The Smartest Dog Breeds Revealed
If you’ve ever wondered if your dog is smart, the answer, of course, is yes. Dogs know and love their owners, and many dogs are simply smarties. Now, we have some insight into the smartest dog breeds in the world, thanks to some research from dog experts. The next time I’m hanging out with a dog, I’ll definitely have this information in the back of my mind.
The Smartest Dog Breeds in the World
When it comes to the intelligence of dogs, we’ve actually had some good research on that for years now. The 1994 book The Intelligence of Dogs: A Guide to the Thoughts, Emotions, and Inner Lives of Our Canine Companions is all about dog intelligence. Written by Stanley Coren, a professor of canine psychology at the University of British Columbia, the book delves into the smartness factor of different breeds of dogs. Coren researched the brightest dogs, based on how they understood new commands with fewer than five repetitions. He also factored in how they were able to obey an initial command 95% of the time or better.
So, what are the smartest dog breeds in the world? Based on Coren’s research, the No. 1 smartest is the Border Collie. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), a special border collie named Chaser is believed to have the title of the smartest dog in the world. Collie died in 2019, but during the dog’s 15-year life, Collie had an incredible ability to learn a wide vocabulary and was able to identify more than 1,000 proper nouns. That’s better than some humans, right?
No. 2 on the tally of the smartest dog breeds is the poodle, which is one of my favorite breeds of dogs. Sure, poodles are often viewed as high-maintenance, but just like with humans, don’t hold that against them. In Coren’s book, he gives poodles high ratings for being cognitive and having a high emotional intelligence. They’re very good with obedience and have a clear focus and vision. He also says poodles are very trainable and like activities that challenge them, which is another sign of intelligence.
Finally, No. 3 on the roster is the beloved German Shepherd. Of course, German Shepherds are known for being police dogs and for good reason. They’re very smart and able to learn tasks quickly and completely. They’re also very loyal, which is a comforting thing for owners. What’s your favorite breed of dog? Contact me and let me know. Also, keep reading below for the most popular dog breeds.
These Are the Most Popular Dogs Right Now
