When most people look for a new puppy, they want a dog that is cute and fun to be with. That’s understandable, of course. However, another trait that benefits dog owners is the pup’s intelligence. An intelligent dog can be trained easier, taught tricks, and will get more stimulation out of games and activities.
The definition of what constitutes a smart dog will change depending on who you talk to. For some, dogs’ intelligence is shown by following commands and quickly picking up cues for how they should behave. There is another kind of intelligence, though. Some dogs are more perceptive than others. They can sense the mood of their human family, and also of strangers. These dogs make great guards since they will sense when something is off about a person. It’s up to you to decide what kind of smart you want. Here are the six most intelligent dog breeds you can find to get you started.
Poodle
The poodle is often seen as the dog of the rich and stylish. Its curly coat needs regular grooming, but its length allows for some fun styling and cuts. But, even though the stereotype is that they are vapid and posh, they are, in fact, incredibly smart. They are very intuitive, and they build emotional bonds with their humans. That might be why there have been many poodles through the years that make great actors.
They train very easily and love to learn obedience skills. They can be useful for hunting, tracking, and agility sports. They are popular for dog shows, and they are popular for families who want a dog to do tricks. Along with how adorable and adaptable they can be, their smarts are why poodles are popular as part of designer dog breeds.
Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers are known for doing their best to please their owners. That is their priority, and they work hard to achieve it whenever they can. It’s very important to them that they not only learn how to respond to commands but to anticipate them, so the command is not needed. As the name suggests, they have been bred to be hunting dogs but also excel at working search and rescue operations. They love to learn new things and are great out on walks at understanding how they should behave when they come across people, other dogs, or just something that smells interesting. Along with all of this, they are loyal and friendly. There is a lot to love about a golden retriever.
Australian Shepherd
An Australian shepherd is a dog that has been bred to work. If you’ve been on a ranch or even watched a show with cowboys or rodeos, then you’ve seen one of these rough-and-tumble dogs. They are the top dog for herding since they understand where the cattle need to go and how to move them forward. They are exceptionally agile and have incredible stamina. However, they are known for being tricksters, as they can manipulate people just like they can manipulate a herd if you aren’t careful. If you aren’t able to provide them with the physical activity they need, then this breed isn’t for you. However, you can even find mini Australian shepherd puppies for sale that are just as smart but require a little less activity.
Mini Schnauzer
The mini schnauzer might be tiny, but it has big brains. They even look wise because of their beards and thoughtful expressions. They are very obedient and are popular to use in obedience dog shows. They love a good challenge and always work to please their owners. If you’ve got a rodent issue, then a mini schnauzer could be your solution, as they are very adept at sniffing out hidden nests and dispatching rats and mice. This makes them a common sight in farms and barns. However, they are also amazing with children and are small enough to be apartment dogs if you live in a more urban setting.
Border Collie
A typical dog can learn and understand between 150 and 250 words. A border collie, however, can learn around 1000 words. That’s just the start of how smart they are. This breed is generally considered to be the smartest of them all. They were originally bred to live on the rocky and dangerous terrain of Great Britain, and they needed their smarts and wits to survive. While most dogs take instructions from owners, border collies can use their expressions and mannerisms to communicate instructions to owners. They are very obedient and incredibly loyal, so a border collie is a great companion to have. While they won’t give you advice, you can even vent to them with your problems and feel like they are truly listening and understanding. They can read moods and will react based on what vibe you are giving off. Because they are so smart, they need a lot of mental and physical stimulation throughout the day. Make sure you are prepared to offer that before bringing home a border collie.
German Shepherd
There’s a reason why German shepherds are so popular as police dogs. They are incredibly smart and can be taught to search for certain smells and tastes. They are also very commonly used as seeing eye dogs since they can sense danger and be taught about how to keep their owner safe. They are very focused and very protective of their owners and pack members. With a German shepherd, you can be sure to get a dog that can help you with anything you need while also being a bit of a goof during downtime.
Don’t forget about smarts when you are searching for your next dog. While cuteness is important, a smart dog can make your life easier by being more adaptable and easier to train. Any of these breeds would be a great addition to your home.
