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If you’re wondering if your dog is one of the 10 smartest breeds, then you’ll be interested to know that a dog’s intelligence is measured in a variety of ways. Some of the smartest breeds include the Border Collie, Poodle, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Labrador Retriever. Intelligence in dogs is shown through their ability to learn new commands quickly, solve problems, and their ability to understand and follow complex instructions. However, remember that each dog is unique and may excel in different areas of intelligence.
Pets
The border collie, a breed of herding dog, is recognized as the most intelligent canine breed. They can learn a new command in under five repetitions and follow it at least 95 percent of the time. Lucia Horvath Photography/Shutterstock
Dogs have more intelligence than we give them credit for.
One way to prove this is by looking at how dogs interact with humans. As the dominant species on this planet, it is wise to become allies with the most dangerous predator, humans.
Dogs have achieved this by becoming man’s best friend.
The most intelligent dog breeds are highly skilled at catering to their human counterparts, which requires a tremendous amount of intelligence. In some cases, dogs interpret human body language better than another person.
The exact reason for dogs’ social intelligence with humans is unknown. However, it is believed that over time, pet dogs have been selectively bred for traits that make them great at bonding with humans.
Herding dogs, like border collies and Australian cattle dogs, have been selectively bred to work for humans and be our best friends.
From herding dogs to search and rescue dogs to therapy dogs, man’s best friend is highly intelligent, and we encourage certain breeds to be especially smart.
How Do We Measure Canine Intelligence?
In his book “Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are?” animal behaviorist Frans de Waal argues that we have not done a good job of assessing how intelligent other species are.
For example, we consider the ability to use tools, cooperate, plan, perceive time, and understand the mental states and intentions of others to be exclusively human attributes. However, many other animal species from various classes can perform these tasks.
When we evaluate the intelligence of other animals, we assume they are intelligent if they do what we want them to do.
De Waal suggests that we should only measure an animal’s intelligence in the context of what it needs to succeed in its own life. For many dogs, following human commands is crucial.
Working Intelligence
In canine psychology, “working intelligence” is used to evaluate how well a dog can follow commands. Researchers are studying instinctive canine intelligence, such as hunting, herding, and retrieving, as well as adaptive intelligence, or problem-solving. However, for now, we rely on working intelligence to determine the intelligence of dogs, or how trainable they are.
In his book “The Intelligence of Dogs,” Stanley Coren interviewed 200 dog obedience judges to create a list of breeds with the highest degree of working intelligence. He organized his list into tiers, with the most effective working dogs at the top tier. These dogs can learn a new command in fewer than five tries, 95 percent of the time.
The intelligence of dogs is dependent on training, and each dog is unique in their abilities. Some dogs, like the border collie, are highly intelligent and require constant mental and physical stimulation. Poodles are also highly intelligent and come in different sizes, making them versatile pets. However, training is essential in developing a dog’s intelligence, as seen in the case of Chaser, a border collie trained to recognize over 1,000 proper nouns and 100 rote behaviors. While breeding plays a role in a dog’s intelligence, training should be considered when measuring their abilities. According to research by Coren, the top ten smartest dog breeds include the border collie and poodle.
Poodles require regular exercise, especially if there are small children around. Although they are friendly and kind-hearted, a poodle that lacks physical activity may be too energetic for a toddler to play with.
German shepherds are large, loyal, and versatile working dogs. They are among the most popular dog breeds in the US, often seen in the military, police forces, therapy, and medical assistance settings. This breed originated from the best German herding dogs and was standardized in the 19th century. They are highly intelligent, driven, and courageous, making them excellent guard dogs. While they are loyal to those they consider their own, they can be suspicious and protective around strangers.
Golden retrievers are popular family pets due to their eagerness to please, patience with children and other pets, loyalty, and ability to learn over 200 commands. They were originally bred in the mid-19th century as game retrieving dogs and make excellent service dogs today due to their cheerful and attentive nature. However, they have a tendency to eat things they shouldn’t, especially as puppies, making them prone to gastrointestinal obstructions.
Doberman pinschers are sleek, powerful dogs developed in the 1890s by a German tax collector named Louis Doberman. He desired a breed that was not only a good companion but also a fierce guard dog, and the Doberman pinscher fulfilled his wish. They are highly trainable and have become common sights in the police force and on battlefields. Though they have a reputation for aggression, with proper training, they can also be friendly, playful, and affectionate family dogs.
Shetland sheepdogs, also known as Shelties, are small, playful, and energetic pups that originated as herding dogs on the Scottish Shetland Islands. They are versatile and excel in agility and service work. While they can be playful with their families, they tend to be reserved with strangers. Shelties require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep their active brains engaged.
Labrador retrievers, or Labs, are America’s most popular dog breed. They are known for their friendliness and have never met a stranger. Labs are active and sweet-faced dogs that require regular exercise.
Labradors were originally bred in England as gun dogs for retrieving game, and they are not only easily trained, but they also have the ability to observe human behavior and mimic it without explicit training. These friendly, trainable dogs are beloved for their playful nature and love of children, and they require daily exercise to release their energy.
The Papillon, meaning “butterfly” in French, is a small dog with butterfly-shaped ears and high intelligence. Despite their delicate appearance, they are athletic and hardworking, and were historically popular with European royalty. Papillons make great indoor and outdoor companions, and are especially good with children.
Rottweilers are one of the oldest breeds of dogs and were used for a variety of purposes, including protecting and herding livestock, serving as war and police dogs, and pulling carts. Despite their working dog heritage, they also make devoted and playful pets. They are known for being quiet and only barking as a warning signal.
Australian cattle dogs, or blue heelers, were bred in Australia for herding livestock in the rough terrain of the outback. Their intelligence and alertness make them prone to mischief if not properly trained, but they are hardy and make great working dogs.
It’s important to remember that while smart dogs can be fun and entertaining, they also require proper training and exercise to prevent boredom and troublemaking.
FAQ
1. What are the top 10 smartest dog breeds?
The top 10 smartest dog breeds, according to Dr. Stanley Coren’s book “The Intelligence of Dogs,” are: Border Collie, Poodle, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, Shetland Sheepdog, Labrador Retriever, Papillon, Rottweiler, and Australian Cattle Dog. These breeds are known for their ability to understand new commands in less than five repetitions and obey them at least 95% of the time.
2. How is dog intelligence measured?
Dog intelligence is measured in terms of adaptive intelligence and working & obedience intelligence. Adaptive intelligence refers to a dog’s ability to learn from past experiences and apply that knowledge to new situations. Working & obedience intelligence, on the other hand, refers to a dog’s ability to learn and perform specific tasks, such as following commands or herding livestock. These two types of intelligence are typically measured using standardized tests designed for each category.
3. Can all dog breeds be trained to be intelligent?
While all dogs have the potential to be trained and develop their intelligence, certain breeds are more predisposed to certain types of intelligence and tasks. For example, herding and working breeds such as Border Collies and Australian Cattle Dogs are genetically wired to perform tasks that require problem-solving and independent thinking, while other breeds may excel in obedience training or hunting. It’s important to find the right training methods and activities that suit your dog’s natural tendencies and breed traits.
4. Can a dog’s environment affect their intelligence?
Yes, a dog’s environment can affect their intelligence to some degree. Dogs that are exposed to a variety of stimuli and experiences from a young age tend to have better adaptive intelligence and problem-solving skills. Additionally, a stimulating environment with plenty of mental and physical activities can help keep a dog’s mind sharp and prevent boredom, which can negatively affect their intelligence and behavior.
5. Is intelligence the most important factor when choosing a dog breed?
Intelligence is just one of many factors to consider when choosing a dog breed. Other important factors include activity level, temperament, grooming requirements, and size. It’s important to choose a breed that fits your lifestyle and personality, rather than solely focusing on intelligence. Additionally, it’s important to remember that each dog has their own unique personality and learning style, regardless of breed.
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