Twenty Smartest Dog Breeds According To Psychologist

More than 60 million Americans own dogs. If you're hoping to add one to your family or wondering about the one you've got, take a look at this list of the twenty most clever canines from Psychologist Stanley Coren's book, The Psychology of Dogs.  

Starting with the smartest:

  1. Border Collie - they were bred to solve complex problems independently from humans.
  2. Poodle - extremely smart and can be trained to perform and do tricks.
  3. German Shepherd - they love people and being challenged with new tasks & behaviors. 
  4. Golden Retriever - they have exceptional ability to track and locate.
  5. Doberman Pinscher - bred to work primarily as guard dogs because of their keen sense of smell.
  6. Shetland Sheepdog - they thrive on mental stimulation: puzzles, games, & lots of stimulation make them happy.
  7. Labrador Retriever - quick learners and brilliant fishing dogs.
  8. Papillon - a favorite in intelligence competitions, especially when demonstrating obedience.
  9. Rottweiler - they are an ideal family companion and they often serve with military & police.
  10. Australian Cattledog - this breed requires lots of rigorous training and stimulation.
  11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi - they make great watchdogs and take protecting their family very seriously.
  12. Miniature Schnauzer - they are fast runners who thrive under obedience training.
  13. English Spring Spaniel - intelligent and friendly, plus they love showing off.
  14. Belgian Tervuren - smart, protective and unfortunately great escape artists. 
  15. Schipperke - intelligent, curious and very active. They form strong bonds with their owners.
  16. Keeshound - alert, affectionate, and quick-witted, often noticing things that people miss.
  17. German Short Hair Pointer - intelligent and loving.  They enjoy spending time with their owners and learning their routine.
  18. Brittany Spaniel - bred to be hunting dogs, they have a sharp sense of smell while also being sweet and loyal.
  19. Weimaraner - often referred to as "the dog with the human brain," they are highly intelligent. 
  20. Belgian Malinois - they are intense and thrive with being given tasks.  

Americans are PET LOVERS, data from Statista shows what we love the most: 

  • freshwater fish = 139.3 million
  • cats = 94.2 million
  • dogs = 89.7 million
  • birds = 20.3 million 
  • saltwater fish = 18.8 million
  • small animals = 14 million
  • reptiles = 9.4 million
  • horses = 7.6 million

Photos: Getty Images and Wiki Commons


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