10 most intelligent dog breeds

Stanley Koren, who published the book “Intelligence of Dogs” in 1994, took as a basis the animals' understanding of the new commands and the execution of the commands they knew the first time. Based on this, he divided the dog breeds into groups according to the degree of learning. The top ten dogs with excellent learning abilities include such breeds as Doberman, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd and others.

And now about the smartest dogs - more:

Poodle
the smartest decorative dog

No wonder poodles are loved all over the world: in addition to their friendly nature, dogs have a high learning ability and a variety of exterior options. There are 4 types of poodles:

• toy poodle reaches a maximum of 28 cm at the withers;
• dwarf - up to 35 cm at the withers;
• small - up to 45 cm;
• large - up to 60 cm.

The color can be white, black, silver and various shades from beige to red. Poodle hair is most often curly, but can be bundled (corded hair type).

Dogs of this breed are descended from hunting, but are kept as decorative family animals due to their sociable, benevolent disposition and positive attitude towards children. They are rarely turned up as guards - a poodle will not attack a person. The Great Poodle can be used for hunting, sometimes for official purposes.

The average life of poodles is from 12 to 15-18 years. These dogs are active and require frequent interaction with the owner. Poodle hair is special, almost has no smell of dog, but requires constant care: bathing and hygienic haircut at least once a month, daily brushing. Hanging ears need regular cleaning. It is better to exclude fatty foods and strong allergens from the diet.

German Shepherd
the smartest service dog

German Shepherd Dogs are strong folded animals with a height at the withers up to 60-65 cm. They have a balanced character, a strong psyche and are excellent in training, therefore they are most often used as service dogs. They have good guarding skills, but they are less likely to be turned on for families — despite the friendliness towards the children and devotion to the owner, the maintenance of a large shepherd in the city is quite problematic. Animals require regular physical exertion, long walks. In addition, it is very important to educate the dog, it is better with the involvement of a professional trainer.

German shepherds often suffer from skin diseases due to poor local immunity and atopy tendencies. It is important to monitor the nutrition of the animal, a sensitive pancreas can give diarrhea symptoms for any dietary changes, and diabetes mellitus is often the case. As with all large breeds of dogs, problems with the joints and the spine are possible with age, often there is a picture of hind limb paresis. With proper care, the life of the shepherd dog is 12-14 years.

Labrador retriever
the most fun working dog

The breed was bred long ago, but the true story of appearance remains a mystery. Now these dogs are among the most popular in the world. They are often used for bird hunting, for service purposes (the scent of a Labrador is better than that of a German shepherd) and as a pet. Active, friendly, easy to train, they get along well with children and do not tolerate loneliness.

Height at withers averages 54-56 cm, color fawn, black or brown. The life of a Labrador Retriever is 12-13 years.

These dogs need sufficient exercise and proper balanced nutrition.Hanging ears require regular hygienic processing, wool does not need special care - it is enough to wash the dog no more than 1-2 times a year and weekly combing.

With proper maintenance, Labradors are characterized by good health. Like all large dogs, they can have problems with the joints and the heart, especially if they are overweight. There are a number of diseases for which the breed is considered predisposed: hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, lymphoma, atopic dermatitis, therefore it is necessary to carefully study the pedigree before acquiring a puppy.

Golden retriever
the kindest hunting dog

Of all the large dogs, Golden Retrievers most often live in city apartments. This hunting breed is famous for its kindness, intelligence and calm towards people. Therefore, golden retweevers are used as dog therapists, companions and guide dogs.

Quite large (56-61 cm at the withers) dogs almost never show aggression. Being in the family, the retriever often does not choose one host, but tries to serve everyone, and this pet is able to perfectly capture the mood of a person.

Breed in many ways similar to the Labrador. They are distinguished by a longer coat and a less robust physique. The character of golden retrievers is more cunning and not so cheerful and energetic than that of Labradors.

Retrievers are prone to allergic reactions and prone to atopic dermatitis. Nevertheless, the breed remains beloved by all thanks to its good temper.

Doberman
the smartest police dog

Dobermans are muscular dogs 68–72 cm tall at the withers. Ears are often cropped due to which they acquire a standing position. Despite the established stereotypes, the dog is intelligent, balanced, although not deprived of aggressiveness. With proper upbringing, when an animal realizes its place in the hierarchy, the Doberman gets along well with both small children and other pets, it is an excellent guard and protector of the family.

Representatives of this breed, especially males, can be hostile to other dogs, which should be considered during walks. It is acceptable to keep a Doberman in an apartment or a private house, life in an aviary or on a chain is not suitable for him, since the lack of communication with a person adversely affects the psyche of the animal.

It is important not to forget about intense physical exertion and proper diet. Dobermans with age often suffer from problems with the musculoskeletal system and heart disease. With the right choice of puppy and good care, they can live up to 12 years.

Rottweiler
the smartest defender

For representatives of the breed is characterized by a very strong constitution, endurance in the work. Height at withers reaches 62 cm, and weight - up to 50 kg. The nature of rottweilers is not easy, therefore, their education must be approached very seriously and responsibly. Such a dog can be an excellent guard and tolerate other people and animals, provided adequate training. Keeping this animal in an apartment is somewhat problematic, since it needs constant physical activity, it is better to offer him an aviary.

For breed characteristic hereditary predisposition to diseases of the nervous system, such as epilepsy. Like other large breeds, with age they often begin to suffer from diseases of the heart and joints. Life expectancy can vary from 10 to 13 years.

Rottweilers rarely start as family pets due to their size and complex nature, but they are very smart, do a good job with any work, so they are widely used as service dogs in the military, in search services, as guards and bodyguards.

Shetland Sheepdog
the most intelligent shepherd

Sheltie is an ancient breed intended to control small flocks of sheep.Over time, this role has lost its relevance, but the breed has remained known for its benevolent temper and high intelligence.

These dogs are not large, at the withers reach a maximum of 37 cm. The character of the sheltie is very soft, the dog is devoted to his owner and his close environment. Perfect for living in a family with children and other pets, and with lonely people. Small shepherds are very delicate and do not tolerate rude treatment.

Long hair requires regular combing, otherwise the undercoat may form mats. Shelties are prone to weight gain, so they require a carefully selected diet and the ability to move. However, on walks they do not require the participation of the owner for active games.

For the breed is characterized by such health problems as the usual dislocation of the patella and hypothyroidism. In addition, their peculiarity is sensitivity to a number of drugs, therefore, even antiparasitic treatment should be coordinated with a veterinarian in advance. With good care Shetland Sheepdogs live up to 15 years.

Papillon
the smartest of miniature dogs

Papillon, a continental toy-spaniel with standing ears, butterfly dogs — a breed characterized by small size, lively temperament and high intelligence. This is the smallest (on average, representatives reach a weight of 4 kg) of the 10 most intelligent dog breeds. Papillons are very playful and loyal, but late socialization and improper upbringing lead to fear and, consequently, aggression. These dogs do not tolerate shouting, ill-treatment and loneliness. Without attention and training, dogs become nervous and can bite.

It is important to walk the dog at least 2 times a day and carefully care for the wool - combing at least 2-3 times a week, bathe regularly using special shampoos. If necessary, hygienic haircut.

Among the representatives of the breed there are such diseases as congenital deafness, as well as various ophthalmological problems (volvulus, cataract). Many do not tolerate anesthesia. With proper care, papillon can please their masters to 16 years.

Border Collie
the smartest shepherd dog

Border Collie is not a very well-known breed, although it is these dogs that rank first in the ranking of the smartest dogs according to Koren's classification, that is, they are the smartest and most trained. Small, weighing up to 20 kg, height at withers to 53-56 cm, these dogs were bred for constant rapid movement, therefore it is vital for them to run and move very much. Border Collies sitting around become irritable and find activities such as nibbling furniture or shoes. At a young age, they may be unnecessarily playful. To other dogs can show aggression, and to strangers - strong alertness. Early socialization and a fairly strict upbringing are required in order for the sheer dog of the shepherd to manifest itself in full.

Border Collies are extremely hardy, they need long walks, active games and intensive training. Unfortunately, the breed is predisposed to hip dysplasia, congenital deafness, epilepsy and anomalies of the eye. Like all collies, they are sensitive to many drugs. When choosing a dog of this breed as a pet, you need to be prepared to devote enough time and energy to it.

Australian Cattle Dog
the toughest companion

The Australian healer is often not to be found, but this dog is unique in its qualities: it is very resilient, purposeful and perfectly amenable to training.

Representatives of the breed are of medium size (weight reaches a maximum of 23 kg), they are quite unpretentious to environmental conditions. Rarely and hollowly bark.Healers are very strong-willed dogs, therefore they need a strong host who will confidently hold their leadership, only if the strict hierarchy is observed, these animals will become obedient and faithful companions. In the absence of proper upbringing, they can become unbalanced and bite (as their ancestors bit at the heels of cows, pushing the flock).

The Australian Cattle Dog can be capricious and make independent decisions. Coping with her character at first is not easy, so she does not suit inexperienced owners. Most of the time healer must be carried out in the fresh air - animals need high physical exertion. Thanks to a strong grip and strength, they make excellent watchmen.

The health of these dogs is excellent, occasionally congenital deafness, epilepsy, and they are not immune from age-related diseases of the musculoskeletal system and the reproductive system. The life of the healer is 10-13 years, but there are also long-livers.

So what is the smartest dog breed?

Of course, one cannot evaluate the intelligence of a dog by obedience alone. There are a number of breeds with a wayward character that are not at all stupid. In addition, much depends on the individual characteristics of the animal, everywhere there will be both weaker and stronger representatives of its kind.

The top ten in the ranking of the most intelligent dog breeds include such popular breeds as corgi (dog of the English Queen Elizabeth), Miniature Schnauzer, Middle Schnauzer, Collie, Cocker Spaniel, Irish Spaniel, Spitz, Kurzhaar and others.

It is important to remember that any dog ​​requires increased attention, special training and training, allowing you to unlock the full potential of the pet.