I want a very intelligent dog. Which should I get?

Answer 1

i am surprised no one has mentioned a mini schnauzer. i breed them and absolutely love how intellegent they are, they are verbal, territorial, loyal, love to hunt out vermen. they are people loving dogs and have a great size about them 15-20lbs and less than 14" tall, not too small or big. mine communicate so well with me and my breeding pair are truly like a married couple, they love and fight, but they are so bonded. I see alot of labs, but just about everyone I know has gotten an inbred or substandard dog, since they are AKC #1 dog for ? years now, they are in such high demand that the quality of dog has decreased. breeders should breed the best with the best, not breed based on supply and demand. buy from an individal breeder with both parents so you can see the nature of the dog's parents and the environment the pup was raised in.

Answer 2

It depends on what you mean by intelligence, and what you plan on doing with the dog.

In general, Border Collies and Poodles are considered the smartest dogs. Shepherds are also quite intelligent and hardworking. And then there are lots of breeds that while they may not be the most intelligent, they are very obedient and easy to train. In fact, the clever dogs are often the hardest ones to train.

I personally love the shepherds because they are very smart and also enjoy working.

Answer 3

Seriously it depends on how u train them. I have a chihuahua who can do any trick in the book!! Not very many ppl think Chihuahuas are smart but they are just as smart as labs or golden retrievers! So u should get any dog u want as long as it is a puppy. If u get an older dog, well u know the saying.....Cant teach an old dog new tricks! With dogs that answer is so true!!

Answer 4

First, you need to understand that the more intelligent the dog is.....the more potential they have to get into stuff and into *trouble*.

(Gee, I just know i can open that pantry and get food while Mom is gone....wait, no, wait...that electrical cord is warm...I've never had warm food before..).

Second, the most intelligent dogs also co-incidentially happen to be the most active dogs. So an active life style which includes activities with your dog is a must.

Third, Don't get a dog whose learning abilty outshines your teaching skills. Especially if you aren't willing to take an obedience class!

That said:

Border Collies are considered to be the smartest dogs...by obedience standards. They are extremely active. ANd can be quite anal.

I love these dogs...one of my favorites...but please know the dog is active, and also needs obedience school. You will both learn alot.

Also, not a great choice if you have never owed a dog. Unless you acknowledge all these facts, love it....and are prepared to go in *full throttle* and make the dog a *huge* part of your life.

Golden Retrievers are very intelligent, also active and hyper. Less anal retentive, and they want to please you . Very affectionate, and good with kids. They need to be included in activities...and are very independent...they need you!

German Shephards...protective and obedient...also active.

Poodles....very intelligent and ....

See a theme here?

Anyway...just some things to think about. Most dogs are very intelligent. Especially if you take them to obedience school, where you learn their language, and they learn yours.

I highly recommend it with whatever breed you get.

That said.......you need to think about the other traits you want in a dog.....(good with kids, for protections, coach potato, joggin companions...) these will help you decide which very intelligent dog is the best choice for you.

Good luck

MEMO TO PAULINE J: So sorry, I meant to give you a thumbs up....but accidentially hit the wrong one. *sitting pretty*, and begging for forgiveness....

Answer 5

Depends on the size and energy level that you want as well, but...

- Poodles are super-smart
- Border Collies
- German Shepherds

Many dogs are surprisingly smart, if trained from young. The more ancient breeds, like Afghan Hounds, tend to be less 'intelligent' from an obedience point of view - but perhaps more 'clever' in a cat-like way. (If you know what I mean?)

I would ask your question here as well: http://whosyadoggy.com/dogforum/index.php
...and see what the experienced dog-owners there can tell you.

:)

Answer 6

Border Collie
Labrador
Siberian Husky

All are very smart but the Sibe and BC will both be VERY active and need lots of attention and exercise. Remember with a smart dog comes big responsibility. So make sure that you research whatever breed you decide on and make certain they are right for your home. You do not have the right to bring a life into your home if you can't take proper care of it or give it proper attention.

Edit: Dals are NOT known for their smarts. Don't listen to the above answer! If you have any questions e-mail me.

Answer 7

It really depends on what size dog you are able to accommodate and what you expect of the dog. For example, Maltese are very intelligent dogs and very easy to train, but due to their size they are not labor dogs. Border Collies are also very intelligent, but they are mid-sized. They require a lot of exercise to alleviate boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior. So I would say take dog size, expectations and how much time you can devote to exercise daily into consideration. Best bets are Maltese, Border Collies, Labs, Golden Retrievers and Poodles.

Answer 8

Border collies are very intelligent. They can learn a lot of tricks but since they are herding animals they may take a little while to train and a little bit of patience. After you train them they'll always remember it though. Poodles are smart but are very hard to train because for some reason smaller dogs require more attention to train them.

Answer 9

Border Collie leads the pack. Highly intelligent dogs.

Answer 10

There are many intelligent dogs.. for what purpose would you l like your dog and what dogs fits your lifestyle those are things you should look into