The 5 Smartest Dog Breeds

Perhaps you are ready to add a canine member to your family but are looking for the right breed of dog. If you want a loving and responsive dog, you can’t go wrong with one of the 5 smartest dog breeds.

Border Collie

Looking for the most intelligent breed of dog on the planet? Look no further than the Border Collie. A perfect herding breed, the Border Collie is a born athlete. They are a driven and focused breed that needs a lot of mental stimulation and exercise. They tend to be a little too hyper for an apartment. They need a rural area with lots of space to run around and play. Exceptional at dog sports, the Border Collie enjoys activities like playing Frisbee and performing other amazing tricks. The only thing you will have to worry about is that if they don’t have enough to keep them busy, they can be quite destructive around the house.

Poodle

In days of old, poodles were used as hunting dogs and water retrievers. This brainy breed is the only dog that comes in 3 different sizes: standard, miniature and toy. Toy poodles make especially great watchdogs. The intelligence of the breed is their most well-known characteristic. They love to prance and they are easily trained. Their intense desire to please makes them ideal for seeing eye dogs, therapy dogs and service dogs. They are wonderful family dogs that have great temperaments. Very sociable, the poodle is great with kids. These active dogs need plenty of space. Fun to be around, the poodle is a winner when it comes to training. The only drawback is that their grooming is as high-maintenance as they come.

German Shepherd

The original canine movie star in Rin Tin Tin, the German Shepherd is third on the list of the most intelligent dogs. They lead the way in the police dog breeds. There are over 8,000 deputy German Shepherd police dogs in service today. Perhaps it is because their bite can exert up to 238 pounds of pressure. German Shepherds are very protective of their pack or family. They are known as the most versatile working breed. Extremely athletic, German Shepherds can be trained to almost do anything. This loyal, wonderful family dog needs regular exercise. Very adaptable, the German Shepherd is one of the easiest breeds to train.

Golden Retriever

One of the most beloved dogs, Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular and intelligent dog breeds today. Ready to please their families, they will run tirelessly all day to play fetch with you. Their great behavior is complimented by their soft mouth that is so gentle it can carry an egg without breaking it. The Golden Retriever was the first to be named champion of the AKC obedience trials. They have a thick, water repellant coat and webbed paws that are perfect for swimming. Eager to please and easy to train, the Golden Retriever does not make an ideal guard dog, however. They were born to run and will adapt to anywhere.

Shetland Sheepdog

Nicknamed the Sheltie, the Shetland Sheepdog also belongs on the list of the most intelligent breeds. They resemble a Collie, but they are not. This herding dog wants to work and longs to have a purpose. They come in colors of black, blue merle and sable. They are very trainable for many years of their life and are very obedient. Bright, playful and energetic, they love their families but are reserved with strangers. Superstars in dog sports, the Shetland Sheepdogs enjoy a good run. They make excellent watchdogs. They can understand a command after being told less than 5 times on average, with 95 percent of the time obeying the command on the first try.

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