguished by its activity, good nature, patience and affection for its owner. They get along easily with other animals, adore children, and are never capricious. The commands are memorized the second time, but they can even be taught to perform circus acts.


Despite large sizes, is used not only as a protector and security guard for an apartment or house, but also a good companion. Because he learns quickly, reacts calmly to stimuli, loves children and the whole family. The dog is also characterized by loyalty and endurance. Requires constant training and training to execute commands.


Also leader among the smartest and good dogs is . Because the dog is characterized by energy, good memory and sense of smell. This is why the pet is used in hunting, by the police to search for people, as a guide and companion. The retriever's character is characterized by kindness, calmness, affection for children, and receptivity. Therefore, the dog will have to devote a lot of time and attention.


It was bred in Germany for hunting and herding animals, although they were also used as a watchman. Dogs have well-developed intuition, attentiveness and patience. The character is characterized by restraint, loyalty and strict execution of the owner’s commands, although in difficult situations The dog makes his own decisions.


The Labrador is used as a companion, an assistant in the search for drugs and missing people, a protector and a security guard. has a kind, calm character, he is characterized by activity, an excellent sense of smell, good memory, obedience and attentiveness. Affectionateness, fearlessness and quick learning. It is impossible to develop aggression and malice in puppies.


Another smartest dog breed in the world is considered a German Shepherd that can be trained in several types of commands at once, thanks to its memory, patience, activity, and devotion. They always become leaders in teamwork, obey their owner and are attached to him until the end of their lives. Even non-professionals can train a dog. The animal’s intelligence was also noted by Professor Stanley Koren, who compiled top smartest dogs.


They are considered quite smart, quick-witted and attentive, despite their small size. The German Spitz is also characterized by activity, attentiveness and patience. They try to please their owner, learn quickly, and can bark and dance on your command if trained well. In the absence of education and attention, they are prone to aggression.


Ranks eighth in ranking of the smartest people around the world, and second among them after the poodle. Because the pet quickly remembers commands (the first time), is attentive, obedient and loves its owner. Requires training, diet and physical activity.


Features of the breed are excellent hearing, devotion and activity. The Spitz learns quickly because it strives to please its owner, loves games and physical activity, follows all commands, smart. The difficulty is that you need to train your pet constantly, from childhood, since it is characterized by selfishness, dissatisfaction and hostility towards others.


Poodles occupy second place in the ranking of the most intelligent breeds among decorative dogs pets This is dictated by keen intelligence, attentiveness, activity, and sociability. easily masters circus acts or complex commands, and then demonstrates them to the owner and others. They can be hunters, guards and companions.


The breed was bred for work and protection, so the pets are hardworking, active and resilient. Quite aggressive, attached to one owner, loves active games and attention. Only one person needs to train it, avoiding contact with children. He carries out commands clearly and accurately, remembers them the second or third time.


All species have first places in the top five smartest dog breeds, because the pet is famous for its endurance, attentiveness, good sense of smell and memory. The dog likes to move a lot and makes decisions on the level of instincts. Thanks to their sociability and intelligence, they can participate in competitions, exhibitions, and be a companion and security guard.


The breed is distinguished by high intelligence, despite its small size. They follow all the owner’s commands and remember them the first time. They can make their own decisions and protect their family. Dogs are fearless, sociable, but cautious with strangers, obeying only the owner. The peculiarity is that the dog constantly wants to please the owner and be useful. Therefore, training and attention cannot be avoided.

These are not all the smartest dog breeds all over the world, because even a decorative terrier can be taught simple commands and obedience. You just have to decide what kind of mentality of the pet you are looking for.

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From 1st to 10th place are occupied by the most intelligent breeds dogs with the most high level obedience and working qualities. Moreover, they respond to commands almost instantly! Training dogs of these breeds is easy and enjoyable even for a beginner.
  1. Border Collie
    These dogs love to work. You will never see them lying in the sun. They are very easy to train, friendly and love children. They can be used anywhere: as security guards, as nannies, and simply as smart pets.
  2. Poodle
    This breed is underestimated by most people due to their funny appearance. Poodles are very smart dogs and are capable of not only entertaining spectators at the circus by showing tricks. Previously, poodles served as both rescuers and observers. They swim well and are able to save a drowning person. Depending on the size, they can be used for hunting and protection.

  3. German Shepherd
    These dogs are just perfect for home. They are very loyal and ready to sacrifice themselves for the sake of their owner. They can be used as guards, as pet dogs, and for police purposes. For some reason in Lately The popularity of this breed is declining, and it is being replaced by exotic breeds that are not nearly as smart and not as beautiful.

  4. Golden retriever
    It can easily be confused with a Labrador Retriever. But the Golden Retriever is much smarter and more capable. These dogs can be rescuers, drug detectors, and guide dogs. By the way, retrievers are very patient, so you don’t have to be afraid to get them if you have kids in the house.

  5. Doberman
    There is something noble and incomprehensible about this dog. Dobermans need to be trained, otherwise you will grow up to be an uncontrollable dog who will do whatever he wants. These dogs appeared in 1800, when there was a need for a breed that could protect and attack. It is worth noting that these dogs are very active.

  6. Sheltie
    Dogs of this breed have a strong resemblance to collies. Shelties have very good hearing and sense of smell; despite their apparent decorativeness, they are able to protect their owner.

  7. Labrador Retriever
    Labrador retrievers live in almost every country in the world. They, like Rottweilers, serve in the police - after all, these dogs are capable of detecting even small doses of drugs. They are used as guides by blind people. Labrador retrievers also work as rescue dogs.

  8. Papillon
    Such a small, cute and funny dog ​​breed. Papillons have been and remain a symbol of elegance. During the Renaissance, many high-ranking people, including kings, kept dogs of this breed with them. They are very smart and reserved.

  9. Rottweiler
    Many consider these muscular handsome men to be dangerous and difficult to control. Yes, once these were killer dogs that could cope with a cow and even a large bull. Today's Rottweilers are somewhat smaller in size, but still very strong. Their mental abilities are widely known.

    Rottweilers sometimes work for the police, and in the past the owners of these dogs trained them to carry firewood and other heavy loads to markets or home. An ideal protector for the home, but it requires training and training.

  10. Australian Cattle Dog
    This breed is famous for its intelligence, ability to understand its owner at a glance, and is easy to train. These dogs are very obedient and efficient.


All trainers recognize that there are certain differences in the level of intelligence and ability to train among different breeds. However, it is also undeniable that there are significant differences in abilities between dogs within the same breed. Therefore, not all winners are collies, and not all collies are winners.

Much depends on the skill level of the trainer. “If you are a good enough trainer, then you can transform a dog of a “dumb” breed into a truly “smart” one.” Differences when working with dogs different breeds lies in the degree of difficulty or ease with which a certain level of training of a dog of a given breed can be achieved, and what is the absolute maximum training. Stanley Coren, professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia and author of The Intelligence of Dogs, has compiled an intelligence scale for dogs of 133 breeds. The basis for his research was the responses to a questionnaire he sent to all dog show judges in North America.

The picture of the results looks like this:

The smartest breeds.

Places from 1st to 10th were shared by dog ​​breeds that differ highest intelligence in terms of obedience and working qualities. Most of these dogs will be able to demonstrate understanding of simple commands in five or fewer demonstrations, and will be able to remember them without much need for repetition. They obey the trainer's command on average 95% of the time. Moreover, they respond to commands almost instantly, even if the owner is located at a considerable distance.

  • 1. Border Collie
  • 2. Poodle
  • 3. German Shepherd
  • 4. Golden Retriever
  • 5. Doberman
  • 6. Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
  • 7. Labrador Retriever
  • 8. Papillon
  • 9. Rottweiler
  • 10. Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler)

Excellent working dogs

Places from 11th to 26th were shared by dog ​​breeds distinguished by excellent working qualities. Learning a command can take anywhere from five to 15 repetitions. Dogs will remember commands very well, although practice will improve results. Such dogs will respond to the first command 85% of the time or more often. For complex commands, there may be some delay before responding. Such delays can be avoided through training. One way or another, almost any trainer will be able to train dogs of these breeds to an excellent level, even without special patience and considerable experience.

  • 11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
  • 12. Miniature Schnauzer
  • 13. English Springer Spaniel
  • 14. Belgian Tervuren
  • 15. Schieperke = Groenendael (Belgian Shepherd)
  • 16. Collie = Keeshond
  • 17. Kurzhaar
  • 18. Flat-Coated Retriever = English cocker spaniel= Miniature Schnauzer
  • 19. Breton epañol
  • 20. American Cocker Spaniel
  • 21. Weimaraner (Weimar pointer)
  • 22. Belgian Malinois = Bernese Cattle Dog
  • 23. Pomeranian Spitz
  • 24. Irish Water Spaniel
  • 25. Vizsla (Hungarian pointing dog)
  • 26. Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Dogs with above average working qualities

27-29th places - breeds with above average working qualities. Although they will be able to demonstrate understanding of simple, new commands within 15 demonstrations, on average it may take up to 25 repetitions before a dog can achieve a confident command execution. Practice has a very beneficial effect on dogs in this group, especially in the early stages of training. Typically, dogs of these breeds respond to the first command 70% of the time or more often, and the reliability of execution depends on the amount of training. In general, this group differs from the previous one only in that these dogs, as a rule, respond to commands less systematically and, often, there is a noticeable delay between the command and its execution. Dogs of these breeds, when moving a certain distance away from the owner, can react unstably to his commands, and when the distance is significant, they will not respond at all. Unsystematic or poor training by an inexperienced trainer leads to low level training of dogs of these breeds.

  • 27. Chesapeake Bay Retriever = Puli = Yorkshire Terrier
  • 28. Giant Schnauzer = Portuguese Water Dog
  • 29. Airedale = Bouvier de Flanders
  • 30. Border Terrier = Briard
  • 31. Welsh Springer Spaniel
  • 32. Manchester Terrier
  • 33. Samoyed
  • 34. Field Spaniel = American Staffordshire Terrier = Gordon Setter = Bird Collie
  • 35. Cairn Terrier = Carrie Blue Terrier = Irish Setter
  • 36. Elghound (Norwegian Elkhound)
  • 37. Affenpinscher = Silky Terrier = Miniature Pinscher = English Setter = Pharaoh Hound = Clumber Spaniel
  • 38. Norwich Terrier
  • 39. Dalmatian

Medium working dogs

Positions 40-54 include dog breeds with average working qualities. As they learn, they will be able to demonstrate understanding of the command after 15-20 repetitions. However, an acceptable level of training will take 25-40 repetitions. Given adequate training, these dogs demonstrate a good level of command retention, and additional practice during the training period definitely benefits them. Lack of practice can lead to forgetting the acquired knowledge. Dogs of these breeds respond to the first command 50% of the time or more often.

  • 40. Wheaten Soft Coated Terrier = Bedlington Terrier = Soft Coated Toy Terrier
  • 41. Curly-coated retriever = Irish Wolfhound
  • 42. Hungarian Kuvasz = Australian Shepherd
  • 43. Saluki = Finnish Spitz = Pointer
  • 44. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel = German Wirehaired Pointer = American Black and Tan Coonhound = American Water Spaniel
  • 45. Siberian Husky = Bichon Frize = English Toy Spaniel
  • 46. ​​Tibetan Spaniel = English Foxhound = Otterhound (Otter Hound) = American Foxhound = Greyhound = Wirehaired Griffon (Cortals Griffon)
  • 47. White highland terrier= Scottish Greyhound
  • 48. Boxer = Great Dane
  • 49. Dachshund = Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • 50. Malamute
  • 51. Whippet = Chinese Shar Pei = Wire Fox Terrier
  • 52. Rhodesian Ridgeback
  • 53. Podenco Ibicenco = Welsh Terrier = Irish Terrier
  • 54. Boston Terrier = Akita

Group of breeds difficult to train

Dogs of breeds from positions 55 - 69 can hardly be called good working dogs. It may take up to 25 repetitions before they can show signs of understanding a new command, and they need 40-80 repetitions to internalize a command. But even then, the reliability of memory may be weak. Intensive practice with many repetitions may be required to improve command execution and demonstrate good preparation. If such dogs have not received several additional practical classes, then they may act as if they have forgotten what is expected of them. Periodic “refreshing” exercises are often required to keep the dog in working shape.
With an average level of training, dogs of these breeds will respond to the first command in 30% of cases. They are most obedient in close proximity to the owner.
Owners of these breeds spend a lot of time yelling at their dogs because their dogs appear completely unresponsive when they are far away from their owner. People who own such breeds usually explain the behavior of their charges in the same way as cat owners, claiming that their animals' immunity is due to "independence, restraint" and the like.
These breeds are not for beginners. An experienced trainer with plenty of time and patience can achieve a good level of training from dogs of these breeds, but even for an expert it will not be the easiest thing.

  • 55. Skye Terrier
  • 56. Norfolk Terrier = Selyham Terrier
  • 57. Pug
  • 58. French Bulldog
  • 59. Brussels Griffon = Maltesian Terrier
  • 60. Italian Greyhound
  • 61. Chinese Crested Dog
  • 62. Dandie Dinmont Terrier = Wendeen = Tibetan Terrier = Japanese Chin = Lackland Terrier
  • 63. Bobtail
  • 64. Great Pyrenees dog
  • 65. Scottish Terrier = St. Bernard
  • 66. Bull Terrier
  • 67. Chihuahua
  • 68. Lhasa Apso
  • 69. Bullmastiff

Final group

Breeds in the 70-79 range are the most difficult breeds to train. At the very beginning of training, it will take the team over 40 repetitions before the dogs show the first signs of understanding what is expected of them. For such breeds, sometimes more than 100 repetitions of team work (often distributed between classes) are required to consolidate the acquired knowledge. But even in this case, the level of preparation looks low and uncertain.
Having consolidated the command, it is necessary to work it over and over again during subsequent classes. Otherwise, the dogs will behave as if the classes never happened. Some of these breeds are considered literally "unteachable" by some judges.

  • 70. Shih Tzu
  • 71. Basset Hound
  • 72. Mastiff = Beagle
  • 73. Pekingese
  • 74. Bloodhound
  • 75. Greyhound
  • 76. Chow-chow
  • 77. Bulldog
  • 78. Basenji
  • 79. Afghan Hound

The largest organization of dog breeders in the United States (American Kennel Club) has compiled a ranking of dog breeds that have greater intelligence and can perform certain tasks better than other dogs. Let's figure out which dogs are the smartest.

1. The smartest dog is the Border Collie

In first place was the Border Collie breed, which was bred in Great Britain. These dogs are distinguished by an extraordinary instinct and desire to serve humans. They are considered the smartest dogs by many ratings.


2. The smartest dog is the German Shepherd

The second place in the ranking of the smartest dogs went to the German Shepherd. Representatives of this breed, according to experts, are highly intelligent in their work and are considered the best service dogs for the military and security forces.


3. The smartest dog is Bloodhound

The third position in the ranking of the smartest dogs was taken by the Bloodhound breed, bred by clergy back in the 13th century. Bloodhounds are extremely balanced dogs; they almost never show aggression. They are very hard-working, considered the best in training and training, and are often used in police and emergency services.


4. The smartest dog is the Beagle

Representatives of the Beagle breed took fourth place in the list of the smartest dogs. They have a strong sense of smell, which makes dogs indispensable in search work. The Beagle is often used to hunt rabbits and hares.


5. The smartest dog is the Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers, considered the most intelligent guide and guide dogs, round out the top five. They are highly trainable and are the most popular family dog ​​in the United States.

Other rankings of the smartest dogs

Earlier, in 1994, Stanley Coren (b. 1942), a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver (Canada), compiled an intelligence scale for dogs of 133 breeds. As part of his research, Koren interviewed dog trainers and show ring judges in the United States. Based on the results, the professor wrote the instantly popular book The Intelligence of Dogs. This book became a bestseller. In his book, the author examines three aspects of dog intelligence:
  • instinctive intelligence;
  • intelligence of obedience;
  • adaptive intelligence.
Instinctive intelligence allows the dog to perform functions that are already genetically determined, for example, herding or guarding. Adaptive intelligence occurs when performing tasks using one's own strengths. Obedience intelligence is a dog's ability to learn to follow human commands. It was the intelligence of obedience that formed the basis for the ranking of the smartest dog breeds, which Stanley Coren presented in his book. Coren obtained data on the dogs' ability to perform various commands by interviewing dog training judges in the United States and Canada. The author himself admits the limitations of his approach to determining the intelligence of a particular breed, because Sled or hunting breeds of dogs must have a significant degree of independence in order to successfully solve the tasks facing them, for this reason they are less inclined to follow commands than domestic dogs. Therefore, despite the fact that sledding or hunting dog breeds are ranked much lower than domestic breeds, this does not always mean that domestic breeds are definitely smarter. In addition, the author notes in his study that relatively recently bred dog breeds are more trainable than ancient dog breeds, the genotype of which is closer to that of the wild wolf; it is no coincidence that the last place in the ranking is occupied by the Afghan hound - one of ancient breeds dogs.

1st group of dogs - Einsteins - the most capable dog breeds

From 1st to 10th places are occupied by the most intelligent dog breeds, with the highest level of obedience and working qualities. Most of them master the command in 5 or less repetitions and obey the trainer’s command on average 95% of the time. Moreover, they respond to commands almost instantly! Training dogs of these breeds is easy and enjoyable even for a beginner.
  • 1. Border Collie
Dog handlers around the world recognize this breed as the smartest. These dogs love to work. They even say about border collies that representatives of this breed live to work. Very easy to train, friendly, love children. In general, they can be used everywhere - as security guards, as nannies, and simply as a home smart dog.
  • 2. Poodle
Poodles are very smart dogs, and are capable of not only jumping around in the circus and performing tricks. Previously, poodles served as both rescuers and observers. They swim well and are able to save a drowning person. Of course, there are a huge variety of poodles - there are big poodles, there are small ones. There are even hunting poodles that hunt birds with their owners. More major representatives This breed can be good protectors.
  • 3. German Shepherd
These dogs are very capable, they can be used both as a guard and as a pet dog, and as a police officer. For some reason, the popularity of this breed has been declining lately - and it is being replaced by many exotic breeds that are not nearly as smart as the German Shepherd.
  • 4. Golden Retriever
Has a lot in common with the Labrador Retriever, but the Golden Retriever is even smarter. Retrievers are very friendly, they like children, and they are able to learn very quickly. They can also be rescuers, detect drugs, and work as guides. By the way, retrievers are very patient.
  • 5. Doberman
Many people consider representatives of this breed to be stupid. However, this is not true - Dobermans simply need to be trained, otherwise you will end up with an uncontrollable dog that does whatever it wants. These dogs appeared in 1800, when there was a need for a breed that could both protect and attack. It is imperative to train representatives of this breed, otherwise their outstanding mind will do no less outstanding tricks. Very active dogs that are able to protect their owner.
  • 6. Sheltie
Dogs of this breed have a strong resemblance to collies, but they are not collies. Initially, Shelties also herded sheep - in our time they continue to do this, and among other things, Shelties also live in cities. Shelties have very good hearing and sense of smell, and despite their apparent decorativeness, they are able to protect their owner.
  • 7. Labrador Retriever
Representatives of this breed are very popular among residents of all countries. The victorious path of this breed began with Newfoundland, and now there are Labrador Retrievers in almost every country in the world. They, like Rottweilers, serve in the police - after all, these dogs are able to detect even small doses of drugs. They are used as guides by blind people. Labrador retrievers also work as rescuers.
  • 8. Papillon
Representatives of this breed are very beautiful and intelligent. Papillons have been and remain a symbol of elegance. During the Renaissance, many high-ranking people, including kings, kept dogs of this breed with them.
  • 9. Rottweiler
Today's Rottweilers are descended from a similar breed, only those dogs were larger, their tails were not docked, and the main purpose of the Rottweiler's ancestors was to cut down large animals. cattle. Yes, these were killer dogs that could cope with both a cow and a large bull. Today's Rottweilers are somewhat smaller, but the breed is still distinguished by a strong, wide skeleton and large jaws. Their mental abilities are widely known. Rotwellers sometimes work in the police, and a little earlier the owners of these dogs trained them to carry firewood and other heavy loads to markets or home. Do you need a defender? You found it.
  • 10. Australian Cattle Dog
This breed was bred by Australians who needed reliable assistant to observe huge flocks of sheep. This breed is famous for its intelligence, ability to understand its owner at a glance, and is easy to train. These dogs not only drive obedient sheep, they are also able to cope with stubborn ones - by easily biting the animals, they force them to go where the shepherd points. The breed was bred relatively recently (19th century), and their abilities are widely used today. Let us note that these are very active and efficient dogs.

2nd group of dogs - Clever - simply capable dog breeds

From 11th to 22nd places were shared by dogs with unsurpassed working qualities, the training of which takes from 6 to 15 repetitions. These dogs remember commands well and will respond to the first command given in 85% of cases or more often. Any owner can train dogs of these breeds to an excellent level, even without special patience or experience.

11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
12. Miniature Schnauzer
13. Springer Spaniel
14. Belgian Shepherd
15. Collie
16. German Spitz (Keeshond)
17. Kurzhaar
18. English Cocker
19. Miniature Schnauzer
20. American cocker
21. Pomeranian
22. Cardigan Welsh Corgi

3rd group of dogs - Capable guys - dog breeds with good ability

From 23rd to 38th places are occupied by breeds with above average training abilities. These dogs begin to understand simple new commands within 15 to 25 repetitions, but you must repeat the learned commands periodically. Dogs of these breeds respond to the first command in 70% of cases or more often. If training is irregular or the trainer is inexperienced, commands will be carried out through the cracks or completely ignored.

23. Yorkshire Terrier
24. Giant Schnauzer
25. Airedale Terrier
26. Bouvier
27. Briard
28. Springer Spaniel
29. Samoyed
30. American Staffordshire Terrier
31. Gordon Setter
32. Cairn Terrier
33. Kerry Blue Terrier
34. Irish Setter
35. Miniature Pinscher
36. English Setter
37. Pharaoh Hound
38. Dalmatian

4th group of dogs - Hard workers - dog breeds with average abilities

The breeds ranked 39th to 57th are working dogs with average abilities. They understand commands after 15 - 20 repetitions, but require 25 - 40 repetitions for sustained effect. Dogs of these breeds respond to the first command 50% of the time or more often. Without regular practice, skills are forgotten quite quickly.

39. Bedlington Terrier
40. Toy Terrier
41. Irish Wolfhound
42. Saluki
43. Pointer
44. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
45. Husky
46. ​​Greyhound
47. Boxer
48. Great Dane
49. Dachshund
50. Bull Terrier
51. Malamute
52. Shar Pei
53. Fox Terrier
54. Ridgeback
55. Welsh Terrier
56. Irish Terrier
57. Akita Inu

5th group of dogs - Stubborn - dog breeds with low abilities

Places 58 - 72 were occupied by breeds that require 25 repetitions to understand the command and 40 - 80 for flawless execution. They remember poorly and need to brush up on their skills. These dogs love to walk on their own, make their own decisions and only react to their owner if he is nearby. These dogs are not for beginners, and training them even for an expert will not be the easiest thing.

58. Skye Terrier
59. Selyham Terrier
60. Pug
61. French bulldog
62. Brussels Griffon
63. Italian Greyhound
64. Chinese Crested Dog
65. Japanese Chin
66. Bobtail
67. Scotch Terrier
68. St. Bernard
69. Great Pyrenees dog
70. Chihuahua
71. Lhasa Apso
72. Bullmastiff

6th group of dogs - Simply handsome - dog breeds with very low abilities

The breeds that took 73rd to 83rd places complete the ranking. Of course, one cannot call them incapable - they are simply very difficult to train. For such breeds, sometimes more than 100 repetitions of team work are required, and for big gap time. Otherwise, the dogs will behave as if the classes never happened. Most experts consider some of these breeds to be unteachable.

73. Shih Tzu
74. Basset Hound
75. Mastiff
76. Beagle
77. Pekingese
78. Bloodhound
79. Greyhound
80. Chow-chow
81. Bulldog
82. Basenji
83. Afghan Hound

If you ask any dog ​​owner, then, in most cases, he will have the smartest dog... And indeed, four-legged companions become not just friends, but family members. They guess the desires and moods of the owner from a word, from a glance, and are able to amaze with their ingenuity. But still, dog experts identify several breeds whose representatives have higher intelligence. So, which of them made it into the “smartest dog breeds” ranking?

Dogs of this breed were recognized as the smartest dogs, and they had to bypass the more popular highly intelligent dogs - poodles and German Shepherds. Their ancestors lived in harsh conditions and performed various jobs - from herding livestock to guarding the house.

Thanks to active shepherding service, dogs learned not only to herd livestock, but also to independently solve a lot of problems and overcome difficulties. At home, such a pet behaves like a real shepherd - it watches over all members of the household and, if necessary, comes to the rescue.


This charming curly-haired “smart guy”, although he could not take first place, is still at the top of the ranking. They are used as circus dogs, water rescuers, truffle hunters, but most often they are excellent companions. Their sharp mind, quick wit and unobtrusiveness are captivating, and the absence of shedding and a specific smell expands the circle of possible owners.


A popular universal dog breed, closing the top three. Initially, they were engaged in grazing and protecting livestock, but were able to prove themselves in other areas. capable of performing various jobs - soldiers, guides, security guards, bodyguards, and this is far from full list services provided. This confirms that these dogs are smart, quick-witted, hardy and obedient. They also make excellent family pets and companions.


Representatives of this breed are not only smart, but also extremely beautiful and intelligent. They do not have the aggression gene, are always ready to please their owner and willingly carry out almost any command. Their sensitive sense of smell allows them to be used to search for narcotic and other dangerous substances. But, in most cases, he acts as a friend and companion - loyal and friendly.


These graceful dogs are often compared to their larger cousins, collies. Indeed, there is an external similarity, but the origin is different. at home they act as a bell, signaling danger. In addition, this pet excels at performing tricks and complex commands, and in the show ring it is difficult to find a more graceful competitor.


Another retriever who has earned the title of one of the smartest dogs. Like goldens, they have a keen sense of smell and often work at customs posts and other services. But more often these cheerful, active and balanced dogs act as family dogs. They adore children, and this is mutual; often dogs of these breeds are bought just for the child.


Translated from French, the name of the breed means “butterfly”. The dogs received this name for their graceful ears, which truly resemble the wings of a butterfly. – decorative breed, but its representatives are vigilant in any danger and, if necessary, will protect their owner. They are cute, very smart, often cunning, but thanks to their charming appearance they can get away with almost anything.


The breed was bred to produce serious service dog, capable of attacking and defending, but at the same time having a balanced temperament. And the breeders managed to develop a breed whose representatives met these requirements. smart, brave, but capable of being stubborn, so they need a strong hand and regular active exercise. With the right approach, a dog turns out to be great friend and a bodyguard.


Such a large, healthy man with a stern appearance has a sharp mind, quick wit and good physical shape. According to research, the first representatives of the breed were used in fighting, but today these dogs are used for service, protection or as a family dog.

It requires an owner with a strong hand, regular classes and training. And if you train your pet, he will become an excellent protector. In addition, dogs are used as shepherds, guards, they can serve and be excellent companions.


Like other herding breeds, Australians can cope well with large herds, they are used to constantly being with people and are always ready to help. They are also used for other economic needs, for example, guarding a farmstead. Possessing sensitivity, healers understand the owner even by gestures and perfectly absorb commands.

Having become the owner of a dog included in such a rating, you should not think that such a pet does not need upbringing and training. On the contrary, it is necessary to develop the intellectual and physical abilities of the animal, which nature has endowed it with, giving it the opportunity to express itself, and once again prove that it is not for nothing that it is included in the list of “The Smartest Dog Breed.”