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