Which dog breed is the smartest?

Answer 1

When you talk about dog "smarts" there are many things to factor in besides breed. I have a husky and I breed German Shepherds, and I have little doubt that the husky is smarter, and no doubt she learns quicker than the german shepherds; however, once the german shepherds are trained they respond very well and will go out of their way to please their owners. My husky pleases herself, but that is what makes her a husky. Other people have said it and I agree, it depends on how much time you are willing to spend with your dog and working with your dog. Most dogs can be taught many things, it takes patience and time. I like the ease with which a husky can pick up a command, yet I like the reliability of the german shepherd in following commands with consistency. I've worked with german shepherds for years, and while I appreciate the fact that they respond to changes in the voice, different languages, and hand signals, they can be very obstinate and tough to train sometimes. Also, I will say I prefer training male shepherds to females, the females pick things up quicker, but are more hyper so double patience is required. Whatever dog you're thinking about, once you fall for those beautiful eyes that say I'm the best friend you'll ever have, that dog will become the smartest in your eyes, and that's really all that matters.

PS My german shepherds have always been friendly with people, children, and other animals. I have a huge male that sleeps with my daughter's cat when she visits, and stuffed animals when she isn't here. A german shepherd that is overly aggressive is bad breeding or a bad owner.

Answer 2

This is a subjective question rather than an objective one.

I have trained dogs for the obedience show rings for years, and I have trained just about any breed you can think of. The easiest (for me, at least) to train are the breeds in the sporting group (spaniels, retreivers - and even the poodles belong in this group). Working dogs (shepherds and the like) are also very intellegent.

Then there are some that are down right obstinate - boxers, Schnauzers come to mind (no offense to boxer and Scnhauzer owers, though).

I really do enjoy watching a poodle that is a show off - just seems to be natural with them.

Answer 3

Different individuals within a breed will be smarter or dumber than others. You can't really determine how intelligent a dog is going to be by picking a certain breed. You need to go and meet the dogs and observe their behavior and decide for yourself.

Your best bet if you want a dog that's going to be trainable and lovable and have a good life, is to go to the pound and get a good mixed-up mutt. The genetic variation in the mutt usually results in a very healthy dog.

If you want a purebred dog... check out what I've written about the Chinese Crested. I'm very impressed so far - he's very intelligent and wants to make me happy. He's also very silly sometimes and I laugh a lot with him :)

Answer 4

Their are a lot of smart breeds.Some include papillon,Labs,Australian Shepherd,Golden Retriever,Poodles are to name a few of the smartest breeds of dogs. However there are also German Shepherds and Border Collies they are also smart but the are not very friendly and they are not very good around other animals.

Hope this helps

Answer 5

This is a trick question, How smart the breed is depends on what your asking the dog to do. Border Collies are a very bright and intelligent dog, but I bet a blood hound is better at tracking. All dogs are intelligent in their own right. My Great Dane and English mastiff are probably better guard/watch dogs than anyones business they guard the couch and watch TV like no dog can. :)

Answer 6

While breed does have an effect on intelligence its not the only factor, however I would have to say herding breeds such as Border Collies, German Shepherds and others are the most intelligent breeds, they have to be in order to follow a large amount of commands, but more importantly be independent thinkers in order the manage the herd.

Note smart pets don't always make the best pets because you not only have to be physically stimulated, but mentally stimulated otherwise they can become board and find their own ways to satisfy these needs often getting in to trouble.

Answer 7

I would say the herding breeds. They are very intelligent and they have the focus and drive which can be manipulated to give you a very well trained dog.

We used to own alot of jindos, which are a native Korean breed of dog. They aren't the most trainable and they are somewhat feral but they are very smart. They are escape artists but they always found thier way home. (Jindos are said to have an uncanny homing instinct) They would bark at strange people but stop they saw they were friends of family. They never took food from strangers and knew alot more than dogs should.

I also think German shepherds are very smart. My shepherd learns very quickly and instictively knows what to do. She can take very small cues and listen to them.

Answer 8

Mixed breeds are the smartest.

Answer 9

Here are the top 10:

1* Border collie
2* Poodle
3* German shepherd
4* Golden retriever
5* Doberman pinscher
6* Shetland sheepdog
7* Labrador retriever
8* Papillon
9* Rottweiler
10* Australian cattle dog

Answer 10

I have heard Poodles also ( I think it was the Standard, not Miniature sized dogs)

My vote is for German Shepherds. My girl could understand what I said and was a back-talker. People would laugh when I told her not to do something, or couldn't have something, or go somewhere, and she would turn and face me directly and tell me to go jump in a lake with a sort of howl that sounded like "Woo-woo-woo-woo-woo!"

She was sensitive, perceptive, affectionate, loyal, vocal, conniving, inquisitive, protective, wilful, stubborn, gentle, playful, well-mannered, and the best dog I ever had.